INSTALLATION & OPERATION MANUAL
5
GENERAL SAFETY
Know your winch
: Take time to fully read and understand this manual.
• Never operate this winch if you are under 16 years of age.
• Never operate this winch when under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication.
• Never exceed winch or cable rated capacity. Double line using a snatch block to reduce winch load.
INSTALLATION SAFETY
• Always choose a mounting location that is sufficiently strong to withstand the maximum pulling capacity of
your winch.
• Always use factory-approved switches, remote controls, accessories and installation components.
• Always use Grade 5 or better hardware, never weld bolts and never use longer bolts than those supplied
by the manufacturer.
• Winch mounting and installation of hook to hook loop is necessary before wiring is complete.
• Always position fairlead with WARNING label on top.
• Always spool the cable onto the drum as indicated by the drum rotation label on the winch. This is required
for automatic brake to work (if winch is so equipped) and for correct installation orientation.
• Always pre-stretch cable and re-spool under load before use. This will reduce the risk of the cable binding
and becoming damaged.
WINCH SAFETY
• Failure to observe these instructions could lead to minor or moderate injury.
• Always inspect winch installation and cable condition before operating winch. Frayed, kinked or damaged
cable must be replaced immediately. Loose installation must be corrected immediately.
• Never leave remote control plugged into winch while free spooling, rigging or idling.
• Never hook cable back onto itself. This will damage the cable. Always use a choker chain, wire choker
rope, or tree trunk protector on the anchor.
• Prior to winching, always remove any element that may interfere with the safe operation of the winch.
• Always take your time when rigging for a winch pull.
• Always be certain the anchor you select will withstand the load, and the strap or chain will not slip.
• Never engage or disengage the clutch if the winch is under load, cable is in tension or cable drum is moving.
• Always unspool as much cable as possible when rigging. Double line or pick a distant anchor point.
• Never winch with less than five wraps of cable around the drum. This could cause the cable to come loose
from the drum.
• Always stand clear of cable and load during operation.
• Never touch cable or hook while in tension or under load.
• Never touch the cable or hook while someone is at the remote switch or during winching operation.
• Never touch cable or hook while remote control is plugged into the winch.
• Always stand clear of cable and load and keep others away while winching.
• Always require operator and bystanders to be aware of stability during winching of vehicle and/or load.
• Always keep the remote control lead clear of the drum, cable and rigging. Inspect for cracks, pinches,
frayed wires or loose connections and replace if damaged.
• When using the remote control from inside a vehicle, always pass it through a window to avoid pinching
the lead in a door.
• Always avoid continuous side pulls which can pile up cable at one end of the drum. This can damage your
cable or winch.
• Always ensure the clutch is fully engaged or disengaged.
• Never use winch to tow other vehicles. Shock loads could momentarily exceed capacity of cable and winch.
• Always use care to not damage your frame when anchoring your vehicle during a winching operation.
• Never “jog” cable under load. Shock loads could momentarily exceed capacity of cable and winch.
