8
WINCH MAINTENANCE
A winch, like any other type of machinery, needs periodic
maintenance and inspection to maintain its performance
capabilities, give lasting value, and insure safe mechanical
workings. Good maintenance consists of three steps.
1. A daily inspection to insure that there are no oil leaks present,
that all mounting bolts and other fasteners are tight, and that
wire rope is in good condition.
2. Periodic servicing of the winch includes changing the oil in
both the gearbox and the brake section. Severity of use will
determine the need for oil changes but it should be checked at
a minimum of every 500 operating hours and changed every
1000 hours of operation. Factors such as extremely dirty
conditions or widely varying temperature changes may dictate
even more frequent servicing.
3. Complete teardowns and component inspections. Again,
severity and frequency of use will determine how often this
should be done. If the equipment on which this winch is
mounted is subject to inspection standards, then those
standards must also apply to the winch and be followed. If oil
changes reveal significant metallic particles, then a teardown
and inspection must be made to determine the source of
wear.
LUBRICATION
1. Check gearbox oil levels weekly. If the oil level does not show
a satisfactory amount, refill oil according to the individual
winch manual.
2. Check brake oil level and fill or replace if oil shows significant
metallic particles.
3. Lube all bushings equipped with grease zerks with a good
quality lithium based chassis lube.
4. Lubricate the cable based on your wire rope supplier’s
recommendations
