7
7
CHECK THE POSITION OF THE WINCH, THE CONDITION OF
THE LINE, THE SOLIDITY OF THE ANCHORING POINT, THE
KNOTS, HOOKS TO AVOID INJURIES AND MATERIAL DAMAGE.
3.7.1
Winding the line around the capstan drum.
NEVER PLACE YOUR HANDS CLOSE TO THE LINE GUIDE,
CAPSTAN DRUM OR ENTRY HOOK WHEN THE ENGINE IS
RUNNING.
1)
Press the On/Off button twice and the speed button once.
2)
Pass the rope through the entry hook.
3)
Wind the line around the drum (3 or 4 turns).
4)
Take the line behind the exit hook.
5)
Keep a safe distance from the winch (approx. 1m) and pull
gently and horizontally on the line until the slack in the line is
taken up and you feel tension in the line.
6)
Inspect your installation to make sure that the anchoring of
the winch and the entrance hook are aligned with the line.
7)
Check that the line does not rub against objects in its
trajectory; if you want to increase the pulling speed, press the
speed button once or twice again.
Note : A high speed reduces the battery's operating time.
3.7.2
Pulling.
When pulling, position yourself so that you can see the winch and the
load. Pull on the line
HORIZONTALLY
. The tension you exert on the
line keeps the winch level.
NEVER WIND THE LINE AROUND YOUR HANDS OR YOUR
BODY!
ALSO BEWARE OF THE ROPE ACCUMULATING IN FRONT OF YOU; MAKE SURE YOUR
FEET DO NOT GET TANGLED IN IT.
KEEP AN EYE ON THE CAPSTAN DRUM DURING OPERATION
AND MAKE SURE THAT THE LINE DOES NOT CROSS THE
LATTER. IF THIS OCCURS, RELEASE THE TENSION IN THE LINE, STOP THE ENGINE AND
REMOVE THE KINK.
3.7.2.1 If the line slips.
If the line slips on the drum while you are pulling, add a turn of line
around the drum (4th turn). The engine will stop when the winch
reaches its maximum capacity. A warning will be audible and the
LEDs will flash four times. You should then repeat the installation (add
pulleys) or "cradle" the load (see next section).
3.7.2.2
To "cradle" the load.
Pull sharply for a brief moment and release the tension in the line.
Then return the tension to the line and repeat as required.
BE CAREFUL WHEN USING THE LOAD "CRADLING"
METHOD. THIS METHOD MAY CAUSE RAPID WEAR TO THE
LINE DUE TO THE HEAT CREATED ON THE DRUM.
IF THE WINCH PULLS THE LINE AND THE LOAD DOESN'T
MOVE (OFTEN WHEN A VERY LONG LINE IS USED), THIS
MEANS THAT YOUR LINE IS STRETCHED AND THE BREAKING POINT COULD QUICKLY
BE REACHED AND THE ROPE COULD SUDDENLY BE HEADING TOWARDS YOU.
SLOWLY RELEASE THE TENSION IN THE LINE BUT BEWARE OF THE BUILT-UP TENSION:
THE LINE MAY QUICKLY GET AWAY FROM YOU CAUSING BURNS OR TAKING YOU
TOWARDS THE WINCH.
3.7.2.3
To take a break during pulling.
Slowly
release the tension in the line and allow it to slide over the
drum.
NEVER ALLOW THE LINE TO SLIDE OVER THE DRUM FOR
MORE THAN A FEW SECONDS WHEN A LOAD IS
ATTACHED - THE HEAT CREATED BY THE FRICTION COULD MELT OR DAMAGE THE
LINE.
3.7.2.4
Maintaining the load without releasing the tension.
You must maintain the tension at the end of the line by holding it or
attaching it to a fixed object.
1)
Turn off the engine;
2)
Complete two turns of line around the exit hook before
removing the tension from your hands.
3)
Then do two half-knots around the exit hook.
3.7.2.5
To recommence pulling.
You should release some of the tension before restarting the winch's
engine. Firstly, undo the two half-knots. Allow the line to move slowly
to release the tension. Then, whilst holding the line in one hand,
restart the engine. You can recommence pulling.
3.7.2.6
If it is essential to keep the tension in the line at
startup.
You can use a blocker or a Prusik knot connected to your anchoring
point to maintain the tension in the line.
3.7.2.7
If your line is too short.
If your line is too short, you can connect two lines together :
1)
Fig. A, no.1: Use a bowline knot to link the two lines
together.
2)
Fig. A, no.2: Allow approx. 1 m (3’) of line to exceed the
knot of the line pulling the load. This length of line will be
used for pulling when the knot is undone.
3)
Fig. B : Stop the winch before the knots reach the winch
because the latter will not be able to pass through and
will cause the entanglement of the line.
4)
Release the tension in the line. Attach the load to a fixed
point if necessary.
5)
Untie the line’s knot and use the remaining length (1 m
(3’)) to wind it around the drum and restart the winch
again.
