Learning how to winch out is an important off-road skill. If you're a hardcore off-road enthusiast, no doubt you're going to get stuck once in awhile. If you've got an ATV or recovery winch and know how to use it, however, you'll be out in no time and hitting the trail just as hard as ever.
Take your time as you rig up for the pull. Assess your situation carefully and adjust the winching process as needed. This is the best way to ensure your own safety and the safety of those around you. Every winching situation will be different, which means you need to step back and assess your situation to decide on the safest and most efficient method to use. No matter what your situation looks like, however, there are a few basic steps that apply to any pull.
Hook It Up
When you've chosen your anchor point and you're ready to hook up the cable, engage the free spool and walk the cable out to the anchor point using the hook strap. Attach the rope to your anchor point. Use a tree strap or chain and a D-shackle if needed. Power in the winch to pick up any slack. Once the rope is tight, don't straddle or step over it.
There are two types of winch line: steel and synthetic. Learn the safety and maintenance rules for the type of cable you own. Always inspect your rope before and after each use for damage or wear that could create a dangerous situation. Keep an eye out for kinks, frays, and weak areas on your rope. If you are using steel cable, throw a heavy blanket or coat over the middle of the winch line to absorb the kinetic energy of the cable in case it snaps.
Clear It Out
Clear the area of bystanders and communicate clearly with others helping in the winching process. Stand clear of the cable to the side, not directly in line with the cable. Avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that could catch on moving parts and create a dangerous situation. Stand as far away as your winch remote will allow, but close enough to keep a close eye on the cable as it stacks on the drum.
Winch It Out
Pull the stuck vehicle out at a slow and steady pace. If you are pulling over a long distance or for a long period of time, take a break every so often to prevent overheating. Electric winches are designed for intermittent use.
If the stuck vehicle is stable (not in danger of tipping or falling), you can give the vehicle a little gas to aid the momentum of the pull and reduce the strain on your winch. Keep the vehicle that is operating the winch running during the entire process to prevent draining the battery. You don't want a dead battery just when you're ready to hit the trail again!
Keep a close eye on the cable as it respools. If it starts to pile up on one side of the drum, spool out the uneven section and respool it in even rows onto the drum. If the cable piles up too high on one side, it can get caught in the winch housing and damage your winch or rope. This is most likely to happen on angle pulls, so choose an anchor point that allows you to make a straight-line pull, which will help to guide the rope directly into the drum.
Spool It In
When you have recovered the stuck vehicle, respool the rest of the cable hand over hand. Wear heavy duty leather gloves to protect your hands from burrs. If you plan to use your winch later in the day, you can also loop the spooled-out cable over your bumper, making sure it's secure enough to stay in place over rough terrain.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
From ATVs to Shaking the Earth
Truck winch offer immense sheer power for your truck. You can buy winch of all sorts and purposes - you can buy two or three depending on the types of vehicles you have at home. Or you can buy all the types and install them according to need. It's all about what you need at the moment or during the season that matters.
Pulling power? No problem!
winch that can handle two thousand pounds to about four thousand pounds are the smallest winch in the market- yes, that's considered small. Wait until you see the most powerful winch.
The winch available in the 2,000 pound category can be used to assist all-terrain vehicles or ATVs or small trailers. The power is enough to get your beloved dirt bike out of dire situations and adds stability and security when you're venturing into muddy places alone.
winch that are in the 5,000 pound to 6,000 pound class have been designed to handle loads typical of cars and other medium-sized vehicles. This type also marks the entry of winch into heavy off-road use.
winch in the 8,000 pound to 8,500 pound class are popularly used as "rescue winch". These rescue winch are well equipped to handle extreme loads like vehicles trapped in hostile environments such as quicksand and slick mud.
The Monsters of Pull
winch in the 9,000 pound to the 9,500 pound category are powerful monsters themselves- these devices have been designed to withstand the problems of riding the dunes or uphill climbs.
And of course, we have the largest Goliaths in the winch departments: truck winch that are in the 10,000 pound to the 16,000 pound category. These masters of pull can handle anything between this weight range, and more. These mechanized hydraulic or electric powered monsters can literally reshape the earth if you wanted to.
Other accessories to complement truck winch include different sized mounts that can be used to make your winch doubly effective and stable while in use. These mounts can easily be removed during times that you are using your truck for less intensive or less dangerous work.
On the bright side, these mounts can easily be removed and installed, which means you can just keep them inside the truck and put them on when the need arises. This is the best part about modern winch; you never have to leave them at home.
Pulling power? No problem!
winch that can handle two thousand pounds to about four thousand pounds are the smallest winch in the market- yes, that's considered small. Wait until you see the most powerful winch.
The winch available in the 2,000 pound category can be used to assist all-terrain vehicles or ATVs or small trailers. The power is enough to get your beloved dirt bike out of dire situations and adds stability and security when you're venturing into muddy places alone.
winch that are in the 5,000 pound to 6,000 pound class have been designed to handle loads typical of cars and other medium-sized vehicles. This type also marks the entry of winch into heavy off-road use.
winch in the 8,000 pound to 8,500 pound class are popularly used as "rescue winch". These rescue winch are well equipped to handle extreme loads like vehicles trapped in hostile environments such as quicksand and slick mud.
The Monsters of Pull
winch in the 9,000 pound to the 9,500 pound category are powerful monsters themselves- these devices have been designed to withstand the problems of riding the dunes or uphill climbs.
And of course, we have the largest Goliaths in the winch departments: truck winch that are in the 10,000 pound to the 16,000 pound category. These masters of pull can handle anything between this weight range, and more. These mechanized hydraulic or electric powered monsters can literally reshape the earth if you wanted to.
Other accessories to complement truck winch include different sized mounts that can be used to make your winch doubly effective and stable while in use. These mounts can easily be removed during times that you are using your truck for less intensive or less dangerous work.
On the bright side, these mounts can easily be removed and installed, which means you can just keep them inside the truck and put them on when the need arises. This is the best part about modern winch; you never have to leave them at home.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Electric Boat Trailer Winch Makes Loading Easy
Electric boat trailer winch make loading your boat quick and easy. These electric winches are designed for easy loading and unloading of your boat. A hand crank requires greater strength and effort and, depending on the weight of your boat, can make loading your boat more difficult than it needs to be. They also leave you with a free hand to guide the boat as needed.
If you're in the market for an electric boat winch, look for one that can handle the weight of your boat, including fuel and gear. Since your boat is in the water as you load, the trailer winch can handle a greater load capacity than its rated line pull capacity. The pull capacity of your winch should be at least three-quarters of the combined weight of your boat, motor, fuel, and gear. When you estimate the required load capacity of your trailer winch, keep in mind that the loading incline and other factors can also increase the load on your winch.
Even though you might be tempted to rely on your winch to secure your boat to the trailer, an electric marine winch is not designed to act as a tie-down. After loading your boat, unhook the cable from the boat and use separate tie-downs, such as racket straps, to secure your boat to the trailer.
Some electric trailer winches include a backup hand crank in case of winch failure, so even if your electric winch stops working, you can still load the boat manually.
Regularly inspect your winch line for damage or wear. Replace the cable if it shows signs of deterioration. A cable that breaks under load can lash through the air, creating a dangerous situation for anyone in its way. Some electric boat winches include a corded or wireless remote that allows the operator to stand clear of the winch in case of cable failure.
If you wind the cable back into the shaft when it's not under load, keep the line taut to prevent the cable from kinking or tangling inside the winch housing. Also note that a trailer winch is not designed for use as a hoist or lift. It is only approved for horizontal pulling or for pulling on a slight incline.
If you're in the market for an electric boat winch, look for one that can handle the weight of your boat, including fuel and gear. Since your boat is in the water as you load, the trailer winch can handle a greater load capacity than its rated line pull capacity. The pull capacity of your winch should be at least three-quarters of the combined weight of your boat, motor, fuel, and gear. When you estimate the required load capacity of your trailer winch, keep in mind that the loading incline and other factors can also increase the load on your winch.
Even though you might be tempted to rely on your winch to secure your boat to the trailer, an electric marine winch is not designed to act as a tie-down. After loading your boat, unhook the cable from the boat and use separate tie-downs, such as racket straps, to secure your boat to the trailer.
Some electric trailer winches include a backup hand crank in case of winch failure, so even if your electric winch stops working, you can still load the boat manually.
Regularly inspect your winch line for damage or wear. Replace the cable if it shows signs of deterioration. A cable that breaks under load can lash through the air, creating a dangerous situation for anyone in its way. Some electric boat winches include a corded or wireless remote that allows the operator to stand clear of the winch in case of cable failure.
If you wind the cable back into the shaft when it's not under load, keep the line taut to prevent the cable from kinking or tangling inside the winch housing. Also note that a trailer winch is not designed for use as a hoist or lift. It is only approved for horizontal pulling or for pulling on a slight incline.
Mile Marker Winches
Mile Marker is a world renowned Jeep parts manufacturer of electric and hydraulic winches for both OEM, aftermarket and military applications. They have been manufacturing winches for almost 30 years. Not only do they provide winches for 4x4 vehicles, they also provide applications for ATV/UTS's. Mile Marker has two locations. Their main distribution center and Jeep parts production facility of electric winches is located in Washington, DC and their sister facility where they manufacture their drive-train parts and hydraulic winches is in Pompano Beach, Florida. Mainly noted for their winches, Mile marker first started out producing other Jeep parts, most notably, lock out hubs for a wide variety of vehicles ranging from Jeep CJ 7's all the way to Toyota FJ's.
Eric Planer from Morris 4x4 Center says, "Installing a winch on your vehicle requires some skill and a bit of heavy lifting. Several Jeep parts may be needed to install a winch. The bare minimum needed will be a winch mounting plate. These can be bolted to the front bumper of your vehicle or in between the frame if you have a Jeep. Some drilling may be required to mount the plate. There are also Jeep parts companies out there who manufacturer front bumpers that have a channel incorporated into the bumper to mount a winch so a winch plate is not needed. After you have your winch mounted there is some wiring required, wiring diagrams come standard with all winches. In total, minus the costs of the winch, installation will run between $100.00 - $600.00."
There are many Jeep parts manufacturers of electric and hydraulic winches aside from Mile Marker. A very well known name in the Jeep parts industry is Warn. They offer a wide variety of winches including ones with air compressors on them. Another popular Jeep parts manufacturer is Smittybilt. The winches they offer are more mild mannered for the off road enthusiasts who is looking for a winch with one goal in mind, recovery. Another key feature that Smittybilt offers along with Mile Marker is synthetic winch rope. Synthetic rope is a safe alternative to the standard steel cable as it does not snap if it reaches its breaking point. Finally for those on a budget, Jeep parts producer, Rugged Ridge, has some good offerings for those in need of a winch, but may not be using it often. All of these manufacturers are great. What helps Mile Marker stand alone is that they are built in the U.S.A. and used by our armed forces.
Any off road enthusiasts should invest in a good winch. It is a staple for the recovery of a stuck vehicle. They offer means to pull you up and over obstacles as well as a way to pull someone else out from being stuck. Not only can you recover vehicles, but winches help you pull heavy, otherwise immovable objects off the trail and out of the way. If you traverse the wilderness alone a winch will help you recover your vehicle from situations that with out one, would leave the vehicle and occupants stranded. Aside from improving the recovery capabilities, a winch is one of the many Jeep parts and Jeep accessories that just looks plain awesome in the front of a Jeep.
Eric Planer from Morris 4x4 Center says, "Installing a winch on your vehicle requires some skill and a bit of heavy lifting. Several Jeep parts may be needed to install a winch. The bare minimum needed will be a winch mounting plate. These can be bolted to the front bumper of your vehicle or in between the frame if you have a Jeep. Some drilling may be required to mount the plate. There are also Jeep parts companies out there who manufacturer front bumpers that have a channel incorporated into the bumper to mount a winch so a winch plate is not needed. After you have your winch mounted there is some wiring required, wiring diagrams come standard with all winches. In total, minus the costs of the winch, installation will run between $100.00 - $600.00."
There are many Jeep parts manufacturers of electric and hydraulic winches aside from Mile Marker. A very well known name in the Jeep parts industry is Warn. They offer a wide variety of winches including ones with air compressors on them. Another popular Jeep parts manufacturer is Smittybilt. The winches they offer are more mild mannered for the off road enthusiasts who is looking for a winch with one goal in mind, recovery. Another key feature that Smittybilt offers along with Mile Marker is synthetic winch rope. Synthetic rope is a safe alternative to the standard steel cable as it does not snap if it reaches its breaking point. Finally for those on a budget, Jeep parts producer, Rugged Ridge, has some good offerings for those in need of a winch, but may not be using it often. All of these manufacturers are great. What helps Mile Marker stand alone is that they are built in the U.S.A. and used by our armed forces.
Any off road enthusiasts should invest in a good winch. It is a staple for the recovery of a stuck vehicle. They offer means to pull you up and over obstacles as well as a way to pull someone else out from being stuck. Not only can you recover vehicles, but winches help you pull heavy, otherwise immovable objects off the trail and out of the way. If you traverse the wilderness alone a winch will help you recover your vehicle from situations that with out one, would leave the vehicle and occupants stranded. Aside from improving the recovery capabilities, a winch is one of the many Jeep parts and Jeep accessories that just looks plain awesome in the front of a Jeep.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Double Your Winch Power
An electric winch is a powerful recovery tool. Used correctly, it provides massive amounts of power to pull out your ATV or truck. With the right tools and rigging, you can pull up to two or even three times the maximum rating of your winch. The key to maximum power is knowing how to use your recovery equipment to its full potential. With these recovery tips, you'll be winching your way out of even the toughest spots just like the pros.
For starters, let's focus on rigging up a single line pull. Whenever possible, choose an anchor point directly in line with the stuck vehicle. A straight line pull is more efficient than an indirect pull. If the only option is to winch at an angle, use a snatch block to guide the cable directly into the winch and prevent it from stacking up on one side of the drum. Attach the cable as low as possible on the anchor point for the best leverage. The base of a tree, stump, or rock is generally the strongest point.
If you want to double the power of your winch, or if the anchor point is too close to let out enough cable for a strong pull, use a snatch block to double the line. Using a snatch block will double your load capacity and will allow you to spool out more cable to reach the maximum rating of your winch. For even more power, you can rig up a triple line pull. However, use caution with double and triple lines. As the strength of the pull increases, so does the amount of stress placed on each rigging point. Make sure your anchor point is rock solid and can withstand the force of the pull.
The length of cable you spool out also affects the power of the pull. All electric winches are rated based on only one full wrap left on the drum. The less line you reel out, the less power you'll get. For a maximum power pull, unwind enough cable to leave only one layer on the drum. If your anchor point is too close to spool out enough rope, double the line with a snatch block.
Another trick to squeeze the most power out of your winch is to gas the stuck vehicle. A rolling load fuels the momentum of the pull and eases the strain on your winch. Before starting the recovery, dig out around the tires or build a rock ramp to give the stuck vehicle some traction as it begins to move.
As your winch works harder, it generates more heat. In order to prevent overheating the motor, take breaks if you're pulling over a long distance and let the motor cool before starting again. Winching places a heavy load on your electrical system, so keep your engine running to prevent a complete drain. In some cases, a stock battery may not provide enough juice to power a maximum pull. Some wheelers swap the stock battery for a heavy duty one, or they install a second battery solely for recovery.
Your winch has incredible potential if you know how to get the most power out of it. With these advanced winching techniques, you'll have a few more tricks up your sleeve when the pulling gets tough.
For starters, let's focus on rigging up a single line pull. Whenever possible, choose an anchor point directly in line with the stuck vehicle. A straight line pull is more efficient than an indirect pull. If the only option is to winch at an angle, use a snatch block to guide the cable directly into the winch and prevent it from stacking up on one side of the drum. Attach the cable as low as possible on the anchor point for the best leverage. The base of a tree, stump, or rock is generally the strongest point.
If you want to double the power of your winch, or if the anchor point is too close to let out enough cable for a strong pull, use a snatch block to double the line. Using a snatch block will double your load capacity and will allow you to spool out more cable to reach the maximum rating of your winch. For even more power, you can rig up a triple line pull. However, use caution with double and triple lines. As the strength of the pull increases, so does the amount of stress placed on each rigging point. Make sure your anchor point is rock solid and can withstand the force of the pull.
The length of cable you spool out also affects the power of the pull. All electric winches are rated based on only one full wrap left on the drum. The less line you reel out, the less power you'll get. For a maximum power pull, unwind enough cable to leave only one layer on the drum. If your anchor point is too close to spool out enough rope, double the line with a snatch block.
Another trick to squeeze the most power out of your winch is to gas the stuck vehicle. A rolling load fuels the momentum of the pull and eases the strain on your winch. Before starting the recovery, dig out around the tires or build a rock ramp to give the stuck vehicle some traction as it begins to move.
As your winch works harder, it generates more heat. In order to prevent overheating the motor, take breaks if you're pulling over a long distance and let the motor cool before starting again. Winching places a heavy load on your electrical system, so keep your engine running to prevent a complete drain. In some cases, a stock battery may not provide enough juice to power a maximum pull. Some wheelers swap the stock battery for a heavy duty one, or they install a second battery solely for recovery.
Your winch has incredible potential if you know how to get the most power out of it. With these advanced winching techniques, you'll have a few more tricks up your sleeve when the pulling gets tough.
Trac Outdoor Boat Trailer Winches
Trac Outdoor boat winches are among some of the better boat winches on the market today. They are designed to fit on existing trailer mountings where a standards manual winch was placed by the trailer manufacturer. Reasonably priced to fit most budgets and ease of installation make this a great choice.
Trac Outdoor Small Craft Electric Winch: With a 2000# capacity, this small and affordable boat winch can handle most boats 18 ft. in length and smaller. This unit comes with a wired remote and operates on a 12v power source. As with all Trac winches, this is designed to bolt up to existing mountings on the trailer and comes with all hardware included.
Trac Outdoor Day Runner Electric Winch: Has a 2500# load rating and can be used on boats up to 20' in length. This unit features a wireless remote and comes with all mounting hardware and separate operating fuse. Solid steel construction with an enamel coating and a 12v power source insures you never have to pull your boat by hand again.
Trac Outdoor Lite-Cruiser Electric Winch: 3500# capacity and the ability to handle almost 10,000 pounds of rolling weight. This unit is designed specifically for larger boats. With most of the same features as the Day Runner, this model makes a great choice if you are planning on upgrading in the near future. As with the other models, this unit operates off of a 12v power source and mounts to the existing post on the trailer.
With Trac, you'll never have to manually trailer your boat again, reliability is a standard. These affordable options are just a few on the many fine winches offered by Trac. Shop around and compare, you'll find that this is a great investment for your outdoor boating activities.
It is very important to follow all safety precautions when operating a new boat trailer winch. Regular lubricating and maintenance will help with a long lasting relationship.
Trac Outdoor Small Craft Electric Winch: With a 2000# capacity, this small and affordable boat winch can handle most boats 18 ft. in length and smaller. This unit comes with a wired remote and operates on a 12v power source. As with all Trac winches, this is designed to bolt up to existing mountings on the trailer and comes with all hardware included.
Trac Outdoor Day Runner Electric Winch: Has a 2500# load rating and can be used on boats up to 20' in length. This unit features a wireless remote and comes with all mounting hardware and separate operating fuse. Solid steel construction with an enamel coating and a 12v power source insures you never have to pull your boat by hand again.
Trac Outdoor Lite-Cruiser Electric Winch: 3500# capacity and the ability to handle almost 10,000 pounds of rolling weight. This unit is designed specifically for larger boats. With most of the same features as the Day Runner, this model makes a great choice if you are planning on upgrading in the near future. As with the other models, this unit operates off of a 12v power source and mounts to the existing post on the trailer.
With Trac, you'll never have to manually trailer your boat again, reliability is a standard. These affordable options are just a few on the many fine winches offered by Trac. Shop around and compare, you'll find that this is a great investment for your outdoor boating activities.
It is very important to follow all safety precautions when operating a new boat trailer winch. Regular lubricating and maintenance will help with a long lasting relationship.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Three Tips to Remove a Jammed Line From a Sailboat Winch
You and your sailing crew are short tacking up a narrow channel with shoals to the left and moored boats to the right. You get your crew ready for the next tack, come about--and the head sail sheet jams onto the sailboat winch! What would you do next?
Jammed turns on a head sail sheet winch-called "overriding turns"-are caused by a sheet line that leads at a downward angle to the winch drum. When this happens, the wraps on the drum can bunch up so tight that they are almost impossible to remove. Use one of these fast, easy methods to remove an override:
1. Luff Up Method
a. Point up into the wind for a few seconds to luff the head sail and take tension off the sheet.
b. Remove the turns by hand.
c. Fall off the wind and build up speed for the next tack.
2. Line and Block Method
a. Tie a rolling hitch onto the jammed sheet between head sail clew and winch.
b. Mount a snatch block aft of the jammed winch.
c. Lead the line to the snatch block and to an open winch.
d. Grind on the winch to remove all tension on the jammed sheet.
e. Remove the override by hand and re-wrap the sheet onto the winch.
3. Emergency Method
a. Cut the jammed sheet forward and aft of the winch.
b. Lead the bitter end of the cut sheet through the block and around the sailboat mast.
c. Tie a rolling hitch onto the leeward sheet. You can tack with this rig until you clear all dangers.
Prevent Future Sheet Jams
Avoid future overrides by leading head sail sheets in an upward direction to the sheet winches. Use one of these easy techniques:
* Reposition each Genoa block along the track to bring it closer to and lower than the sheet winch.
* Insert an intermediate block between the existing Genoa block and the sheet winch.
Sailboat winch overrides are part of life on any small cruising or racing sailboat. Learn how to sail a boat better than ever before by planning for the unexpected with fast, easy techniques like these.
Jammed turns on a head sail sheet winch-called "overriding turns"-are caused by a sheet line that leads at a downward angle to the winch drum. When this happens, the wraps on the drum can bunch up so tight that they are almost impossible to remove. Use one of these fast, easy methods to remove an override:
1. Luff Up Method
a. Point up into the wind for a few seconds to luff the head sail and take tension off the sheet.
b. Remove the turns by hand.
c. Fall off the wind and build up speed for the next tack.
2. Line and Block Method
a. Tie a rolling hitch onto the jammed sheet between head sail clew and winch.
b. Mount a snatch block aft of the jammed winch.
c. Lead the line to the snatch block and to an open winch.
d. Grind on the winch to remove all tension on the jammed sheet.
e. Remove the override by hand and re-wrap the sheet onto the winch.
3. Emergency Method
a. Cut the jammed sheet forward and aft of the winch.
b. Lead the bitter end of the cut sheet through the block and around the sailboat mast.
c. Tie a rolling hitch onto the leeward sheet. You can tack with this rig until you clear all dangers.
Prevent Future Sheet Jams
Avoid future overrides by leading head sail sheets in an upward direction to the sheet winches. Use one of these easy techniques:
* Reposition each Genoa block along the track to bring it closer to and lower than the sheet winch.
* Insert an intermediate block between the existing Genoa block and the sheet winch.
Sailboat winch overrides are part of life on any small cruising or racing sailboat. Learn how to sail a boat better than ever before by planning for the unexpected with fast, easy techniques like these.
Four Disadvantages of a Hydraulic Winch
The hydraulic winch was introduced in order to compete with winches powered by electricity.However, these winches have numerous disadvantages when compared to the electric variety. Some of these disadvantages include google_protectAndRun("ads_core.google_render_ad", google_handleError, google_render_ad);braking, speed,and steering. This article will discuss some of the disadvantages of a hydraulic winch.
Braking
One of the first disadvantages of a hydraulic winch deals with braking. These winches use the power steering pump in order to get hydraulic power. The winch will have to share the pump pressure with your brakes and steering. If you need to have your foot on the brake, the hydraulic winch will not be able to get power. This is a serious disadvantage when you need to anchor yourself by using the brake. In addition to being unable to brake, it will also take a longer time to operate the winch.
Speed
Another disadvantage of a hydraulic winch is the line speed. Electric winches are faster than the hydraulic variety, especially with little to no loads on the winch. A hydraulic winch will maintain a steady but slower line speed no matter what load it has. Besides the reduced line speed, you will also encounter problems if you are unable to have your engine running while operating the winch.
Engine
One of the biggest disadvantages of a hydraulic winch is that the engine has to be running in order for it to work. You won't have to have your engine running for winches powered by electricity to work. If you have a hydraulic winch, you won't be able to use it if you are having engine trouble. In addition to having to run the engine, you also wont' be able to steer very well while using the winch.
Steering
One of the final disadvantages of a hydraulic winch is steering. As mentioned earlier, these winches use the power steering pump in order to get hydraulic power, so you won't be able to use your brakes. While using a hydraulic winch, you will also have a reduced ability to steer your vehicle.
These are some of the disadvantages of using a hydraulic winch instead of one powered by electricity. You will not be able to use your brakes and the winch at the same time, so you will have a problem when you need to google_protectAndRun("ads_core.google_render_ad", google_handleError, google_render_ad);anchor yourself by using the brake. A hydraulic winch is also considerably slower than the electric variety.
Braking
One of the first disadvantages of a hydraulic winch deals with braking. These winches use the power steering pump in order to get hydraulic power. The winch will have to share the pump pressure with your brakes and steering. If you need to have your foot on the brake, the hydraulic winch will not be able to get power. This is a serious disadvantage when you need to anchor yourself by using the brake. In addition to being unable to brake, it will also take a longer time to operate the winch.
Speed
Another disadvantage of a hydraulic winch is the line speed. Electric winches are faster than the hydraulic variety, especially with little to no loads on the winch. A hydraulic winch will maintain a steady but slower line speed no matter what load it has. Besides the reduced line speed, you will also encounter problems if you are unable to have your engine running while operating the winch.
Engine
One of the biggest disadvantages of a hydraulic winch is that the engine has to be running in order for it to work. You won't have to have your engine running for winches powered by electricity to work. If you have a hydraulic winch, you won't be able to use it if you are having engine trouble. In addition to having to run the engine, you also wont' be able to steer very well while using the winch.
Steering
One of the final disadvantages of a hydraulic winch is steering. As mentioned earlier, these winches use the power steering pump in order to get hydraulic power, so you won't be able to use your brakes. While using a hydraulic winch, you will also have a reduced ability to steer your vehicle.
These are some of the disadvantages of using a hydraulic winch instead of one powered by electricity. You will not be able to use your brakes and the winch at the same time, so you will have a problem when you need to google_protectAndRun("ads_core.google_render_ad", google_handleError, google_render_ad);anchor yourself by using the brake. A hydraulic winch is also considerably slower than the electric variety.
Manual switch for direct current reversible electric winch motors
This invention relates to winch systems for four-wheel drive vehicles and other vehicles and more particularly, to a manual switch for operating direct current (DC) reversible electric winch motors under circumstances where the conventional winch electrical operating system fails. The manual switch is designed to be mounted in or on the winch housing or electrically coupled to the DC electric winch motor in the winch to serve as a backup system for operating the winch. The manual switch of this invention may typically be operated in four ways, including hand-manipulation of a handle-turret assembly or a push-pull knob arrangement mounted on the switch housing, remotely manipulating the handle turret assembly by means of a remote handle connected to the turret by means of wires, and remotely operating the switch by means of solenoids or a rotary actuator mounted on the switch housing and connected to a toggle or other switch by appropriate wiring.
One of the problems inherent in the operation of conventional winch systems and particularly winch systems mounted on four-wheel drive vehicles used for hunting, oil and gas operations and other activities involving operation of the vehicles in remotely located places, is that of moisture, mud, corrosion and other contamination of the various electrical contacts and connections necessary to operate conventional winch systems. Conventional winches are typically operated by four solenoid (SPST) or two solenoid (DPST) electrical arrangements. External connections found in these winch configurations are extremely prone to malfunction due to corrosion, moisture, mud and other contaminants often found in the field where the winches are typically used. The advantage of the manual switch of this invention is that it minimizes the number of external connections necessary in conventional winch systems and provides a sealed housing filled with a contact fluid which prevents oreign matter, air and moisture from degrading the switch contact life. The manual switch of this invention is thus capable of manually operating a winch under circumstances where the conventional winch solenoid or electrical system fails, a common occurrence in the field. The manual switch may be mounted either directly on the winch motor by means of bus bar straps or connected remotely by means of wire leads. Alternatively, the switch can be configured in the winch frame itself, as desired. Furthermore, the manual switch of this invention can be configured in a manual-only mode by implementing a hand-operated, handle-turret assembly or it can be remotely operated by means of a pair of U-control wires connected to a bracket mounted on a rotatable turret attached to the switch housing, to distance the operator from the wire rope or cable in the winch in case the cable fails. Similar remote electrical operation can be effected by means of a pair of solenoids or a rotary actuator mounted on the winch housing and connected to the internal movable contact bars to effect the desired forward and reverse operation of the direct current reversible winch motor.
Various types of electric winches and hoists are known in the art. U.S. Pat. No. 1,945,712, dated Feb. 6, 1934, to R. J. Wadd, details a "Hoist" wherein the major elements of the hoist, which include the motor, wire rope, drum and reduction gearing between the motor and drum, are so closely and advantageously organized as to provide for a smooth and easy application of power of the motor to the drum in a balanced manner to prolong the life of the hoist and insure long term satisfactory and efficient operation. U.S. Pat. No. 2,274,280, dated Feb. 24, 1942, to K. W. Stinson details a hoist having a mechanical contrivence located between the control lever and the controller switch, such that in event that the control cords attached to the lever are too quickly operated in the act of reversing rotation of the motor shaft, the control mechanism will be temporarily locked for a period of time sufficient to permit the motor to come to a standstill. U.S. Pat. No. 2,301,678, dated Nov. 10, 1942, to C. Brongersma, details a "Controller Actuator" which embodies novel centrifugal weight and stop arrangements, such that the weight will be jammed against the stop to prevent full throw of the controller from one extreme position to the other except when the controller has shifted slowly. An "Electric Winch Apparatus" is detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,556,199, dated Dec. 3, 1985, to Ryan F. Dansie, et al. The device has an alternating current motor and direct current operable clutch and brake coils, together with a control circuit for energizing the apparatus. The control circuit includes alternating current switching of DC current flows, operator control of both reeling in and unreeling drum functions and selected use of separate brake release and brake hold-off coils, with a combination of full-wave and half-wave energizing currents. U.S. Pat. No. 4,789,135, dated Dec. 6, 1988, to H. Watanabe, details an "Operating Device For Electric Hoist". The device has a DC motor for raising and lowering an object and includes a low speed adjusting setting unit and a high speed adjusting setting unit provided in a control box. The operating device further includes a two-step push button switch for the raising operation, for switching over the low speed adjusting setting unit and the high speed adjusting setting unit to connect either of the units to a speed-change control circuit by pushing the two-step push button switch to either a first or a second step position. A second two-step push button switch energizes the lowering operation for switching over the low speed adjusting setting and the high speed adjusting setting units. U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,400, dated Dec. 1, 1992, to G. Anthoine, details a "Control Device For Lifting Winches, In Particular for Drilling Rigs". The control device includes a control circuit that facilitates controlled excitation of an electric motor. A manipulator on a control panel controls the control circuit by establishing, according to its position, a given speed request instruction. An indexing circuit for controlling the control circuit is adapted on the basis of predetermined end-of-travel positions and in accordance with a given law relating the speed to the difference in height between a given end of travel position and the actual height of the time in question, to establish a given speed request instruction. A comparator passes to the control circuit only the speed request instruction that it receives representing the lowest speed.
It is an object of this invention to provide a new and improved manual switch for direct current, reversible electric winches, which manual switch is designed to mount on or in the winch housing of the electric winch or electrically connect to the reversible DC motor in the electric winch to operate the DC electric motor in the forward and reverse directions exclusive of the conventional operating switches and electrical components of the winch.
Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved manual winch switch which is characterized by a sealed switch housing mounted on or in the winch housing of an electric winch and connected to the DC reversible winch motor for operating the winch motor in the event of failure of the conventional electrical winch-operating system.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide a manual switch for mounting on or in a conventional DC electric winch housing and electrically connected to the reversible DC electric motor in the winch for manually operating the winch by hand-manipulation of a turret handle or push-pull knobs attached to the switch housing or remotely operating the switch by manipulation of a control handle connected to the switch housing by means of wires or by energizing a rotary actuator or solenoids mounted in the switch housing.
Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved sealed, substantially fail-safe manual switch for operating a winch in the event of failure of the conventional winch electrical system, which manual switch includes a switch housing containing spring-loaded contact bars as well as fixed contacts insulated from the housing and from each other and located in a pool of contact fluid sealed in the housing, wherein the fixed contacts in the housing are connected to the reversible DC electric winch motor and the spring-loaded contact bars within the housing are selectively manipulated by hand-operation of a turret assembly or push-pull knobs mounted on the switch housing or by a remote handle connected to the fixed housing by means of wires or by means of a rotary actuator or a pair of solenoids mounted on the housing and connected to the contact bars and operated by a toggle switch, to operate the reversible DC electric winch motor when the conventional winch electrical system fails.
One of the problems inherent in the operation of conventional winch systems and particularly winch systems mounted on four-wheel drive vehicles used for hunting, oil and gas operations and other activities involving operation of the vehicles in remotely located places, is that of moisture, mud, corrosion and other contamination of the various electrical contacts and connections necessary to operate conventional winch systems. Conventional winches are typically operated by four solenoid (SPST) or two solenoid (DPST) electrical arrangements. External connections found in these winch configurations are extremely prone to malfunction due to corrosion, moisture, mud and other contaminants often found in the field where the winches are typically used. The advantage of the manual switch of this invention is that it minimizes the number of external connections necessary in conventional winch systems and provides a sealed housing filled with a contact fluid which prevents oreign matter, air and moisture from degrading the switch contact life. The manual switch of this invention is thus capable of manually operating a winch under circumstances where the conventional winch solenoid or electrical system fails, a common occurrence in the field. The manual switch may be mounted either directly on the winch motor by means of bus bar straps or connected remotely by means of wire leads. Alternatively, the switch can be configured in the winch frame itself, as desired. Furthermore, the manual switch of this invention can be configured in a manual-only mode by implementing a hand-operated, handle-turret assembly or it can be remotely operated by means of a pair of U-control wires connected to a bracket mounted on a rotatable turret attached to the switch housing, to distance the operator from the wire rope or cable in the winch in case the cable fails. Similar remote electrical operation can be effected by means of a pair of solenoids or a rotary actuator mounted on the winch housing and connected to the internal movable contact bars to effect the desired forward and reverse operation of the direct current reversible winch motor.
Various types of electric winches and hoists are known in the art. U.S. Pat. No. 1,945,712, dated Feb. 6, 1934, to R. J. Wadd, details a "Hoist" wherein the major elements of the hoist, which include the motor, wire rope, drum and reduction gearing between the motor and drum, are so closely and advantageously organized as to provide for a smooth and easy application of power of the motor to the drum in a balanced manner to prolong the life of the hoist and insure long term satisfactory and efficient operation. U.S. Pat. No. 2,274,280, dated Feb. 24, 1942, to K. W. Stinson details a hoist having a mechanical contrivence located between the control lever and the controller switch, such that in event that the control cords attached to the lever are too quickly operated in the act of reversing rotation of the motor shaft, the control mechanism will be temporarily locked for a period of time sufficient to permit the motor to come to a standstill. U.S. Pat. No. 2,301,678, dated Nov. 10, 1942, to C. Brongersma, details a "Controller Actuator" which embodies novel centrifugal weight and stop arrangements, such that the weight will be jammed against the stop to prevent full throw of the controller from one extreme position to the other except when the controller has shifted slowly. An "Electric Winch Apparatus" is detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,556,199, dated Dec. 3, 1985, to Ryan F. Dansie, et al. The device has an alternating current motor and direct current operable clutch and brake coils, together with a control circuit for energizing the apparatus. The control circuit includes alternating current switching of DC current flows, operator control of both reeling in and unreeling drum functions and selected use of separate brake release and brake hold-off coils, with a combination of full-wave and half-wave energizing currents. U.S. Pat. No. 4,789,135, dated Dec. 6, 1988, to H. Watanabe, details an "Operating Device For Electric Hoist". The device has a DC motor for raising and lowering an object and includes a low speed adjusting setting unit and a high speed adjusting setting unit provided in a control box. The operating device further includes a two-step push button switch for the raising operation, for switching over the low speed adjusting setting unit and the high speed adjusting setting unit to connect either of the units to a speed-change control circuit by pushing the two-step push button switch to either a first or a second step position. A second two-step push button switch energizes the lowering operation for switching over the low speed adjusting setting and the high speed adjusting setting units. U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,400, dated Dec. 1, 1992, to G. Anthoine, details a "Control Device For Lifting Winches, In Particular for Drilling Rigs". The control device includes a control circuit that facilitates controlled excitation of an electric motor. A manipulator on a control panel controls the control circuit by establishing, according to its position, a given speed request instruction. An indexing circuit for controlling the control circuit is adapted on the basis of predetermined end-of-travel positions and in accordance with a given law relating the speed to the difference in height between a given end of travel position and the actual height of the time in question, to establish a given speed request instruction. A comparator passes to the control circuit only the speed request instruction that it receives representing the lowest speed.
It is an object of this invention to provide a new and improved manual switch for direct current, reversible electric winches, which manual switch is designed to mount on or in the winch housing of the electric winch or electrically connect to the reversible DC motor in the electric winch to operate the DC electric motor in the forward and reverse directions exclusive of the conventional operating switches and electrical components of the winch.
Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved manual winch switch which is characterized by a sealed switch housing mounted on or in the winch housing of an electric winch and connected to the DC reversible winch motor for operating the winch motor in the event of failure of the conventional electrical winch-operating system.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide a manual switch for mounting on or in a conventional DC electric winch housing and electrically connected to the reversible DC electric motor in the winch for manually operating the winch by hand-manipulation of a turret handle or push-pull knobs attached to the switch housing or remotely operating the switch by manipulation of a control handle connected to the switch housing by means of wires or by energizing a rotary actuator or solenoids mounted in the switch housing.
Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved sealed, substantially fail-safe manual switch for operating a winch in the event of failure of the conventional winch electrical system, which manual switch includes a switch housing containing spring-loaded contact bars as well as fixed contacts insulated from the housing and from each other and located in a pool of contact fluid sealed in the housing, wherein the fixed contacts in the housing are connected to the reversible DC electric winch motor and the spring-loaded contact bars within the housing are selectively manipulated by hand-operation of a turret assembly or push-pull knobs mounted on the switch housing or by a remote handle connected to the fixed housing by means of wires or by means of a rotary actuator or a pair of solenoids mounted on the housing and connected to the contact bars and operated by a toggle switch, to operate the reversible DC electric winch motor when the conventional winch electrical system fails.
6 Precautions You Should Take When Using An ATV Winch
Winches play a very significant role while using ATVs.They have become a necessity for the ATV enthusiasts.They are commonly used in ATVs, trucks and trailers.The sturdiness and type of the winch depends upon the requirement of the user as there are types of winches that can be used for different purposes.
a - ATV's winches:ATV winches have proved to be life saving equipments for the ATV enthusiasts as they have helped a lot in taking them out from the dangerous circumstances like getting into deep mud-hole while navigating.In the latest models of ATVs,the winch can be mounted on the front or on the rear end of the ATV and can be shifted from front to back depending upon the requirement.
There is a wide range of ATV winches in terms of their strength, but its selection depends upon the functioning and size of the ATV. It is always recommended to the ATV enthusiasts to possess ATV winches in their ATVs.
b - Truck's winches:The tow trucks were used to possess the winches in the past but in the present scenario,the winches are present in three quarter and in one ton trucks.The winches that were used earlier were the hand cranked winches whereas the winches which are used now-a-days are electric winches.
The functioning of these electric winches is remote controlled and are hooked to the battery of the truck.They have been proved very helpful in the dangerous situations like slipping and sliding of the trucks on uneven lands.The large trucks like F-350 require a strong winch and it approximately costs around 12,000 pounds.
c - The winches are also present in the trailers that can be either electronic or hand cranked.These trailer winches are commonly found on most of the boat trailers.In the past decades,the hand cranked trailer winch was used in boats to pull it onto the trailer in order to secure it into its place.
But with development of latest technology,the trailer winches function under the influence of electric current and are present in wide range in terms of strength.These electric winches pull the boat onto the trailer by just pushing up a single button which is an easy and comfort method of loading and unloading the boats as compared to the use of hand cranked winches.
How to Mount a Winch
You should always ensure that the winch is mounted perfectly either on an ATV or on a trailer.In order to have perfect mounting,it is always recommended to have a winch bumper as it can be mounted on the bumper of the truck or even can replace it.
In this way,the winch will get security against theft or any damage after being fitted inside the winch bumper.Use of winch bumper will not affect the vehicle in any aspect,unless it suits yours vehicle.You can take assistance from the truck accessory store while selecting the apt and best winch and winch bumper depending upon your requirement.
Precautions To Be considered While Using ATV Winch
Though the use of winches is very easy,it is always suggested to consider the following precautionary measures while using them:
a - You should always be careful while using the metal cable as they may cut your hands.
b - It is always recommended to carry leather gloves while using a winch.
c - You should always keep the loose clothes away from the winches in order to preclude any injury.
d - It is always suggested that not to use winch as a hoist because this will increase the chances of hurting yourself and your ATV.
e - You should never step over the cable when it snaps.
f - You should always make sure that the winch should not drain your battery.
Therefore, using the winches safely can really be helpful on your adventurous trips.
a - ATV's winches:ATV winches have proved to be life saving equipments for the ATV enthusiasts as they have helped a lot in taking them out from the dangerous circumstances like getting into deep mud-hole while navigating.In the latest models of ATVs,the winch can be mounted on the front or on the rear end of the ATV and can be shifted from front to back depending upon the requirement.
There is a wide range of ATV winches in terms of their strength, but its selection depends upon the functioning and size of the ATV. It is always recommended to the ATV enthusiasts to possess ATV winches in their ATVs.
b - Truck's winches:The tow trucks were used to possess the winches in the past but in the present scenario,the winches are present in three quarter and in one ton trucks.The winches that were used earlier were the hand cranked winches whereas the winches which are used now-a-days are electric winches.
The functioning of these electric winches is remote controlled and are hooked to the battery of the truck.They have been proved very helpful in the dangerous situations like slipping and sliding of the trucks on uneven lands.The large trucks like F-350 require a strong winch and it approximately costs around 12,000 pounds.
c - The winches are also present in the trailers that can be either electronic or hand cranked.These trailer winches are commonly found on most of the boat trailers.In the past decades,the hand cranked trailer winch was used in boats to pull it onto the trailer in order to secure it into its place.
But with development of latest technology,the trailer winches function under the influence of electric current and are present in wide range in terms of strength.These electric winches pull the boat onto the trailer by just pushing up a single button which is an easy and comfort method of loading and unloading the boats as compared to the use of hand cranked winches.
How to Mount a Winch
You should always ensure that the winch is mounted perfectly either on an ATV or on a trailer.In order to have perfect mounting,it is always recommended to have a winch bumper as it can be mounted on the bumper of the truck or even can replace it.
In this way,the winch will get security against theft or any damage after being fitted inside the winch bumper.Use of winch bumper will not affect the vehicle in any aspect,unless it suits yours vehicle.You can take assistance from the truck accessory store while selecting the apt and best winch and winch bumper depending upon your requirement.
Precautions To Be considered While Using ATV Winch
Though the use of winches is very easy,it is always suggested to consider the following precautionary measures while using them:
a - You should always be careful while using the metal cable as they may cut your hands.
b - It is always recommended to carry leather gloves while using a winch.
c - You should always keep the loose clothes away from the winches in order to preclude any injury.
d - It is always suggested that not to use winch as a hoist because this will increase the chances of hurting yourself and your ATV.
e - You should never step over the cable when it snaps.
f - You should always make sure that the winch should not drain your battery.
Therefore, using the winches safely can really be helpful on your adventurous trips.
Get Out of Tight Spots Fast With a Heavy Duty Winch
Not to be confused with a wench,a winch is a mechanism that winds wire around a drum while keeping a steady tension on it,powerful enough to pull everything from cars and trucks to tree stumps and boulders.Those who take their off-roading seriously have been saved on more than one occasion by a winch.But,depending on the intended use,there are a number of winches available that feature a range of power and mounting options.Here's how to pick the one that's right for you.
Odds are,you'll be using your winch off-road.You have two options here:a winch mounted on the front or rear bumper of your vehicle. Depending on the weight of your vehicle and the weight of the winch,it can be used to pull your vehicle out of the mud or pull other vehicles free of sand,muck and mountain streams.
The most important thing to consider is how you'll be using your winch, especially in relation to the weight and frame strength of your vehicle.Spending the money on a heavy-duty winch is a waste if your vehicle can't support the winch's power.Instead, shop around for one with an appropriate amount of power,also known as"line pull." Line pull is the maximum load the winch can exert on the cable.While you can't go wrong with extra energy, not enough power will leave you stuck.Even worse,if the winch is too heavy,it could cause the front end of your vehicle to shift off balance.
When considering the speed at which you want to haul things in,there are two options:a planetary gear train and worm gear train. For the fastest line speeds,get a winch with a planetary gear train.Some are faster than others,but nearly all perform well under varying conditions.For a steady pace with less heat,look into a winch with a worm gear train.Worm gears have fewer moving parts and can work extremely hard without creating a lot of excess heat.Something else to keep in mind is whether you prefer to use cable,wire or chain.These would also vary depending on the application and your level of experience in hauling.
Finally,you'll need to decide between an electric or hydraulic winch.Each type has its own benefits.
Electric winches are easy to install and,in most cases,simply bolt onto your rig with a couple of wires running up to your car battery. Most winches, like the Warn winch, Blazer winch,Mile Marker winch and Chevy winch, are available for both the older 24-volt systems and the more modern 12-volt setups.Electric winches are the most convenient when you want to take them off during the off-season.Hydraulic winches also feature continuous pull time and,as such, are able to be used non-stop for extended periods of time. Plus, your rig doesn't have to be running to use a hydraulic winch,saving you from burning the valuable gas you're going to need to get back down the mountain.
Shredding mud pits is a good way to spend the afternoon.Getting stuck in it isn't.A Blazer winch,Chevy winch or Warn winch provide heavy-duty hauling to free your rig from tight spots.If you're serious about off-roading or know someone who is, they're a smart investment and make a great gift.
Odds are,you'll be using your winch off-road.You have two options here:a winch mounted on the front or rear bumper of your vehicle. Depending on the weight of your vehicle and the weight of the winch,it can be used to pull your vehicle out of the mud or pull other vehicles free of sand,muck and mountain streams.
The most important thing to consider is how you'll be using your winch, especially in relation to the weight and frame strength of your vehicle.Spending the money on a heavy-duty winch is a waste if your vehicle can't support the winch's power.Instead, shop around for one with an appropriate amount of power,also known as"line pull." Line pull is the maximum load the winch can exert on the cable.While you can't go wrong with extra energy, not enough power will leave you stuck.Even worse,if the winch is too heavy,it could cause the front end of your vehicle to shift off balance.
When considering the speed at which you want to haul things in,there are two options:a planetary gear train and worm gear train. For the fastest line speeds,get a winch with a planetary gear train.Some are faster than others,but nearly all perform well under varying conditions.For a steady pace with less heat,look into a winch with a worm gear train.Worm gears have fewer moving parts and can work extremely hard without creating a lot of excess heat.Something else to keep in mind is whether you prefer to use cable,wire or chain.These would also vary depending on the application and your level of experience in hauling.
Finally,you'll need to decide between an electric or hydraulic winch.Each type has its own benefits.
Electric winches are easy to install and,in most cases,simply bolt onto your rig with a couple of wires running up to your car battery. Most winches, like the Warn winch, Blazer winch,Mile Marker winch and Chevy winch, are available for both the older 24-volt systems and the more modern 12-volt setups.Electric winches are the most convenient when you want to take them off during the off-season.Hydraulic winches also feature continuous pull time and,as such, are able to be used non-stop for extended periods of time. Plus, your rig doesn't have to be running to use a hydraulic winch,saving you from burning the valuable gas you're going to need to get back down the mountain.
Shredding mud pits is a good way to spend the afternoon.Getting stuck in it isn't.A Blazer winch,Chevy winch or Warn winch provide heavy-duty hauling to free your rig from tight spots.If you're serious about off-roading or know someone who is, they're a smart investment and make a great gift.
Boat Trailer Winch Operation
Operation of a standard electric boat trailer winch is relatively simple and straight forward. Hook it to the boat and lower or raise it in and out of the water, right? Not so fast, Captain Ahab, there are a few points to this to make sure there are no mishaps while operating the winch.
First, you need to check the operation of the winch when it isn't hooked to the boat. Run the cable out and check it for frays and breaks, if any are found, change the cable immediately. A stretched cable that snaps can cut right through most anything it hits and you will be one of the closest things to it.
Make sure the rest of the moving parts on the winch are in good working order. Check the bow eye on the boat itself, making sure it's secure with no cracks around where it is mounted on the boat. If you are lowering the boat or putting it on a trailer, a lot of strain is put on all these points.
Making sure the trailer is partially submerged in the water and the brake on in the truck. Unfasten the boat from the trailer, making sure the winch is hooked to the bow eye, then lower the boat into the water. Since most winches only run at a single speed, there's really no need to try and rush this process.
By the same token, when putting the boat back on the trailer, insure that there are no obstacles to slow or stop the boat from clearing the water and moving up on to the trailer. This is where the possibility of the cable snapping comes in. If the boat doesn't move freely on to the trailer, excess strain will be placed on the cable. This will cause stress cracks and breaks in the cable over time.
It is very important to follow all safety precautions when operating a new boat trailer winch. Regular lubricating and maintenance will help with a long lasting relationship. IF you want to know that how to use Boat Trailer Winch then visit boattrailerwinch.net to get the right answer.
First, you need to check the operation of the winch when it isn't hooked to the boat. Run the cable out and check it for frays and breaks, if any are found, change the cable immediately. A stretched cable that snaps can cut right through most anything it hits and you will be one of the closest things to it.
Make sure the rest of the moving parts on the winch are in good working order. Check the bow eye on the boat itself, making sure it's secure with no cracks around where it is mounted on the boat. If you are lowering the boat or putting it on a trailer, a lot of strain is put on all these points.
Making sure the trailer is partially submerged in the water and the brake on in the truck. Unfasten the boat from the trailer, making sure the winch is hooked to the bow eye, then lower the boat into the water. Since most winches only run at a single speed, there's really no need to try and rush this process.
By the same token, when putting the boat back on the trailer, insure that there are no obstacles to slow or stop the boat from clearing the water and moving up on to the trailer. This is where the possibility of the cable snapping comes in. If the boat doesn't move freely on to the trailer, excess strain will be placed on the cable. This will cause stress cracks and breaks in the cable over time.
It is very important to follow all safety precautions when operating a new boat trailer winch. Regular lubricating and maintenance will help with a long lasting relationship. IF you want to know that how to use Boat Trailer Winch then visit boattrailerwinch.net to get the right answer.
Boom mounted winch
Construction and transportation activities can require boom mounted winch capability for a number of reasons. In some cases, a winch is needed in a confined area which is accessible by a crane mounted winch. In other instances, the mobility of a mobile vehicle equipped with a boom and winch for moving and lifting is desirable.
One application for a boom mounted winch is in connection with utility infrastructure replacement and rehabilitation. The buried utility pipes present access problems. A premium is placed on using manholes and other existing access areas. If excavation can be avoided, a significant savings in both cost and time can be realized. Equipment that provides both mobility and flexibility for rehabilitation can be of significant practical benefit.
A winch that is mounted on a boom of a vehicle has the ability to make use of existing access areas. The host vehicle must provide a stable platform for extension of the boom and use of the winch. In such an apparatus, the boom is positioned so that the winch can pull equipment such as a cleaning bucket or a slip lining segment through the host pipe.
The inherent mobility of the host vehicle allows a great deal of flexibility. It can rapidly move from location to location with minimal set-up and take-down time. A further benefit of a boom mounted winch includes a variety of surface applications. The winch on the host vehicle can accomplish any task that is required of a regular winch such as pulling or lifting loads on the surface. As with the underground applications, the mobility of the host vehicle offers the flexibility of moving from location to location with great ease while providing a stable platform to operate the winch.
A boom mounted winch spooled with cable has been developed for use in both down hole and surface applications. The winch is surrounded by a housing that allows for free movement of the cable as it is spooled and unspooled from the winch. The housing is provided with an attachment means for engagement with the boom of the host vehicle. In one embodiment, the housing is a frame that surrounds the winch. Further, the frame can be constructed to withstand substantial weight, including the force of the weight of the host vehicle and the boom. The attachment means on the housing for engagement with the boom can be constructed similarly to attachment points for other custom tools used with host vehicles.
The host vehicle is a construction vehicle such as an excavator, backhoe or loader mounted with the boom. The winch can be placed on the end of a boom at the custom tool attachment point typically used to mount a bucket of a backhoe of the host vehicle. The mechanism for spooling and unspooling the cable on the winch can utilize a hydraulic system and, more particularly, the hydraulic system that is provided on the host vehicle. The winch may also include a brake mechanism to control the spooling and unspooling of the cable.
In another embodiment, the boom mounted winch housing is attached to a down hole boom with guide means on the down hole boom to position the cable. The down hole boom is a set of C-beams of adjustable length which uses an adjustable guide roller as a guide means.
In further embodiments, the boom mounted winch includes a winch drum spooled with the cable, and the housing is a rectangular frame housing that surrounds the winch and allows free movement of the cable. The attachment means to the boom includes at least two extensions from the frame provided with connection points used for custom tool connections to the booms of mobile vehicles. A power means is provided on the winch as well as a brake means for controlling the spooling and unspooling of the cable on the winch. The frame housing can withstand the weight of the mobile vehicle and the boom. A friction pad selectively contacts the winch drum for braking and controlling the spooling and unspooling of the cable.
One application for a boom mounted winch is in connection with utility infrastructure replacement and rehabilitation. The buried utility pipes present access problems. A premium is placed on using manholes and other existing access areas. If excavation can be avoided, a significant savings in both cost and time can be realized. Equipment that provides both mobility and flexibility for rehabilitation can be of significant practical benefit.
A winch that is mounted on a boom of a vehicle has the ability to make use of existing access areas. The host vehicle must provide a stable platform for extension of the boom and use of the winch. In such an apparatus, the boom is positioned so that the winch can pull equipment such as a cleaning bucket or a slip lining segment through the host pipe.
The inherent mobility of the host vehicle allows a great deal of flexibility. It can rapidly move from location to location with minimal set-up and take-down time. A further benefit of a boom mounted winch includes a variety of surface applications. The winch on the host vehicle can accomplish any task that is required of a regular winch such as pulling or lifting loads on the surface. As with the underground applications, the mobility of the host vehicle offers the flexibility of moving from location to location with great ease while providing a stable platform to operate the winch.
A boom mounted winch spooled with cable has been developed for use in both down hole and surface applications. The winch is surrounded by a housing that allows for free movement of the cable as it is spooled and unspooled from the winch. The housing is provided with an attachment means for engagement with the boom of the host vehicle. In one embodiment, the housing is a frame that surrounds the winch. Further, the frame can be constructed to withstand substantial weight, including the force of the weight of the host vehicle and the boom. The attachment means on the housing for engagement with the boom can be constructed similarly to attachment points for other custom tools used with host vehicles.
The host vehicle is a construction vehicle such as an excavator, backhoe or loader mounted with the boom. The winch can be placed on the end of a boom at the custom tool attachment point typically used to mount a bucket of a backhoe of the host vehicle. The mechanism for spooling and unspooling the cable on the winch can utilize a hydraulic system and, more particularly, the hydraulic system that is provided on the host vehicle. The winch may also include a brake mechanism to control the spooling and unspooling of the cable.
In another embodiment, the boom mounted winch housing is attached to a down hole boom with guide means on the down hole boom to position the cable. The down hole boom is a set of C-beams of adjustable length which uses an adjustable guide roller as a guide means.
In further embodiments, the boom mounted winch includes a winch drum spooled with the cable, and the housing is a rectangular frame housing that surrounds the winch and allows free movement of the cable. The attachment means to the boom includes at least two extensions from the frame provided with connection points used for custom tool connections to the booms of mobile vehicles. A power means is provided on the winch as well as a brake means for controlling the spooling and unspooling of the cable on the winch. The frame housing can withstand the weight of the mobile vehicle and the boom. A friction pad selectively contacts the winch drum for braking and controlling the spooling and unspooling of the cable.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Winch winding tool
Flat bed trucks and other industrial and commercial vehicles often employ one or more straps for securing the load to be hauled in the bed of the vehicle. Typically, each strap is wound on a standard winch mechanism mounted to the bottom or side of the vehicle bed. The winch employs a ratchet and a cam that is selectively disengaged from the ratchet so that the strap may be pulled across and engaged with the load. When the desired length of strap is deployed, the cam is re-engaged with the ratchet to prevent the strap from further unwinding. After the vehicle has completed its trip, the strap, is disengaged from the load and wound back onto the winch. The cam and the ratchet are configured so that the cam rides over the ratchet while the strap is being re-wound.
Rewinding the loading strap onto the winch is typically a very tedious and time consuming task. The worker manually grasps and turns the end of the spindle that projects axially from the side of the winch opposite the ratchet. For winches used in standard industrial flat bed trucks, approximately 40 turns of the spindle are required to fully wind the strap back onto the winch. This effort is compounded considerably because most trucks employ a pair of winch mounted fastening straps. When a number of vehicles are involved in a delivery, the manpower required to rewind all of the straps can be considerable. This not only adds time and expense to a job, it can be extremely wearisome for the driver or other worker to perform the rewinding.
This invention features a power driven tool or adapter for winding a standard winch. The winch for which this tool is used includes a yoke and a generally tubular spindle mounted rotatably in the yoke. The spindle includes a central opening and pair of generally opposed apertures formed radially in the circumferential surface of the spindle. An elongate strap or other flexible component is wound on the spindle. An inner portion of the strap or other flexible component extends through the generally opposed apertures of the spindle and across the central opening. At least one end of the spindle is open such that the central opening of the spindle is exposed. The tool of this invention includes an elongate body portion connected to and extending from a head portion. The body portion includes a slot formed longitudinally therein. The head portion carries means for lockably and releasably interengaging a standard rotary driven power apparatus such as an electric or pneumatic wrench or drill. The elongate body of the adapter tool is introduced into the central opening of the winch spindle such that the longitudinal slot of the body portion receives the inner portion of the flexible component extending across the central opening. The rotary driven power tool is operated to axially rotate the elongate body. The body engages the inner portion of the flexible element, which drives the spindle rotatably. As a result, the flexible component is wound onto the spindle.
In a preferred embodiment, the elongate body has a generally tubular shape. The longitudinal slot in the body portion may include a generally parallel pair of slotted portions that communicate with an axial opening formed through the body portion. The means for lockably and releasably interengaging may include a driver receptacle formed in the head portion. The driver receptacle may communicate with the axial opening formed to the body portion. The driver receptacle preferably has a square shape. Typically, a complementary shaped driver component (e.g. a square drive) is attached to and driven rotatably by the rotary driven power apparatus. The drive component is inserted into and thereby lockably interengaged with the driver receptacle in the head portion of the winch winding tool. When the power driver is operated, the drive component rotates the head portion and thereby axially rotates the elongate body portion of the adapter tool. This causes the engaged flexible component and spindle to be wound as previously described.
In operation, the winch winding tool 10b is attached to power apparatus 12b through universal joint 99b. The winch winding tool is engaged with the winch strap as described above and apparatus 12b is operated to rotatably drive tool 10b and wind the winch strap. Once again, the steps of this operation are analogous to those previously described. In the versions shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the universal joints 99a, 99b allow the crank and power apparatus to be oriented at convenient angles to the winch so that winding may be accomplished more quickly, comfortably and efficiently.
As in the prior embodiments, it should be noted that the construction of the universal joint depicted in FIG. 7 may be varied within the scope of this invention. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, an alternative universal joint 99c may be interengaged with the head portion 50c of the winch winding tool. In this embodiment, the permanently fixed ears projecting rearwardly from the head portion are eliminated. Instead, an inner universal joint component 115c is snugly and conformably interengaged with axial receptacle 54c in head portion 50c. Component 115c is interconnected by a vertical pin 117c to an intermediate universal joint component 119c, which is in turn pivotably attached to an outer universal joint component 121c by a horizontal pin 123c. Component 121c is itself lockably interengaged with a socket 123c carried at the end of extension 111c of hand held rotary power apparatus 12c. Once again, the power apparatus is releasably interengaged with universal joint 99c and the universal joint is, in turn, releasably and lockably interengaged with receptacle 54c of winder tool 10c. The power apparatus is then operated to rotate the winding tool. That tool is interengaged with and rewinds the winch strap in the previously described manner.
It should be understood that various other types of universal joint connections and various other forms of releasable and permanent connections may be employed to operably attach the winch winder tool to either a hand crank or a power rotary apparatus. The particular form of the interconnection is not a limitation of this invention and various other types of interconnections, which are obvious to persons skilled in the art, may be employed.
From the foregoing it may be seen that the apparatus of this invention provides for a tool or adapter that permits a winch to be wound quickly and conveniently using a conventional power tool. While this detailed description has set forth particularly preferred embodiments of the apparatus of this invention, numerous modifications and variations of the structure of this invention, all within the scope of the invention, will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is understood that this description is illustrative only of the principles of the invention and is not limitative thereof.
Rewinding the loading strap onto the winch is typically a very tedious and time consuming task. The worker manually grasps and turns the end of the spindle that projects axially from the side of the winch opposite the ratchet. For winches used in standard industrial flat bed trucks, approximately 40 turns of the spindle are required to fully wind the strap back onto the winch. This effort is compounded considerably because most trucks employ a pair of winch mounted fastening straps. When a number of vehicles are involved in a delivery, the manpower required to rewind all of the straps can be considerable. This not only adds time and expense to a job, it can be extremely wearisome for the driver or other worker to perform the rewinding.
This invention features a power driven tool or adapter for winding a standard winch. The winch for which this tool is used includes a yoke and a generally tubular spindle mounted rotatably in the yoke. The spindle includes a central opening and pair of generally opposed apertures formed radially in the circumferential surface of the spindle. An elongate strap or other flexible component is wound on the spindle. An inner portion of the strap or other flexible component extends through the generally opposed apertures of the spindle and across the central opening. At least one end of the spindle is open such that the central opening of the spindle is exposed. The tool of this invention includes an elongate body portion connected to and extending from a head portion. The body portion includes a slot formed longitudinally therein. The head portion carries means for lockably and releasably interengaging a standard rotary driven power apparatus such as an electric or pneumatic wrench or drill. The elongate body of the adapter tool is introduced into the central opening of the winch spindle such that the longitudinal slot of the body portion receives the inner portion of the flexible component extending across the central opening. The rotary driven power tool is operated to axially rotate the elongate body. The body engages the inner portion of the flexible element, which drives the spindle rotatably. As a result, the flexible component is wound onto the spindle.
In a preferred embodiment, the elongate body has a generally tubular shape. The longitudinal slot in the body portion may include a generally parallel pair of slotted portions that communicate with an axial opening formed through the body portion. The means for lockably and releasably interengaging may include a driver receptacle formed in the head portion. The driver receptacle may communicate with the axial opening formed to the body portion. The driver receptacle preferably has a square shape. Typically, a complementary shaped driver component (e.g. a square drive) is attached to and driven rotatably by the rotary driven power apparatus. The drive component is inserted into and thereby lockably interengaged with the driver receptacle in the head portion of the winch winding tool. When the power driver is operated, the drive component rotates the head portion and thereby axially rotates the elongate body portion of the adapter tool. This causes the engaged flexible component and spindle to be wound as previously described.
In operation, the winch winding tool 10b is attached to power apparatus 12b through universal joint 99b. The winch winding tool is engaged with the winch strap as described above and apparatus 12b is operated to rotatably drive tool 10b and wind the winch strap. Once again, the steps of this operation are analogous to those previously described. In the versions shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the universal joints 99a, 99b allow the crank and power apparatus to be oriented at convenient angles to the winch so that winding may be accomplished more quickly, comfortably and efficiently.
As in the prior embodiments, it should be noted that the construction of the universal joint depicted in FIG. 7 may be varied within the scope of this invention. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, an alternative universal joint 99c may be interengaged with the head portion 50c of the winch winding tool. In this embodiment, the permanently fixed ears projecting rearwardly from the head portion are eliminated. Instead, an inner universal joint component 115c is snugly and conformably interengaged with axial receptacle 54c in head portion 50c. Component 115c is interconnected by a vertical pin 117c to an intermediate universal joint component 119c, which is in turn pivotably attached to an outer universal joint component 121c by a horizontal pin 123c. Component 121c is itself lockably interengaged with a socket 123c carried at the end of extension 111c of hand held rotary power apparatus 12c. Once again, the power apparatus is releasably interengaged with universal joint 99c and the universal joint is, in turn, releasably and lockably interengaged with receptacle 54c of winder tool 10c. The power apparatus is then operated to rotate the winding tool. That tool is interengaged with and rewinds the winch strap in the previously described manner.
It should be understood that various other types of universal joint connections and various other forms of releasable and permanent connections may be employed to operably attach the winch winder tool to either a hand crank or a power rotary apparatus. The particular form of the interconnection is not a limitation of this invention and various other types of interconnections, which are obvious to persons skilled in the art, may be employed.
From the foregoing it may be seen that the apparatus of this invention provides for a tool or adapter that permits a winch to be wound quickly and conveniently using a conventional power tool. While this detailed description has set forth particularly preferred embodiments of the apparatus of this invention, numerous modifications and variations of the structure of this invention, all within the scope of the invention, will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is understood that this description is illustrative only of the principles of the invention and is not limitative thereof.
4X4 Winch Safety Guidelines
Your winch equipment can reach the end of its line sooner rather than later if not maintained correctly or used in the correct way. It can also prove to be very dangerous if not used in the correct way. That is why when using a winch certain safety guidelines need to be followed.
When you use your winch and handling or winding in the rope you should always wear the correct gloves. This is to protect your hands from any sharp rope strands that may have broken. Before using the winch ensure the vehicle is 100% secure before using and after moving the item. Never rely solely on the winch to gold a load for an extended time because a winch does not have a locking mechanism.
If the winch is fully extended then do not apply direct weight. The correct procedure is to allow the winch to have at least five complete turns of rope onto the drum before you apply load. When you re-spool the load be careful not to put your fingers through the hook. This is simply because if your fingers get trapped either in the rope or the hook you can say goodbye to the finger or fingers. For this exact reason never ever use your hands to guide the rope back onto the drum. Remember to always keep your hands away from the fairlead when you are using the winch.
When using the winch keep it to short duration. This is because winches are not designed to be used on a constant basis. Check the maximum load rate the winch can handle, if the load is close to that rating then only use the winch to pull for one minute. Whilst winching, if you notice that the motor has become very hot, stop winching immediately and allow the winch to completely cool down before you continue.
One of the most important safety rules to follow is to make sure that the load you are winching does not exceed the maximum rated load for the winch. If you do exceed the maximum rating then it is dangerous and unsafe as well as it resulting in a shorter life for the winch.
Overall the person operating the winch must always use their commonsense and make sure they are safe at all times and that they are operating the winch in the correct manner. Before attempting to use a winch you must be familiar with the safety guidelines.
Finally, you should always turn off the winch at the switch when you are not using it.
When you use your winch and handling or winding in the rope you should always wear the correct gloves. This is to protect your hands from any sharp rope strands that may have broken. Before using the winch ensure the vehicle is 100% secure before using and after moving the item. Never rely solely on the winch to gold a load for an extended time because a winch does not have a locking mechanism.
If the winch is fully extended then do not apply direct weight. The correct procedure is to allow the winch to have at least five complete turns of rope onto the drum before you apply load. When you re-spool the load be careful not to put your fingers through the hook. This is simply because if your fingers get trapped either in the rope or the hook you can say goodbye to the finger or fingers. For this exact reason never ever use your hands to guide the rope back onto the drum. Remember to always keep your hands away from the fairlead when you are using the winch.
When using the winch keep it to short duration. This is because winches are not designed to be used on a constant basis. Check the maximum load rate the winch can handle, if the load is close to that rating then only use the winch to pull for one minute. Whilst winching, if you notice that the motor has become very hot, stop winching immediately and allow the winch to completely cool down before you continue.
One of the most important safety rules to follow is to make sure that the load you are winching does not exceed the maximum rated load for the winch. If you do exceed the maximum rating then it is dangerous and unsafe as well as it resulting in a shorter life for the winch.
Overall the person operating the winch must always use their commonsense and make sure they are safe at all times and that they are operating the winch in the correct manner. Before attempting to use a winch you must be familiar with the safety guidelines.
Finally, you should always turn off the winch at the switch when you are not using it.
Electric winch
An electric winch is used for winding or unwinding a wire rope to hang up or lower down a heavy load, such as lifting up it to a high floor of a building, or lifting up an automobile fallen in a deep valley.There are many kinds of conventional electric winches, and one of them 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a motor 11, terminals provided on the motor 11 for connecting electric wires to be connected with or disconnected from a controller that is used for rotating the shaft of the motor 11 clockwise or counterclockwise. Further a speed reducer 12 is connected with the shaft of the motor 11, and the speed reducer 12 is provided with a planetary gear unit for rotating a rope shaft 13 for winding or unwinding a wire rope (not shown) thereon. Further a clutch 14 is provided at one side of the rope shaft 13 in the speed reducer 12, having a clutch rod 15 extending upward. When the clutch rod 15 is lowered down or lifted up, the rope shaft 13 is connected to or disconnected from the speed reducer 12. In addition, a fix base 16 is positioned between the motor 11 and the rope shaft 13, and also between the speed reducer 12 and the rope shaft 13, but the fix base 16 is not connected to the rope shaft 13. Moreover, two fix rods 17 are provided tightly between the top of the two fix bases 16 by bolts, having a accurate length equal to the distance between the two fix bases 16 so that the transmitting movement of the parts of the device may be stable and smooth, without errors, enabling the rope shaft 13 rotate smoothly whether clockwise or counterclockwise.
However, the function of the two fix rods 17 is to ensure the accuracy of the distance of the two fix bases 16.In the conventional electric winch they have only that function, but it may also be used for other functions so as to make them more useful.
The feature of the invention is a controller provided on a basic plate and electrically connected to a motor for rotating a speed reducer and then a rope shaft for winding or unwinding a wire rope for lifting up or lowering down a heavy load, and a fix base provided between the motor and the rope shaft and also between the speed reducer and the rope shaft and secured by fix rods to stabilizing the distance between the two fix bases. The fix rods and the basic plate are combined with linking members
Thus, the electric winch 10 according to the present invention has an advantage that the controller 40 is assembled on the base plate 30 by utilizing the presence of the fix rods 27, removing the disadvantage of the conventional electric winch described above that the controller is obliged to be positioned somewhere outside the winch itself. Then the connecting member 51 can be used for connecting a wired remote controller for controlling clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the motor 20. While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been described above, it will be recognized and understood that various modifications may be made therein and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications that may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.
However, the function of the two fix rods 17 is to ensure the accuracy of the distance of the two fix bases 16.In the conventional electric winch they have only that function, but it may also be used for other functions so as to make them more useful.
The feature of the invention is a controller provided on a basic plate and electrically connected to a motor for rotating a speed reducer and then a rope shaft for winding or unwinding a wire rope for lifting up or lowering down a heavy load, and a fix base provided between the motor and the rope shaft and also between the speed reducer and the rope shaft and secured by fix rods to stabilizing the distance between the two fix bases. The fix rods and the basic plate are combined with linking members
Thus, the electric winch 10 according to the present invention has an advantage that the controller 40 is assembled on the base plate 30 by utilizing the presence of the fix rods 27, removing the disadvantage of the conventional electric winch described above that the controller is obliged to be positioned somewhere outside the winch itself. Then the connecting member 51 can be used for connecting a wired remote controller for controlling clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the motor 20. While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been described above, it will be recognized and understood that various modifications may be made therein and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications that may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.
What To Know About An ATV Winch
You've got the ATV, the trailer and the accessories, but you forgot all about an ATV winch. Why do you want to put a winch on your quad? Consider this. ATVing can be loads of fun, especially if you are fortunate enough to find lots of mud or loose sand to play in. But what do you do if you or someone gets stuck? How are you going to get out when pushing, pulling and cursing at your ATV doesn't do the trick?
That's where an ATV winch comes in handy and is an accessory that you won't want to do without. Having an ATV winch attached to the rear end of your machine will come in handy some day, you can guarantee it. Can a winch pull you out of a quagmire? You bet! A winch can pull up to three thousand pounds, which is more than you can say for two or three guys huffing and puffing knee deep in mud trying to do the same thing.
How does an ATV winch work? It pulls power off your quad battery, which provides electricity to turn the drum your cable is wrapped around. Pretty simple, really, but a powerful tool when it comes to insuring safety and loads of fun on your ATVing excursions.
Keep in mind that you don't have to attach an ATV winch to the back of your machine, but can carry it in a compartment on your quad for easy storage, Just remember that if you get stuck, you will have to anchor your winch to an object sturdy enough to resist the pull while trying to extricate another quad out of the mud, sand or water you find yourself stuck in. If your anchor doesn't hold, you won't be going anywhere.
Once you have your ATV winch attached to something solid, disengage the clutch and begin pulling your cable from the drum. This is also called spooling, and is much like pulling fishing wire out of the reel on your favorite fishing rod.
Never wrap your winch cable around something and then attach the cable hook to that because the cable may be damaged. Once you've attached the hook to the stuck quad, engage the clutch on the winch and then stand back, as a snapped cable can cause severe injuries.
Restart the ATV, make sure your brakes are locked, wheels are blocked and then slowly allow the cable to pull out the stranded machine. Keep your engine revved at about medium speed, as using an ATV winch pulls a lot of juice from the battery and you don't want to stall. A way to avoid this danger is to install a more powerful battery than comes from the manufacturer.
An ATV winch is a powerful and necessary accessory to your ATVing equipment, but many people don't bother with purchasing one, which makes for many ruined trips, especially in wintertime. Do yourself, and your friends, a favor and make sure that a winch is on the top of necessary items to carry on or in your quad.
That's where an ATV winch comes in handy and is an accessory that you won't want to do without. Having an ATV winch attached to the rear end of your machine will come in handy some day, you can guarantee it. Can a winch pull you out of a quagmire? You bet! A winch can pull up to three thousand pounds, which is more than you can say for two or three guys huffing and puffing knee deep in mud trying to do the same thing.
How does an ATV winch work? It pulls power off your quad battery, which provides electricity to turn the drum your cable is wrapped around. Pretty simple, really, but a powerful tool when it comes to insuring safety and loads of fun on your ATVing excursions.
Keep in mind that you don't have to attach an ATV winch to the back of your machine, but can carry it in a compartment on your quad for easy storage, Just remember that if you get stuck, you will have to anchor your winch to an object sturdy enough to resist the pull while trying to extricate another quad out of the mud, sand or water you find yourself stuck in. If your anchor doesn't hold, you won't be going anywhere.
Once you have your ATV winch attached to something solid, disengage the clutch and begin pulling your cable from the drum. This is also called spooling, and is much like pulling fishing wire out of the reel on your favorite fishing rod.
Never wrap your winch cable around something and then attach the cable hook to that because the cable may be damaged. Once you've attached the hook to the stuck quad, engage the clutch on the winch and then stand back, as a snapped cable can cause severe injuries.
Restart the ATV, make sure your brakes are locked, wheels are blocked and then slowly allow the cable to pull out the stranded machine. Keep your engine revved at about medium speed, as using an ATV winch pulls a lot of juice from the battery and you don't want to stall. A way to avoid this danger is to install a more powerful battery than comes from the manufacturer.
An ATV winch is a powerful and necessary accessory to your ATVing equipment, but many people don't bother with purchasing one, which makes for many ruined trips, especially in wintertime. Do yourself, and your friends, a favor and make sure that a winch is on the top of necessary items to carry on or in your quad.
Power winch system
This invention relates to winch systems. More particularly, this invention relates to power winch systems having a rotatable drum and a length of flexible cable wound around the drum. This invention also relates to light-weight winch systems which are self-contained and portable.
There are innumerable situations which arise daily in which it is necessary or desirable to lift or move a heavy object. Various devices have been previously developed, of course, as aids in lifting or moving heavy objects. Included in a listing of such devices are winches of various types and descriptions.
Winches are used in various industries and applications today. Although a winch may be operated manually (e.g., a simple block and tackle), the preferred use is with the aid of a power source (e.g., an electric motor or gasoline engine).
There are many potential uses for a power winch in remote locations. For example, a power winch can be extremely useful in the field for moving timber, or towing a vehicle out of mud, snow or water, or moving large game animals which have been killed while hunting. Although electrically powered winches are available for mounting on the front of vehicles, such winches have several limitations.
For example, they can only be used when the vehicle engine is running. Thus, if the vehicle engine is disabled for any reason the winch cannot be used. Also, such winches are mounted on the front of the vehicle. Many times, however, it is necessary to tow or winch a vehicle rearwardly or even sideways to dislodge it.
Furthermore, such winches which are mounted on vehicles are of no use unless the vehicle can be driven to the location where the winch is needed. There are many situations in which it is not possible, because of the terrain, for a vehicle to be driven to the location where the winch is needed. For example, while hunting in mountainous or rough country it is often desirable to have a winch to move animals which have been killed, but it is not possible to drive to the location where the winch is required.
There are many situations where when using a winch it is necessary or desirable to be able to stop the winch during operation and yet hold a load without slippage. There are other situations where it is desirable to release the drum in a controlled manner in order to allow it to reverse slowly (e.g., to lower a load which has been raised with the winch).
It is also often necessary or desirable to be able to unwind the drum to pay out lengths of cable (e.g., in order to pull the free end of the cable from the drum to the object to be winched). Many winches do not include means for uncoupling the drum from the drive means for this purpose. Other winches may have this capability but are cumbersome or unsafe to use.
A further problem presented in the use of a winch system pertains to release of tension on the cable. In many situations it is necessary or desirable to be able to disconnect the cable from the object being winched but some tension remains on the cable. For example, the object being winched may roll or slide very slightly in a backward direction but is not in danger of rolling away or sliding away if disconnected from the winch. In this situation it can be difficult, if not impossible, to disconnect the cable from the object being winched.
A few portable power winches and hoists have been proposed. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,036,435; 3,322,398; 3,938,781; 4,145,028; 4,162,059; 4,196,889; 4,444,375; 4,552,340; and 4,623,124. These patents describe portable winches which are powered by gasoline engines. Such winches do not include the advantages exhibited by the power winch systems of the present invention. Also, many of such prior winch systems do not have good power-to-weight ratios, and they are limited in towing capacity. They also can be very slow in operation.
There is a very serious disadvantage associated with previous proposed winches, including portable winches, which utilize a centrifugal clutch on the power unit If the power unit should ever stop for any reason, or if its speed drops too low, the centrifugal clutch automatically disengages and the drum is free to rotate in reverse (i.e., the load on the cable pulls away from the winch and the drum unwinds very quickly as cable is pulled off of it). This presents a very dangerous situation. For example, if a load is being lifted off the ground when the clutch disengages, the load immediately falls downwardly and could injure someone. Even if a brake is included on a winch to slow or stop the drum from rotating in reverse, human reflexes are not fast enough to cause the brake to be engaged before the load has already fallen to the ground or increased in speed to the point where the brake won't hold it. If it is possible to lock a brake on the drum manually there is the very real danger of causing severe damage to the winch or the operator or both when the cable is finally suddenly stopped. These are safety hazards which can render use of such devices dangerous.
Other winch systems, hoists, transmissions, etc. are described in the following: U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,768,278; 1,931,655; 2,080,804; 2,309,285; 2,869,822; 3,291,452; 3,411,751; 3,871,7l4; 3,915,022; 4,109,799; 4,169,580; and 4,188,790. A winch system is also described in French Patent 474,214. However, such winch systems and hoists are not light-weight and are not portable systems which can be used at any desired remote location where a winch is needed. Furthermore, none of such patents describe a drum clutch assembly having the features and advantages provided by the present invention.
There has not heretofore been provided a portable, self-contained winch system of the type provided by the present invention. There has not heretofore been provided a winch system having the capabilities and advantages of the winch system of this invention.
Other variations of the power winch system are also possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. The load capacity of the winch system may vary, as desired, depending upon the size of the power unit and the capacity of the flexible cable.
The winch system may be provided as a small portable unit or as a large non-portable unit. The winch may be powered by any desired means, such as a gasoline engine. It could also be powered manually if desired.
There are innumerable situations which arise daily in which it is necessary or desirable to lift or move a heavy object. Various devices have been previously developed, of course, as aids in lifting or moving heavy objects. Included in a listing of such devices are winches of various types and descriptions.
Winches are used in various industries and applications today. Although a winch may be operated manually (e.g., a simple block and tackle), the preferred use is with the aid of a power source (e.g., an electric motor or gasoline engine).
There are many potential uses for a power winch in remote locations. For example, a power winch can be extremely useful in the field for moving timber, or towing a vehicle out of mud, snow or water, or moving large game animals which have been killed while hunting. Although electrically powered winches are available for mounting on the front of vehicles, such winches have several limitations.
For example, they can only be used when the vehicle engine is running. Thus, if the vehicle engine is disabled for any reason the winch cannot be used. Also, such winches are mounted on the front of the vehicle. Many times, however, it is necessary to tow or winch a vehicle rearwardly or even sideways to dislodge it.
Furthermore, such winches which are mounted on vehicles are of no use unless the vehicle can be driven to the location where the winch is needed. There are many situations in which it is not possible, because of the terrain, for a vehicle to be driven to the location where the winch is needed. For example, while hunting in mountainous or rough country it is often desirable to have a winch to move animals which have been killed, but it is not possible to drive to the location where the winch is required.
There are many situations where when using a winch it is necessary or desirable to be able to stop the winch during operation and yet hold a load without slippage. There are other situations where it is desirable to release the drum in a controlled manner in order to allow it to reverse slowly (e.g., to lower a load which has been raised with the winch).
It is also often necessary or desirable to be able to unwind the drum to pay out lengths of cable (e.g., in order to pull the free end of the cable from the drum to the object to be winched). Many winches do not include means for uncoupling the drum from the drive means for this purpose. Other winches may have this capability but are cumbersome or unsafe to use.
A further problem presented in the use of a winch system pertains to release of tension on the cable. In many situations it is necessary or desirable to be able to disconnect the cable from the object being winched but some tension remains on the cable. For example, the object being winched may roll or slide very slightly in a backward direction but is not in danger of rolling away or sliding away if disconnected from the winch. In this situation it can be difficult, if not impossible, to disconnect the cable from the object being winched.
A few portable power winches and hoists have been proposed. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,036,435; 3,322,398; 3,938,781; 4,145,028; 4,162,059; 4,196,889; 4,444,375; 4,552,340; and 4,623,124. These patents describe portable winches which are powered by gasoline engines. Such winches do not include the advantages exhibited by the power winch systems of the present invention. Also, many of such prior winch systems do not have good power-to-weight ratios, and they are limited in towing capacity. They also can be very slow in operation.
There is a very serious disadvantage associated with previous proposed winches, including portable winches, which utilize a centrifugal clutch on the power unit If the power unit should ever stop for any reason, or if its speed drops too low, the centrifugal clutch automatically disengages and the drum is free to rotate in reverse (i.e., the load on the cable pulls away from the winch and the drum unwinds very quickly as cable is pulled off of it). This presents a very dangerous situation. For example, if a load is being lifted off the ground when the clutch disengages, the load immediately falls downwardly and could injure someone. Even if a brake is included on a winch to slow or stop the drum from rotating in reverse, human reflexes are not fast enough to cause the brake to be engaged before the load has already fallen to the ground or increased in speed to the point where the brake won't hold it. If it is possible to lock a brake on the drum manually there is the very real danger of causing severe damage to the winch or the operator or both when the cable is finally suddenly stopped. These are safety hazards which can render use of such devices dangerous.
Other winch systems, hoists, transmissions, etc. are described in the following: U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,768,278; 1,931,655; 2,080,804; 2,309,285; 2,869,822; 3,291,452; 3,411,751; 3,871,7l4; 3,915,022; 4,109,799; 4,169,580; and 4,188,790. A winch system is also described in French Patent 474,214. However, such winch systems and hoists are not light-weight and are not portable systems which can be used at any desired remote location where a winch is needed. Furthermore, none of such patents describe a drum clutch assembly having the features and advantages provided by the present invention.
There has not heretofore been provided a portable, self-contained winch system of the type provided by the present invention. There has not heretofore been provided a winch system having the capabilities and advantages of the winch system of this invention.
Other variations of the power winch system are also possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. The load capacity of the winch system may vary, as desired, depending upon the size of the power unit and the capacity of the flexible cable.
The winch system may be provided as a small portable unit or as a large non-portable unit. The winch may be powered by any desired means, such as a gasoline engine. It could also be powered manually if desired.
Electric hoist
The present invention relates to an electric hoist for raising and lowering a heavy load in a cargo handling operation, and has, as a major component, an electric winch that is constantly suspended in a horizontally aligned posture thereof.
Electric winches typically have a relatively simple structure in which a drum is coupled to a drive shaft of an electric motor such as a geared motor through a reduction device. A variety of types of electric winches are commercially available in wide ranges of price and performance.
In October 2002 discloses a heavy load lifting hoist using an electric winch. FIG. 8 illustrates the disclosed structure. A horizontal extending arm 51 is connected to a vertically aligned pole 50 and an electric winch 52 is supported on the arm 51. A clamp 54 having a socket 53 is fixed to the pole 50. A wedge 55 is welded to one end of the arm 51. With the wedge 55 received in the socket 53, the arm 51 is secured to the pole 50. The other end of the arm 51 is supported by a brace 56. A cover frame 57 covers the electric winch 52. Arranged on the cover frame 57 are two brackets 58 through which the arm 51 extends. The electric winch 52 is supported by the arm 51 with the arm 51 extending through the brackets 58.
The electric winch 52 is used as a hoist in this structure that a wire 60 (alternatively, a rope or a chain) wound around a drum 59 is suspended. The electric winch 52 supported by two brackets 58 is free from being inclined during lifting of a heavy cargo. In view of safety cargo handling operation, an uninclined electric winch 52 is important to maintain an appropriate positional relationship between the wire 60 and the drum 59 and to prevent the wire 60 from being wound on the drum 59 on a one-sided manner and from being unwound unintentionally from the drum 59.
The pole 50 in the conventional art must be erected if the electric winch 52 is used in a cargo handling operation within a plant building or warehouse. Since the pole 50 is not permanently installed, the area that permits the pole 50 to be erected is limited. It is not practical to newly erect the pole 50 within a plant building or a warehouse. If the arm 51 is secured to the ceiling of a building, the pole 50 is dispensed with. Even in this case, the area that permits the arm 51 to be installed is also limited.
A simplest fixing method of the electric winch 52 is to suspend it. More specifically, the electric winch 52 is easily suspended as an electric hoist if a suspension tool such as a wire is available in a cargo handling place.
FIG. 9 illustrates such an example. A hook 61 is arranged on the electric winch 52. The hook 61 is secured to the electric winch 52 at the center of gravity thereof in an empty load condition. By hanging the hook 61 on a wire 62 that is suspended from an appropriate posture on the ceiling, the electric winch 52 remains in a horizontal posture thereof. The electric winch 52 includes the motor and drum side by side. During cargo lifting, a load acts on the drum causing the center of gravity of the entire electric winch 52 to be shifted toward the drum. The electric winch 52 is thus inclined downward at the drum 59 in response to the weight of the load. If the cargo handling operation is performed with the electric winch 52 inclined, the wire 60 may be wound in a one-sided fashion on the drum 59. Such an operation is dangerous. Since the load is varied in weight, it is impossible to set the position of the hook 61 to the center of gravity during cargo operation.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an electric hoist as a suspended electric winch that maintains a horizontal posture in any cargo handling operation.
An electric hoist of the present invention in one aspect includes an electric winch including a drum axially connected to a drive shaft of a motor, a suspension hook attached to the electric winch right above the center of gravity of the electric winch, the electric winch being in a horizontal posture thereof in and empty load state thereof, a first roller arranged on the opposite side of the electric winch from the suspension hook and turning the direction of a wire paid out from the drum toward the center of gravity, and a second roller for turning the direction of the wire to be aligned with a vertical line downward extended from the center of gravity of the electric winch. The hook for suspending the electric winch may be a ring. The hook may be directly secured to the electric winch or to the cover frame already discussed in the Description of the Related Art. The wire paid out from the drum is wrapped around the first roller along about the lower half circumference thereof and wrapped around the second roller along about the upper half of the circumference thereof. The wire thus runs to be aligned with a line vertically downward extending from the center of gravity of the electric winch (right below the position of the hook). As a result, the center of gravity of the electric winch in the suspended electric winch and the center of gravity of the load are in alignment. Regardless of whether the electric winch is in an empty load condition or a loaded condition, the hoist remains to be laterally balanced.
In accordance with the present invention, the electric winch is suspended in the simplest suspension method when the electric winch is used as the electric hoist. The suspension method is implemented in many plants and warehouses without any particular facility. The electric winch in the suspended posture thereof is balanced in a fore-after direction and a lateral direction, and continuously maintains a horizontal aligned posture during a load empty period and a load raising and lowering period. A cargo handling operation using the electric winch is safely performed. Since the position of the first and second roller for causing the wire paid out from the drum to run vertically downward right below the center of gravity is adjusted, no excessive friction takes place between the wire and the rollers. No increase in the burden on the motor occurs.
Electric winches typically have a relatively simple structure in which a drum is coupled to a drive shaft of an electric motor such as a geared motor through a reduction device. A variety of types of electric winches are commercially available in wide ranges of price and performance.
In October 2002 discloses a heavy load lifting hoist using an electric winch. FIG. 8 illustrates the disclosed structure. A horizontal extending arm 51 is connected to a vertically aligned pole 50 and an electric winch 52 is supported on the arm 51. A clamp 54 having a socket 53 is fixed to the pole 50. A wedge 55 is welded to one end of the arm 51. With the wedge 55 received in the socket 53, the arm 51 is secured to the pole 50. The other end of the arm 51 is supported by a brace 56. A cover frame 57 covers the electric winch 52. Arranged on the cover frame 57 are two brackets 58 through which the arm 51 extends. The electric winch 52 is supported by the arm 51 with the arm 51 extending through the brackets 58.
The electric winch 52 is used as a hoist in this structure that a wire 60 (alternatively, a rope or a chain) wound around a drum 59 is suspended. The electric winch 52 supported by two brackets 58 is free from being inclined during lifting of a heavy cargo. In view of safety cargo handling operation, an uninclined electric winch 52 is important to maintain an appropriate positional relationship between the wire 60 and the drum 59 and to prevent the wire 60 from being wound on the drum 59 on a one-sided manner and from being unwound unintentionally from the drum 59.
The pole 50 in the conventional art must be erected if the electric winch 52 is used in a cargo handling operation within a plant building or warehouse. Since the pole 50 is not permanently installed, the area that permits the pole 50 to be erected is limited. It is not practical to newly erect the pole 50 within a plant building or a warehouse. If the arm 51 is secured to the ceiling of a building, the pole 50 is dispensed with. Even in this case, the area that permits the arm 51 to be installed is also limited.
A simplest fixing method of the electric winch 52 is to suspend it. More specifically, the electric winch 52 is easily suspended as an electric hoist if a suspension tool such as a wire is available in a cargo handling place.
FIG. 9 illustrates such an example. A hook 61 is arranged on the electric winch 52. The hook 61 is secured to the electric winch 52 at the center of gravity thereof in an empty load condition. By hanging the hook 61 on a wire 62 that is suspended from an appropriate posture on the ceiling, the electric winch 52 remains in a horizontal posture thereof. The electric winch 52 includes the motor and drum side by side. During cargo lifting, a load acts on the drum causing the center of gravity of the entire electric winch 52 to be shifted toward the drum. The electric winch 52 is thus inclined downward at the drum 59 in response to the weight of the load. If the cargo handling operation is performed with the electric winch 52 inclined, the wire 60 may be wound in a one-sided fashion on the drum 59. Such an operation is dangerous. Since the load is varied in weight, it is impossible to set the position of the hook 61 to the center of gravity during cargo operation.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an electric hoist as a suspended electric winch that maintains a horizontal posture in any cargo handling operation.
An electric hoist of the present invention in one aspect includes an electric winch including a drum axially connected to a drive shaft of a motor, a suspension hook attached to the electric winch right above the center of gravity of the electric winch, the electric winch being in a horizontal posture thereof in and empty load state thereof, a first roller arranged on the opposite side of the electric winch from the suspension hook and turning the direction of a wire paid out from the drum toward the center of gravity, and a second roller for turning the direction of the wire to be aligned with a vertical line downward extended from the center of gravity of the electric winch. The hook for suspending the electric winch may be a ring. The hook may be directly secured to the electric winch or to the cover frame already discussed in the Description of the Related Art. The wire paid out from the drum is wrapped around the first roller along about the lower half circumference thereof and wrapped around the second roller along about the upper half of the circumference thereof. The wire thus runs to be aligned with a line vertically downward extending from the center of gravity of the electric winch (right below the position of the hook). As a result, the center of gravity of the electric winch in the suspended electric winch and the center of gravity of the load are in alignment. Regardless of whether the electric winch is in an empty load condition or a loaded condition, the hoist remains to be laterally balanced.
In accordance with the present invention, the electric winch is suspended in the simplest suspension method when the electric winch is used as the electric hoist. The suspension method is implemented in many plants and warehouses without any particular facility. The electric winch in the suspended posture thereof is balanced in a fore-after direction and a lateral direction, and continuously maintains a horizontal aligned posture during a load empty period and a load raising and lowering period. A cargo handling operation using the electric winch is safely performed. Since the position of the first and second roller for causing the wire paid out from the drum to run vertically downward right below the center of gravity is adjusted, no excessive friction takes place between the wire and the rollers. No increase in the burden on the motor occurs.
Electric winch system
An electric winch of such an electric winch system is mounted on the outside of an automotive vehicle, such as on a front portion, as an assembly unit including an electric motor and relays for controlling rotation in the normal direction or inthe reverse direction, of an electric motor, and the assembly unit is usually fed with a voltage. This, however, is responsible for formation of a short-circuit in the automotive vehicle, which would lead to occurance of an automotive fire from amotor-car accident, such as results from the collision of automotive vehicles.
To attain the object, there is provided according to the present invention an electric winch system including an electric winch provided on the outside of an automotive vehicle, a DC power source provided in an engine room, a pair of connectorparts consisting of one connector part connected to the DC power source and exposed to the outside of the automotive vehicle, and another connector part adapted to be connected to one connector part, and a control switch connected to the other connectorpart and adapted to control the running of an electric motor of the electric winch by way of the pair of connector parts when the pair of connector parts are joined together. The aforesaid electric winch system is characterized by a power source switchprovided between the DC power source and the electric motor of the electric winch in the automotive vehicle, and a power-source-switch controlling means adapted to turn the power source switch to a closed position only when the pair of connector partsare joined to each other.
By the above-described arrangement of the present invention, normally a voltage can not reach the outside of an automotive vehicle, but is applied to the electric winch provided on the outside of the vehicle body only when the pair of connectorparts are connected to each other for operating the electric winch. In the event that the electric winch is damaged due to the collision of automotive vehicles during the running of the automotive vehicle, there is no risk that the DC power source isshort-circuited, which would lead to an automobile fire, and electric damage is prevented.
Preferably, the power source switch is constituted from contact portions of relays, and the power-source-switch controlling means is a closed circuit which is completed by way of the coils of the relays when the pair of connector parts areconnected to each other. As soon as the pair of connector parts are connected to each other for operating the electric winch, a relay serving as the power source switch closes, thereby allowing a current to flow from the DC power source to the electricwinch.
Preferably, the electric motor of the electric winch is a DC series motor, and the control switch is adapted to control a direction of a field system of the DC series motor, thereby running the DC series motor in the normal direction or in thereverse direction.
Preferably, the electric winch is an assembly unit, which comprises a winch mechanism, an electric motor for operating the winch mechanism, a normal rotation relay and a reverse rotation relay both of which are provided between the power sourceswitch and the electric motor and controlled by the control switch. Preferably, the normal rotation relay and the reverse rotation relay are connected to separate series field coils of the electric motor, respectively, and these series field coils areso arranged as to form fields systems directed opposite to each other.
Preferably, the assembly unit of the electric winch comprises a temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the electric motor, and the control switch assembly unit comprises indication means adapted to be connected by way of thepair of connector parts to the temperature detecting means, and a control switch.
When it is desired to operate the electric winch 5, the connector part 45 is plugged into the connector part 18. Since the terminal B and C in the connector part 45 are connected to each other, a current is allowed to flow from the battery 14 byway of the terminal C of the connector part 18 to the coil 38 of the relay, thereby rendering the contact pair 22 connected. In an operator connects the base terminal 58 in the control switch 48 to the normal rotation terminal 59 or the reverse rotationterminal 60, then a current is caused to flow to the coil 39 or 41 of the normal rotation relay 23 or the reverse rotation relay 24, thereby rendering the terminal pair 25 or 26 connected, whereby the electric motor 8 is rotated in the normal directionor in the reverse direction, thereby moving the cable 6 in an unwinding direction or in a winding direction.
According to the present invention, only when the connector parts 18 and 45 are joined to each other for operating the electric winch 5, a voltage is applied to the electric winch mounted on the outside of the vehicle body, but usually notsupplied thereto. Thus, electric damage is prevented, and in the event that the electric winch 5 is broken due to an automotive collision, there is no risk that the battery 14 is short-circuited.
To attain the object, there is provided according to the present invention an electric winch system including an electric winch provided on the outside of an automotive vehicle, a DC power source provided in an engine room, a pair of connectorparts consisting of one connector part connected to the DC power source and exposed to the outside of the automotive vehicle, and another connector part adapted to be connected to one connector part, and a control switch connected to the other connectorpart and adapted to control the running of an electric motor of the electric winch by way of the pair of connector parts when the pair of connector parts are joined together. The aforesaid electric winch system is characterized by a power source switchprovided between the DC power source and the electric motor of the electric winch in the automotive vehicle, and a power-source-switch controlling means adapted to turn the power source switch to a closed position only when the pair of connector partsare joined to each other.
By the above-described arrangement of the present invention, normally a voltage can not reach the outside of an automotive vehicle, but is applied to the electric winch provided on the outside of the vehicle body only when the pair of connectorparts are connected to each other for operating the electric winch. In the event that the electric winch is damaged due to the collision of automotive vehicles during the running of the automotive vehicle, there is no risk that the DC power source isshort-circuited, which would lead to an automobile fire, and electric damage is prevented.
Preferably, the power source switch is constituted from contact portions of relays, and the power-source-switch controlling means is a closed circuit which is completed by way of the coils of the relays when the pair of connector parts areconnected to each other. As soon as the pair of connector parts are connected to each other for operating the electric winch, a relay serving as the power source switch closes, thereby allowing a current to flow from the DC power source to the electricwinch.
Preferably, the electric motor of the electric winch is a DC series motor, and the control switch is adapted to control a direction of a field system of the DC series motor, thereby running the DC series motor in the normal direction or in thereverse direction.
Preferably, the electric winch is an assembly unit, which comprises a winch mechanism, an electric motor for operating the winch mechanism, a normal rotation relay and a reverse rotation relay both of which are provided between the power sourceswitch and the electric motor and controlled by the control switch. Preferably, the normal rotation relay and the reverse rotation relay are connected to separate series field coils of the electric motor, respectively, and these series field coils areso arranged as to form fields systems directed opposite to each other.
Preferably, the assembly unit of the electric winch comprises a temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the electric motor, and the control switch assembly unit comprises indication means adapted to be connected by way of thepair of connector parts to the temperature detecting means, and a control switch.
When it is desired to operate the electric winch 5, the connector part 45 is plugged into the connector part 18. Since the terminal B and C in the connector part 45 are connected to each other, a current is allowed to flow from the battery 14 byway of the terminal C of the connector part 18 to the coil 38 of the relay, thereby rendering the contact pair 22 connected. In an operator connects the base terminal 58 in the control switch 48 to the normal rotation terminal 59 or the reverse rotationterminal 60, then a current is caused to flow to the coil 39 or 41 of the normal rotation relay 23 or the reverse rotation relay 24, thereby rendering the terminal pair 25 or 26 connected, whereby the electric motor 8 is rotated in the normal directionor in the reverse direction, thereby moving the cable 6 in an unwinding direction or in a winding direction.
According to the present invention, only when the connector parts 18 and 45 are joined to each other for operating the electric winch 5, a voltage is applied to the electric winch mounted on the outside of the vehicle body, but usually notsupplied thereto. Thus, electric damage is prevented, and in the event that the electric winch 5 is broken due to an automotive collision, there is no risk that the battery 14 is short-circuited.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Chargeable electric winch
The invention relates to a chargeable electric winch, and more particularly to a portable winch using a chargeable battery so that the winch can be used at a place where no power can be obtained or the power cannot be easily obtained. Forexample, the chargeable electric winch can be used to spread a canvas of a sailing boat and to put the canvas of the sailing boat together, or to hang a heavy object in the farm.
At a place where no power can be obtained or the power cannot be easily obtained, a winch is typically driven by a hand of a user in a time-consuming and labor-consuming manner. The following examples will be described.
In a first example for a water activity, the winch has to be used on a sailing boat or a yacht in order to coil and uncoil a cable, to spread a canvas and to put the canvas together, and to change the moving direction of the canvas. However, thepower cannot be obtained or cannot be easily obtained on the sailing boat or the yacht, and the manual winch is usually used to control these operations so that these operations are time-consuming and labor-consuming operations.
In a second example for a land activity, the winch has to be used in a high mountain, in a forest or in a farm to hang up a heavy object, to move the heavy object away or to coil and uncoil the heavy object. Because the power cannot be obtainedor cannot be easily obtained in the high mountain, the forest or the farm, and the manual winch is usually used to control these operations so that these operations are time-consuming and labor-consuming operations. The land activity also has theproblem that the power cannot be obtained or the power cannot be easily obtained. In addition, a net in a tennis court is usually lifted up and lowered down by the manual winch.
Thus, it is an important subject of the invention to provide a chargeable electric winch capable of solving the above-mentioned problems in a reasonable and effective manner.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a chargeable electric winch, which is portable and uses a chargeable battery so that the chargeable electric winch can be conveniently carried and operated. In addition, the battery makes thewinch be used at a place where no power can be obtained or the power cannot be easily obtained so that the timesaving and laborsaving effects can be obtained as compared with the conventional manual winch.
Another object of the invention is to provide a chargeable electric winch having a battery which is separatably assembled with a housing so that the battery can be replaced with another backup battery. More particularly, a connector can beconnected to an opposite connector as the battery is assembled with the housing so that the battery can provide the power through the connectors.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a chargeable electric winch having a driven shaft which may be combined with different opposite elements according to different requirements. The light emitting angle of the lighting element isconfigured such that the light is emitted toward a free end of the driven shaft. Thus, the better illumination effect may be obtained. In addition, the position of the handle is close to the driven shaft so that the orientation of the free end of thedriven shaft can be controlled more conveniently and more precisely.
To achieve the above-identified objects, the invention provides a chargeable electric winch for driving a to-be-controlled object to rotate. The electric winch includes a housing, a driving device, a driven shaft, a first switch and a battery. The driving device is disposed in the housing. The driven shaft penetrates through the housing and is driven by the driving device to rotate. The first switch is disposed on the housing and has a controller. The controller has an opposite connectorand is electrically connected to the driving device. The battery has an inner battery body and an outer connector electrically connected to the inner battery body. The battery for providing power is electrically connected to the opposite connector ofthe first switch through the outer connector of the battery, and the battery is separatably assembled with the housing.
The invention has the following advantages. The chargeable electric winch of the invention is portable and can thus be carried and operated conveniently. The electric winch of the invention is powered by the chargeable battery so that theelectric winch can be used at a place where no power can be obtained or the power cannot be easily obtained, and the timesaving and laborsaving effects can be obtained as compared with the conventional manual winch. The driven shaft can be connected todifferent opposite elements according to the actual requirement. The light emitting angle of the lighting element is configured such that the light is emitted toward the free end of the driven shaft. Thus, the better illumination effect may beobtained. The position of the handle is close to the driven shaft so that the orientation of the free end of the driven shaft can be controlled more conveniently and more precisely. The battery is configured to be separatably assembled with the secondend portion of the housing so that the battery can be replaced with another backup battery. More particularly, the connection between the outer connector and the opposite connector can achieve the effect of creating the electrical connection between theouter connector and the opposite connector when the battery is assembled with the second end portion.
At a place where no power can be obtained or the power cannot be easily obtained, a winch is typically driven by a hand of a user in a time-consuming and labor-consuming manner. The following examples will be described.
In a first example for a water activity, the winch has to be used on a sailing boat or a yacht in order to coil and uncoil a cable, to spread a canvas and to put the canvas together, and to change the moving direction of the canvas. However, thepower cannot be obtained or cannot be easily obtained on the sailing boat or the yacht, and the manual winch is usually used to control these operations so that these operations are time-consuming and labor-consuming operations.
In a second example for a land activity, the winch has to be used in a high mountain, in a forest or in a farm to hang up a heavy object, to move the heavy object away or to coil and uncoil the heavy object. Because the power cannot be obtainedor cannot be easily obtained in the high mountain, the forest or the farm, and the manual winch is usually used to control these operations so that these operations are time-consuming and labor-consuming operations. The land activity also has theproblem that the power cannot be obtained or the power cannot be easily obtained. In addition, a net in a tennis court is usually lifted up and lowered down by the manual winch.
Thus, it is an important subject of the invention to provide a chargeable electric winch capable of solving the above-mentioned problems in a reasonable and effective manner.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a chargeable electric winch, which is portable and uses a chargeable battery so that the chargeable electric winch can be conveniently carried and operated. In addition, the battery makes thewinch be used at a place where no power can be obtained or the power cannot be easily obtained so that the timesaving and laborsaving effects can be obtained as compared with the conventional manual winch.
Another object of the invention is to provide a chargeable electric winch having a battery which is separatably assembled with a housing so that the battery can be replaced with another backup battery. More particularly, a connector can beconnected to an opposite connector as the battery is assembled with the housing so that the battery can provide the power through the connectors.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a chargeable electric winch having a driven shaft which may be combined with different opposite elements according to different requirements. The light emitting angle of the lighting element isconfigured such that the light is emitted toward a free end of the driven shaft. Thus, the better illumination effect may be obtained. In addition, the position of the handle is close to the driven shaft so that the orientation of the free end of thedriven shaft can be controlled more conveniently and more precisely.
To achieve the above-identified objects, the invention provides a chargeable electric winch for driving a to-be-controlled object to rotate. The electric winch includes a housing, a driving device, a driven shaft, a first switch and a battery. The driving device is disposed in the housing. The driven shaft penetrates through the housing and is driven by the driving device to rotate. The first switch is disposed on the housing and has a controller. The controller has an opposite connectorand is electrically connected to the driving device. The battery has an inner battery body and an outer connector electrically connected to the inner battery body. The battery for providing power is electrically connected to the opposite connector ofthe first switch through the outer connector of the battery, and the battery is separatably assembled with the housing.
The invention has the following advantages. The chargeable electric winch of the invention is portable and can thus be carried and operated conveniently. The electric winch of the invention is powered by the chargeable battery so that theelectric winch can be used at a place where no power can be obtained or the power cannot be easily obtained, and the timesaving and laborsaving effects can be obtained as compared with the conventional manual winch. The driven shaft can be connected todifferent opposite elements according to the actual requirement. The light emitting angle of the lighting element is configured such that the light is emitted toward the free end of the driven shaft. Thus, the better illumination effect may beobtained. The position of the handle is close to the driven shaft so that the orientation of the free end of the driven shaft can be controlled more conveniently and more precisely. The battery is configured to be separatably assembled with the secondend portion of the housing so that the battery can be replaced with another backup battery. More particularly, the connection between the outer connector and the opposite connector can achieve the effect of creating the electrical connection between theouter connector and the opposite connector when the battery is assembled with the second end portion.
Motion compensation winch
In the past most hoisting devices used for lowering lifeboats and the like relied on a winch operator to lower a boat so that the boat reached the surface when the water level is rising rather than falling away. Otherwise the wave falls away under the boat so it is suspended by the cable again. It is also necessary to prevent slack occurring in the hoisting cable. If slack does occur, then when the wave falls away, the slack is taken up and a violent jerk occurs as the weight of the lifeboat is taken by the cable. This jerk action may cause undue stresses in the hoisting cable or in the hoisting connections to the lifeboat. Furthermore, such an action causes discomfort to passengers in a lifeboat.
Various types of winches have been devised to prevent the occurrence of slack in a cable and to prevent the jerk that occurs when the slack is taken up. One such hoisting device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,928,925 which discloses a constant tension hoisting member with a separate cable tension sensing system. The hoisting device provides an automatic launching operation but not an automatic recovery arrangement. The winch disclosed in this patent utilizes a main motor and an auxiliary motor.
An aim of the present invention is to provide a winch for launching and recovering an object such as a boat from an active wave environment generally moving relative to a stationary or moving platform where the winch has a number of operational modes which operate separately from a manual operational mode. The operational modes include a launch mode, a motion compensation mode, a free wheel mode and a recovery mode.
These and other objects are achieved by providing a winch drum that is driven by a primary gear reduction and a secondary gear reduction from a single fixed displacement hydraulic motor. Primary and secondary clutches are provided, the primary clutch engages and disengages the motor drive shaft from an internal gear of the primary gear reduction on a connecting tube. When the primary clutch is engaged, the motor drive shaft and the connecting tube rotate as one and thus the primary reduction is eliminated. When the primary clutch is disengaged, the motor drive shaft drives both the primary gear reduction and the secondary gear reduction, thus the cable drum rotates at a slower speed with full torque to the cable drum.
When the winch is in a motion compensation mode and in a recovery mode, a rotational sensor senses when the winch drum is paying out or paying in and selects a preset high pressure hydraulic oil supply to the primary clutch when the winch drum is paying in, and a preset low pressure hydraulic oil supply to the primary clutch when the winch drum is paying out. Thus, the hydraulic motor, through the primary clutch drives the winch drum with the primary reduction eliminated in the pay in direction, and the load on the cable pulls the winch drum in pay out direction against the oil cooled shipping primary clutch.
Apart from the manual mode, there are four automatic operational modes for the winch. These will be explained in detail. The first mode is the launching mode. Before activating any of the automatic operational modes, the winch operator is able to operate the winch in the manual mode as a standard winch simply by leaving the power off and utilizing the hoist control lever 114 to raise or lower a boat from the platform of a ship or dock and position it over the water.
When the required conditions are in compliance with the logic program, secondary clutch release solenoid valve 130 shifts and opens the port to the hydraulic supply tank 136 allowing the secondary clutch 52 to apply while the primary clutch 64 keeps driving freely in hoisting direction through the sprag clutch 48 located between the connecting tube 46 and the secondary clutch hub 50. When the load is elevated by the wave to its maximum height, the secondary clutch 52 and the secondary sprag clutch 48 keeps the connecting tube 46 from rotating in the pay out direction. As a result, this activates the primary gear reduction providing full gear reduction through the secondary gear reduction to the cable drum 12. Not only can the load no longer pay out, but the winch is basically shifted into manual mode capable of lifting full rated load. Once the hydraulic motor pressure reaches 2300 psi the low pressure switch 132 shifts the pressure select valve 126 to low clutch pressure providing minimum friction ready to drive full speed in hoisting direction should a second wave occur. The load is now under the operator's control and it may be stopped any time by moving the winch control lever 114 into the neutral position.
Various types of winches have been devised to prevent the occurrence of slack in a cable and to prevent the jerk that occurs when the slack is taken up. One such hoisting device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,928,925 which discloses a constant tension hoisting member with a separate cable tension sensing system. The hoisting device provides an automatic launching operation but not an automatic recovery arrangement. The winch disclosed in this patent utilizes a main motor and an auxiliary motor.
An aim of the present invention is to provide a winch for launching and recovering an object such as a boat from an active wave environment generally moving relative to a stationary or moving platform where the winch has a number of operational modes which operate separately from a manual operational mode. The operational modes include a launch mode, a motion compensation mode, a free wheel mode and a recovery mode.
These and other objects are achieved by providing a winch drum that is driven by a primary gear reduction and a secondary gear reduction from a single fixed displacement hydraulic motor. Primary and secondary clutches are provided, the primary clutch engages and disengages the motor drive shaft from an internal gear of the primary gear reduction on a connecting tube. When the primary clutch is engaged, the motor drive shaft and the connecting tube rotate as one and thus the primary reduction is eliminated. When the primary clutch is disengaged, the motor drive shaft drives both the primary gear reduction and the secondary gear reduction, thus the cable drum rotates at a slower speed with full torque to the cable drum.
When the winch is in a motion compensation mode and in a recovery mode, a rotational sensor senses when the winch drum is paying out or paying in and selects a preset high pressure hydraulic oil supply to the primary clutch when the winch drum is paying in, and a preset low pressure hydraulic oil supply to the primary clutch when the winch drum is paying out. Thus, the hydraulic motor, through the primary clutch drives the winch drum with the primary reduction eliminated in the pay in direction, and the load on the cable pulls the winch drum in pay out direction against the oil cooled shipping primary clutch.
Apart from the manual mode, there are four automatic operational modes for the winch. These will be explained in detail. The first mode is the launching mode. Before activating any of the automatic operational modes, the winch operator is able to operate the winch in the manual mode as a standard winch simply by leaving the power off and utilizing the hoist control lever 114 to raise or lower a boat from the platform of a ship or dock and position it over the water.
When the required conditions are in compliance with the logic program, secondary clutch release solenoid valve 130 shifts and opens the port to the hydraulic supply tank 136 allowing the secondary clutch 52 to apply while the primary clutch 64 keeps driving freely in hoisting direction through the sprag clutch 48 located between the connecting tube 46 and the secondary clutch hub 50. When the load is elevated by the wave to its maximum height, the secondary clutch 52 and the secondary sprag clutch 48 keeps the connecting tube 46 from rotating in the pay out direction. As a result, this activates the primary gear reduction providing full gear reduction through the secondary gear reduction to the cable drum 12. Not only can the load no longer pay out, but the winch is basically shifted into manual mode capable of lifting full rated load. Once the hydraulic motor pressure reaches 2300 psi the low pressure switch 132 shifts the pressure select valve 126 to low clutch pressure providing minimum friction ready to drive full speed in hoisting direction should a second wave occur. The load is now under the operator's control and it may be stopped any time by moving the winch control lever 114 into the neutral position.
Boat Electric Winch
The question that many new boat owners are facing is whether to use a standard trailer winch boat or an electric winch boat trailer. You have some of the old timers who refuse to admit that the technology is worth it and still want to crank the winch by hand to bring the boat back on the rolls. Then of course you have the new generation that wants every gadget known to mankind and will not settle for anything but the best in a trailer winch boat. Ultimately, you'll have to take a decision and get the right one for you.
If you put them side by side, it would hardly seem to be an argument about who to buy. The boat trailer electric winch will have better features and is much easier to use. The disadvantage is of course they will cost much more money. However, all this is relative as the winch itself is not really very expensive.
If you buy a top of the line hand winch, you'll probably spend about $ 70 or more. This will provide trailer winch boat which can carry about 2,500 pounds and run a rolling boat weighs about 8000 lbs. For the same model that is electric, you'll probably spend about $ 150. Now while that is double the money, it's really not that big of a deal. You talk about spending 1% of the cost of the boat to make your life a little easier when you put the boat in the water and out of the water.
Indeed, an electric winch will make your life much easier. No more struggling to get the boat on the trailer at the end of the day and you can really transform what is usually an operation two or three man in a one-man show. Why should you not be able to enjoy your boat, because you have no one to go on the water with you? With an electric winch, which is no longer a problem. Choosing an electric winch, which is used to pull a car, boat, crane or truck from a problematic area can be confusing due to the great number of choices available. The electric winch is powered by the vehicle's battery. Electric winches are more universal than other types, which is why consumers go for them.
If you have a few extra dollars in your portfolio, you would be well served to get the electric winch. It makes life much easier and will save you a few years back. Instead of fighting to get back in your boat on the trailer, all you have to do is align it and press a button. From there, your boat trailer electric winch will do the rest work for you.
The use of a manual or electric boat trailer winch is dependent upon the size of the water craft. Generally, the rule of thumb is that any boat that is 23 feet or less is small enough in weight and size to allow the easy docking of the boat on a trailer. Therefore, any boat that exceeds 23 feet should be moved to the trailer from the water using an electric boat trailer winch.
Since 2001, South Pacific has been manufacturing and selling Electric Winch, Hydraulic Winch, and Boat Winch. We are provider of fine quality marine equipment and supplies
If you put them side by side, it would hardly seem to be an argument about who to buy. The boat trailer electric winch will have better features and is much easier to use. The disadvantage is of course they will cost much more money. However, all this is relative as the winch itself is not really very expensive.
If you buy a top of the line hand winch, you'll probably spend about $ 70 or more. This will provide trailer winch boat which can carry about 2,500 pounds and run a rolling boat weighs about 8000 lbs. For the same model that is electric, you'll probably spend about $ 150. Now while that is double the money, it's really not that big of a deal. You talk about spending 1% of the cost of the boat to make your life a little easier when you put the boat in the water and out of the water.
Indeed, an electric winch will make your life much easier. No more struggling to get the boat on the trailer at the end of the day and you can really transform what is usually an operation two or three man in a one-man show. Why should you not be able to enjoy your boat, because you have no one to go on the water with you? With an electric winch, which is no longer a problem. Choosing an electric winch, which is used to pull a car, boat, crane or truck from a problematic area can be confusing due to the great number of choices available. The electric winch is powered by the vehicle's battery. Electric winches are more universal than other types, which is why consumers go for them.
If you have a few extra dollars in your portfolio, you would be well served to get the electric winch. It makes life much easier and will save you a few years back. Instead of fighting to get back in your boat on the trailer, all you have to do is align it and press a button. From there, your boat trailer electric winch will do the rest work for you.
The use of a manual or electric boat trailer winch is dependent upon the size of the water craft. Generally, the rule of thumb is that any boat that is 23 feet or less is small enough in weight and size to allow the easy docking of the boat on a trailer. Therefore, any boat that exceeds 23 feet should be moved to the trailer from the water using an electric boat trailer winch.
Since 2001, South Pacific has been manufacturing and selling Electric Winch, Hydraulic Winch, and Boat Winch. We are provider of fine quality marine equipment and supplies
Choosing and Safely Using an Off-Road Winch
There are many factors to consider when purchasing a winch for your off-road vehicle. There are several reputable winch manufacturers out there, so your winch choice is largely a matter of personal taste. The most google_protectAndRun("ads_core.google_render_ad", google_handleError, google_render_ad); common differences will be in the gearing and horsepower of the motor. Some use planetary gears, some use worm gears, some try other things. Rest assured, however, that most of these winches work very well for their intended purpose. The more popular brands include Warn, Ramsey and Milemarker.
Price is also a concern for most of us, and for this reason manufacturers slap a competitive price on all their models, keeping them relatively affordable. For a winch of any quality, expect to pay approximately $400-$600 USD. It may sound rather steep until you find yourself in an impossible situation, miles away from civilization, and your buddy can't tug you out with his strap.
When choosing a winch for your vehicle, consider the advertised pull rating of the winch compared to the curb weight of the vehicle. For example, if you have a 4x4 pickup that weighs in at around 5500 pounds, you will want an 8,000 lb winch. One reason for this is mud. Once your tires are completely engulfed in mud, your vehicle can give the impression of weighing a lot more than it actually does because of the suction created. Therefore, in order for the winch to successfully pull your 5500 lb truck out of the mud pit, it will need have the ability to haul substantially more than just that weight. The general rule is to add 3,000 pounds to the weight of your vehicle when choosing the pull rating of your winch. I personally run a 12,000 lb winch on my Jeep Cherokee, because I believe in "better There are also a couple of winch types out there. The most common is an electric winch, which uses the 12 volt system in your rig to power the winch using a motor and gear set. Just hook the wires up correctly and it is google_protectAndRun("ads_core.google_render_ad", google_handleError, google_render_ad); ready to go. The other, less popular type, is a hydraulic winch, which normally uses the power-steering pressure in order to operate the winch. The latter is a very reliable winch with a 100% duty cycle (won't overheat easily), but the catch is that the vehicle has to be running. If you get into deep water or lose a fuel line and your engine shuts off, no winch. These winches can be found on many military vehicles. An electric winch will run with the engine off, for as long as your battery has juice. Electric winches normally operate using a remote source, or a cable that runs off the winch itself with a momentary toggle switch on the end of it labeled "In" and "Out". However, it is usually possible to hardwire the winch controls into the cab for ease of use on mild trails. Many times, though, it is actually safer to be outside the vehicle while winching, such as when stranded in rather deep water.
Once you've chosen the proper winch for your vehicle, you'll need some way to mount it (they don't tape on very easily). There are special aftermarket bumpers created especially for use with winches, and once again it is mostly a matter of taste. There will likely be several styles and colors offered for your particular rig, so do some homework before running out and purchasing a winch bumper. Some offer more body protection than others, and one style will mount the winch low in the bumper while another will have the winch higher up and more exposed. I personally like a lower, more hidden winch, because they tend to leave the grill area unobstructed, allowing for more air flow over the radiator.
Now that you have your nifty new winch, and are ready for anything on the trail, there are a few things you need to know. Most winches will have a clutch switch on the winch body somewhere. These are usually three google_protectAndRun("ads_core.google_render_ad", google_handleError, google_render_ad); position switches which are normally labeled "In" , "Out", and "Free", or something similar. Put the switch on "Free" when you are pulling the line to the other vehicle. Once your clevis (the hook on the end of the cable) is safely attached, go back to the winch and switch the clutch to "In". Power the winch until the line is taught, and stop. At this point find a heavy jacket, bag or pack of some sort to place on the middle of the winch line. This is a safety precaution that will direct the energy of a snapping line to the ground. Without a line weight, the winch cable could break and whip wildly, injuring someone or damaging a vehicle. There are nylon winch ropes available which are much safer if you would like to purchase one separately. You will use the "Out" setting of the clutch if you need to give more line for some reason during the extraction. On that setting, the winch is able to power out using the gears in the case, allowing more control than simply free spooling the line. After the stuck vehicle is repositioned and you are ready to pull again, simply place the clutch back to the "In" position and yank. Please make sure all onlookers are safely away from the extraction, just in case something goes wrong. It is also a very good idea to wear heavy gloves when coming in contact with a winch, because the steel lines can get frayed and cut your hands very easily.
It is very important when extracting a vehicle to know where to attach the winch clevis. STAY AWAY from leaf springs and axle tubes if remotely possible. Winches exert great pressure on whatever they are pulling, so you should try to attach the clevis to something that will not bend, like tow hooks, trailer hitches or beefy bumpers with D-Rings designed specifically as trail recovery points.
What do you do when you are the lead vehicle and get stuck in a place where nobody in your group can get by to pull you forward, or (please don't do this) you are out alone and unexpectedly find yourself spinning tires and going nowhere? An old trick is to bury the spare tire about 75 feet from where you are stuck with the winch clevis attached to it. The reason you should put the tire as far away as possible is that the smaller the spool gets, the lower the effective pull ratio gets, which makes it easier for the winch to get you out. This has saved the day for many a back country explorer. Another idea is to use trees as a winch point, although there are right ways and wrong ways to do this. NEVER simply wrap the cable around the nearest tree and pull. The cable can cut deep into the tree, severely damaging or even killing it. You can purchase a tree saver strap, which wraps around the tree in lieu of the thin cable, greatly reducing your chances of doing harm to the tree.
The last thing to know is how to wind the cable back onto the winch after the extraction is complete. The best way is to have one person operate the winch controls while another person keeps the line taught and weaves it back and forth as it winds on the spool, so it gets wrapped evenly. The goal is to try to make one wind of the cable be directly next to the previous wind, until you reach the end of the spool, then start going back the other way.
Following these guidelines should keep your winching experience a happy one. The most important issue is always safety - think before you yank!
Price is also a concern for most of us, and for this reason manufacturers slap a competitive price on all their models, keeping them relatively affordable. For a winch of any quality, expect to pay approximately $400-$600 USD. It may sound rather steep until you find yourself in an impossible situation, miles away from civilization, and your buddy can't tug you out with his strap.
When choosing a winch for your vehicle, consider the advertised pull rating of the winch compared to the curb weight of the vehicle. For example, if you have a 4x4 pickup that weighs in at around 5500 pounds, you will want an 8,000 lb winch. One reason for this is mud. Once your tires are completely engulfed in mud, your vehicle can give the impression of weighing a lot more than it actually does because of the suction created. Therefore, in order for the winch to successfully pull your 5500 lb truck out of the mud pit, it will need have the ability to haul substantially more than just that weight. The general rule is to add 3,000 pounds to the weight of your vehicle when choosing the pull rating of your winch. I personally run a 12,000 lb winch on my Jeep Cherokee, because I believe in "better There are also a couple of winch types out there. The most common is an electric winch, which uses the 12 volt system in your rig to power the winch using a motor and gear set. Just hook the wires up correctly and it is google_protectAndRun("ads_core.google_render_ad", google_handleError, google_render_ad); ready to go. The other, less popular type, is a hydraulic winch, which normally uses the power-steering pressure in order to operate the winch. The latter is a very reliable winch with a 100% duty cycle (won't overheat easily), but the catch is that the vehicle has to be running. If you get into deep water or lose a fuel line and your engine shuts off, no winch. These winches can be found on many military vehicles. An electric winch will run with the engine off, for as long as your battery has juice. Electric winches normally operate using a remote source, or a cable that runs off the winch itself with a momentary toggle switch on the end of it labeled "In" and "Out". However, it is usually possible to hardwire the winch controls into the cab for ease of use on mild trails. Many times, though, it is actually safer to be outside the vehicle while winching, such as when stranded in rather deep water.
Once you've chosen the proper winch for your vehicle, you'll need some way to mount it (they don't tape on very easily). There are special aftermarket bumpers created especially for use with winches, and once again it is mostly a matter of taste. There will likely be several styles and colors offered for your particular rig, so do some homework before running out and purchasing a winch bumper. Some offer more body protection than others, and one style will mount the winch low in the bumper while another will have the winch higher up and more exposed. I personally like a lower, more hidden winch, because they tend to leave the grill area unobstructed, allowing for more air flow over the radiator.
Now that you have your nifty new winch, and are ready for anything on the trail, there are a few things you need to know. Most winches will have a clutch switch on the winch body somewhere. These are usually three google_protectAndRun("ads_core.google_render_ad", google_handleError, google_render_ad); position switches which are normally labeled "In" , "Out", and "Free", or something similar. Put the switch on "Free" when you are pulling the line to the other vehicle. Once your clevis (the hook on the end of the cable) is safely attached, go back to the winch and switch the clutch to "In". Power the winch until the line is taught, and stop. At this point find a heavy jacket, bag or pack of some sort to place on the middle of the winch line. This is a safety precaution that will direct the energy of a snapping line to the ground. Without a line weight, the winch cable could break and whip wildly, injuring someone or damaging a vehicle. There are nylon winch ropes available which are much safer if you would like to purchase one separately. You will use the "Out" setting of the clutch if you need to give more line for some reason during the extraction. On that setting, the winch is able to power out using the gears in the case, allowing more control than simply free spooling the line. After the stuck vehicle is repositioned and you are ready to pull again, simply place the clutch back to the "In" position and yank. Please make sure all onlookers are safely away from the extraction, just in case something goes wrong. It is also a very good idea to wear heavy gloves when coming in contact with a winch, because the steel lines can get frayed and cut your hands very easily.
It is very important when extracting a vehicle to know where to attach the winch clevis. STAY AWAY from leaf springs and axle tubes if remotely possible. Winches exert great pressure on whatever they are pulling, so you should try to attach the clevis to something that will not bend, like tow hooks, trailer hitches or beefy bumpers with D-Rings designed specifically as trail recovery points.
What do you do when you are the lead vehicle and get stuck in a place where nobody in your group can get by to pull you forward, or (please don't do this) you are out alone and unexpectedly find yourself spinning tires and going nowhere? An old trick is to bury the spare tire about 75 feet from where you are stuck with the winch clevis attached to it. The reason you should put the tire as far away as possible is that the smaller the spool gets, the lower the effective pull ratio gets, which makes it easier for the winch to get you out. This has saved the day for many a back country explorer. Another idea is to use trees as a winch point, although there are right ways and wrong ways to do this. NEVER simply wrap the cable around the nearest tree and pull. The cable can cut deep into the tree, severely damaging or even killing it. You can purchase a tree saver strap, which wraps around the tree in lieu of the thin cable, greatly reducing your chances of doing harm to the tree.
The last thing to know is how to wind the cable back onto the winch after the extraction is complete. The best way is to have one person operate the winch controls while another person keeps the line taught and weaves it back and forth as it winds on the spool, so it gets wrapped evenly. The goal is to try to make one wind of the cable be directly next to the previous wind, until you reach the end of the spool, then start going back the other way.
Following these guidelines should keep your winching experience a happy one. The most important issue is always safety - think before you yank!
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