RUFNEK Rules the Rig

The RUFNEK Series by Tulsa Winch is the standard in oil field planetary and worm winch design.  The RUFNEK Series of winches has experienced an evolution of excellence beginning in the 1920s, in oil-boom era Tulsa.  The original winches of that time were made to keep up with the demand, and the constant changes and needs of the industry have molded the RUFNEK brand into the dependable, reliable and tough legacy that it maintains today.

Tulsa Winch has proven themselves worthy of recognition around the globe for designing products that enhance the efficiency of the work load required for the 24/7 demands of the oil field.  The RUFNEK series name sells itself, and has established a reputation for heavy duty winches that are brut and stout, which is exactly required of equipment on the fields.

The RUFNEK Series is engineered with advanced safeguards, including the INTELLIGUARD capacity alert system.  Even in the harshest terrains and on the most challenging projects, RUFNEK Winches can be relied on for safe, rugged performance.

Tulsa Winch designs and engineers all of their products with intelligence, because accidents, equipment failure and downtime are all direct hits to the bottom line.  They call it “pure safety innovation.”  You will call it genius.

RUFNEK planetary winches are available with multiple grades of pulling capacity, all with the INTELLIGUARD technology, from 50,000 lbs. to 130,000 lbs.  Winches Inc is the largest distributor of Tulsa Winch products, including the RUFNEK Series. For more information, visit us at http://www.winchesinc.com or call 877.495.9721 Toll-free.

Secure Winch Mounting Tips

When installing a winch, secure winch mounting is of the utmost importance.  This ensures the protection of your winch, and more importantly, the user.

Depending on your winch use, there are specific installation requirements for each winch.  Generally though, the following guidelines should be implemented:

1. The mount must be flat to ensure proper alignment between the gearbox side, the drum, and the clutch.
2. A rule of thumb to use when selecting capscrews to mount the winch, is to use the same size number of capscrews to fasten the winch to its mount as are used to fasten the gearbox and end bracket to the winch frames.
3. All capscrews used to mount the winch should be Grade 5 or better and should be carefully tightened to the proper torque value for their size.
4. The mounting span of the winch is very important.
5. Make sure that the hydraulic system is clean and that all components function properly, especially valve relief.

You can trust the professionals at Winches Inc to help you ensure the safest and most secure installation of your winch, and all service and repair issues. For more information, visit us at http://www.winchesinc.com or call 877.495.9721 Toll-free.

Understanding and Choosing a Hydraulic System Design

Proper selection and installation of all hydraulic components in your winch system will mean the difference between a winch system which performs as it should and one which causes constant maintenance problems and poor performance.   Understanding basic function, design and components helps ensure proper selection and optimum usage for any hydraulic winch application.

The basic concept of any hydraulic system is simple: Force that is applied at one point is transmitted to another point using an incompressible fluid, yet every hydraulic system design will be unique to the application.  A few hydraulic system components will be common for winch usage, such as pump/power take-offs and directional control valves.

The following component information is general in nature, and will be helpful in choosing a hydraulic system design for a winch.  It is always wise to consult a qualified hydraulic distributor, like Winches Inc, if you have specific questions about your system.

Pump/Power Take-Offs

The hydraulic pump and PTO selected should be chosen to deliver the proper flow at any engine speed you want to run.  For example, with an engine running at 1200 RPM, using a PTO which runs at 70% engine speed, a winch requiring 18 GPM flow for the line speed needed, the pump selected must be capable of delivering 18 GPM at 840 RPM, as that is what the PTO requires to operate.  Also, the pump must be pressure rated for at least the setting of the relief valve.

Another important consideration on pump selection is to select the proper rotation.  Most pumps are not bi-rotational; that is, they will function properly only in one direction of rotation.  For example, if a PTO provides engine-wise rotation and the pump is mounted behind it with the shaft toward the front, a “right hand” or clockwise rotation of the pump is required.  Other directions of mounting either the pump or PTO will affect the direction of rotation, so they must be considered in your selection.

Directional Control Valves

The typical directional control valve to be used with a winch is a three position, four-way valve with an open center spool which is spring returned in neutral.  The open center spool is often referred to as a “motor” spool, since its most common function is providing flow to hydraulic motors. In most winch applications, the spool should be spring returned to neutral, since this serves as a safety feature.  As soon as the operator’s hand is removed from the valve lever the winch will stop running.

For more information, visit us at http://www.winchesinc.com or call 877.495.9721 Toll-free.