Keep it Clean: The Importance of Routine Winch Maintenance

Your winch needs your attention regularly to ensure optimum and safe operation.  Routine maintenance is the key to getting the most out of your winch and will eliminate the dangers involved in the use of a winch in need of repair.  The life of the winch will also be prolonged with proper care.

Inspection
Before and after winch use, always inspect to make sure there is no damage to the winch.  Also check the tightness of the mounting bolts and verify there are no loose components or fasteners.  Tend to these needs if necessary.

Rope
Whether you are using synthetic or wire rope, always inspect the rope before and after each winching operation.  If the rope has been kinked or frayed, it will need to be replaced immediately.  Other signs that your rope will need to be replaced include:

• Rope bulk anywhere along the length is reduced by 25% or more due to abrasion.
• Two or more adjacent strands in rope are cut.
• Flat areas or lumps are visible that cannot be fixed by flexing the rope.
• Fused or melted fibers are found in excess (these areas will be stiff and the rope will have a shiny appearance.)

Lubricate the cable periodically using light penetrating oil.

Battery
Operating the winch for a long period of time can strain the battery.  Ensure that the battery is in good working order and that the battery cables are clean.  Refer to your Operator’s manual for specific battery maintenance.

Winch Maintenance
The clutch should be checked monthly, making sure it is fully engaging and disengaging.  If it is not engaging, inspect the clutch shifter assembly, ensuring there is no damage or excessive wear.  Replace any parts that are necessary.

Keep the winch clean by using a rag or towel  to remove any dirt or debris.  It may be necessary to unwind the rope (leaving at least five wraps on the spooling drum), wipe clean, and rewind properly before storage.

Keep an eye out for corrosion on electrical connections.  Corrosion reduces performance and can cause a short in the system.  Clean all connections, including the remote control switch and receptacle.  If the winch is being used in a salty environment, use a silicone sealer to protect from corrosion.

The winch will also need to be protected from corrosion of the internal motor components that can occur with condensation.  Powering the winch in or out periodically will energize the motor, generating heat which will help dissipate any moisture buildup in the motor.

Storage
When the winch is not in use, it should be left with the clutch in the engage position, to help the internal parts of the winch withstand the effects of weather and contamination.

Winches Inc is the authority on winch information.  For more, please give us a call at 877-495-9721 or see our website at http://www.winchesinc.com.

RigMaster Wireless Remote Control – for All WARN Industrial Series Winches

Working with industrial winches can be very dangerous.  Allowing some distance between a person and a winch can provide the security needed to keep the user safe from harm and make the workload more efficient.

RigMaster products are designed by Winches Inc, offering solutions to meet the market need;  adding value, efficiency and enhancement to the quality winches we sell.  The RigMaster Wireless Remote for WARN Industrial winches epitomizes this philosophy.

This all new, innovative wireless controller will work with any WARN Industrial Series 12 or 24 vdc winch.  The RigMaster Wireless Control System will control a winch from more than 50 feet away, utilizing a superior FM based signal at 915 MHz.

The rugged and durable design of the RigMaster Wireless Control will float in water, and the transmitter and receiver meet IP67 for weather protection.  Its operation temperature range is -20°C to +50°C (-4°F to +122°F).

It comes standard with Plug and Play compatibility for all WARN Industrial 12 and 24 vdc winches and hoist control packs, and is prewired and ready to install directly to the winch.  One need only connect the ground, plug in, and go.

For more information on RigMaster products and Winches Inc, please call 877-495-9721 or visit our website at http://www.winchesinc.com.

Safety First: Basic Winch Operation

Every winching situation is different, but the basics of safety in these operations are consistent in every job.  Working with winches can be very dangerous, and applying the following rules could save your life or limb.  These rules are not all inclusive, and cannot substitute for common sense when using a winch.

• Make sure to read the operator’s manual for your winch before operating. This will ensure that winch specific safety information is recognized. Familiarize with the winch and all of its components.
• Verify that your winch is installed properly and securely, and that it is installed on a sturdy foundation and stable ground.
• Make sure your winch and accessories are not in need of routine maintenance. Inspection to ensure safe use will include verifying the rope or chord is not kinked, frayed or damaged, and hooks and hook pins are not worn.
• Take the time to assess your situation and plan your operation carefully.
• Always wear personal protection gear when operating a winch. This includes heavy work gloves and eye protection.  Depending on the work, a hard hat may be required.
• Any bystanders need to be kept at a safe distance while winch is in operation.
• Avoid wearing loose fitting clothing, or anything that could become entangled in the rope or other moving parts.
• When working on the winch, always make sure it is disconnected from its power source.
• Never exceed the winch’s rated capacity.
• Never allow a child to operate a winch. It is not a toy.
• Keep an eye on the spooling once the winch is in operation. Improper spooling can cause a hazard and a headache.  For more information on spooling, see https://winchesinc.wordpress.com/2015/07/01/the-wrap-on-wire-rope-spooling/.
• Observe your winch operation from a safe distance, if possible. Remote controls are useful for this purpose.
• Never operate any equipment under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• If the equipment is not working properly, or is creating unusual sounds or vibrations, this is generally a warning sign. Stop the operation immediately and check for the cause.
• Never lift people with a winch unless it is personnel rated.

Winches Inc is happy to provide this information to you to help ensure your safety.  We are your winch solution and the authority on winches and winch operations.  For more information, see www.winchesinc.com or call us at 877-495-9721.