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.

The Absolute Best Winches for Wrecker and Tow Truck Operations

Wrecker and tow truck operators know that having a dependable winch on board a truck is crucial.  Recovery work is not a game, and the right equipment is essential to ensure safety, strength and reliability.

Winches Inc is the authority on all things about winches, and we’ve done some of the work in finding the absolute best recovery winches for you.  A wrecker or tow truck winch must be strong and durable, and have the capability to withstand sometimes harsh elements and wear.  The following list will help you to choose the right winch for your workload needs.

Warn
Warn is famous for manufacturing some of the most rugged winches in the industry.  Most notable for heavy duty recovery work are the Series 9, 12, and 15 planetary winches.

The Series 9, 12, and 15 hydraulic heavy duty winches are dependable workhorses, and are ideal for tow, utility and trailer applications.  Made with hardened steel, they are rugged and built to withstand a beating.  Two-stage planetary gear train provides faster line speeds, and a heavy-duty automatic -disc brake provides dependable operation.  For reliability and strength for recovery operations, the Series 9 is capable of 9,000lbs line pull capacity.  The Series 12 offers 12,000lbs maximum line pull and the Series 15 can endure up to 15,000lbs.

All of these winches meet SAE J706 and CE standards.  Winches Inc carries all of these and can assist you in every detail of getting you set-up with some of the best winches in the business for Wrecker and tow-truck operations.

DP Winch
DP Winch has a long standing history in the design and manufacturing of quality recovery winches for utility trucks, towing and recovery vehicles, and numerous government vehicles in the defense industry. They are recognized worldwide as a leader in heavy duty winch design.

DP Winch’s best for wrecker and tow-truck operations come as Models 25, 30, 35, and 50. All of these models boast a single speed hydraulic motor, fast line speed, and modular design.  They are all highly efficient and easily installed on a wide variety of trucks.  Extremely durable and dependable, these winches are resilient and robust, and can be trusted in the heaviest of conditions.

Winches Inc does not carry these models in stock, but we can supply you with parts and expert advice.

Ramsey
Ramsey Winch has been building some of the toughest winches and gear in the industry since 1947. They design and manufacture industry leading industrial and consumer winches for use in towing and recovery, and other applications.

For wrecker and tow-trucks, the absolute best winches from Ramsey are the RPH Series and H Series.

The Ramsey RPH Series comes with line pull capacity from 8,000lbs all the way to 45,000lbs.  These industrial hydraulic planetary winches were developed to meet a need for increased line speed for vehicle recovery and other industrial uses.  They feature free spooling, single lubricant for all temperature ranges and they are rugged, powerful and light weight.  All of the series meet SAE J706 requirements and are made in the USA.

The Ramsey H Series offers dependable and rugged hydraulic worm gear for tow-truck and light-wrecker applications.  The H Series also meets SAE-J706 standards and is made in the USA.  The brute strength of these winches sets the industry standards with models H200 and H800.  The Model H200 comes with 8,000lbs line pull and the Model H800 has an awesome 20,000lbs line pull.

Winches Inc carries the Ramsey H Series in stock, and provide parts for both the RPH and H Series.

Winches Inc are your winch experts.  For more information and to see all that we offer, check out our website at www.winchesinc.com or give us a call at 877-495-9721.

When to Replace a Gear Pump

Gear pumps can take a tremendous amount of wear and tear, and so it is not uncommon for many people to wonder when they should think about replacing their gear pump. One of the most common times this question occurs is when the machine has stopped performing at peak efficiency. In such instances, it is quite common to think that the problem might be related to the gear pump. This very well may be the case, but it may not always mean that you need to replace the pump.

Determining the Cause of the Problem with Your Gear Pump

The first step that should be taken is to examine your gear pump to determine whether it has received excessive wear. When this is the case, you may only have one option and that is to replace it. If you are not certain as to what could be causing the problem and the gear pump is still relatively new and should have plenty of life left in it, it is a good idea to bring your gear pump in for a professional evaluation. There could be many different factors that could result in your gear pump not working as it should. By relying on a team of experienced professionals, you can receive a reliable opinion regarding whether your gear pump can be repaired or whether it may be time to consider replacing your gear pump.

It should be noted that if you see that your gear pump is not operating as it should, it is important not to continue operating it, as this could lead to permanent damage and could even result in your pump needing to be replaced prematurely.

Replacing your Gear Pump

In the event that you see it is time to replace your gear pump, make sure you work with an experienced supplier who will be able to assist you in finding the right gear pump for your particular needs and tasks.

Taking the time to check your gear pump and not continue to use it when it is not operating as well as it should could mean the difference between losing a valuable piece of equipment and being able to extend the life of your pump.

Winches Inc is your expert on gear pumps and everything to do with winches.  Give us a call at 877-495-9721 or see visit us at www.winchesinc.com for more information.

Basic Worm Gear Recovery Winch Operation: Operation and Maneuvering

Basic Winch Operating Method – Engine speed, PTO controls will influence your “feel” of the winch operation.  Remote lever controls, air-shift cylinders and emergency stop systems should be adjusted at time of installation and all operators fully trained on their operation under a no-load condition.

Typical Winch Maneuver – When possible, position winch such that the centerline winch drum is perpendicular to the winch load.  The angle the winch must pull from (fleet angle) must not exceed 1 ½°.  If the fleet angle exceeds 1 ½ °, the cable will not spool correctly resulting in damaged cable and prematurely worn winch components.

Disengage the drum clutch, as described earlier, and pull cable off of winch drum.  If equipped, apply shoe or band type drum brake to control drum over-spin or “birdnesting.”

Avoid powering out winch cable as this practice causes unnecessary heat and accelerated wear of winch brake components.

Securely attach winch cable to load in such a manner to avoid damage to the load of cable.  Fully engage the drum clutch as described earlier.

Release band type drum brake, if so equipped, and engage winch control.  Operate controls smoothly to avoid “jerking” of load.  Operate winch at slowest speed practicable for your application to reduce worm gear heat rise and maintain winch load control.

Observe winch operation carefully to make certain that all ground personnel remain clear of winch cable and load and that load does not shift requiring the repositioning of the winch cable or winch.  When the load is properly positioned, stop the winch.  The automatic safety brake and worm gear set are designed to hold the load when properly adjusted.  (Refer to “Safety Brake Service & Adjustment)

Secure the load in position.  Pay out enough winch cable to remove all tension on cable and drum.  Disengage drum clutch and disconnect winch cable from load.

Engage drum clutch as describe earlier.  When possible, visually determine that the drum clutch is fully engaged.

Wind winch cable back onto drum while maintaining minimum fleet angle and sufficient tension to cause the cable to spool properly being careful to keep hands and clothing away from cable drum and fairhead  rollers.

Basic Worm Gear Recovery Winch Operation: Clutch Shifting

Procedure for Shifting Clutch (Where Equipped):

A To Engage Clutch
1. Ensure winch motor or PTO is not running and the winch cable and cable drum are not loaded.  The prime mover is stopped in neutral with parking brake set.

2. Lift lock know on shift handle (where applicable) to disengage lock detent. Move handle to full travel to engage clutch. If shift handle lock knob will not engage detent hole, the clutch is not fully engaged.  At this point it may be necessary to manually rotate the cable drum slightly in either direction to align clutch lugs while holding slight pressure on the shift handle.

B To Disengage Clutch
1. Ensure winch motor or PTO is not running and the winch cable and cable drum are not loaded.  The prime mover is stopped in neutral with parking brake set.

2. Lift lock know on shift handle (where applicable) to disengage lock detent. Move shift handle full travel to disengage clutch. If shift handle has resistance to shift, cable drum may be manually rotated in the direction to haul-in cable to relieve the self-energized load on the drum clutch lugs and allow shift.

Note: If your operation involves lifting loads and does not require the clutch to be disengaged, we strongly recommend the drum clutch be mechanically locked in the fully engaged position to avoid accidental disengagement of the clutch.

Winches Inc has your expert tips and information for all your winching needs.  Please see our website at http://www.winchesinc.com or call toll free at 877-495-9721.

Chelsea PTOs: Power Take-Offs

The Best in the Business

Chelsea 442 Series PTO

Winches Inc is proud to offer Chelsea PTOs, or Power Take-offs, as part of our quality product line-up.  Parker Chelsea is a market leader in Power Take-Off (PTO) products for the truck and mobile vocational markets.  Our PTOs are designed with a wide range of internal speeds, torque capacities and output options to match up with virtually all driving equipment requirements.  We offer a complete line of Power Take-Offs for North America, Asia Pacific, Australia, China, India and Europe, including cast iron 6-bolt, 8-bolt, 10-bolt, countershaft, split-shaft and front engine mount applications.   Features include mechanical shift, power shift, constant engaged shift options, over speed controls and flanges for direct or remote mounting of hydraulic pumps, blowers, water pumps, product pumps and generators.

Power Take-Off or PTO, is a device that utilizes power from one source to additionally power another application.  A PTO works with the transmission of an engine, shifting the engine’s output from turning a driveshaft, to instead redirecting power to a winch. PTOs are vital for powering a winch when there is no electrica

l power available.  The power take-off can be engaged by means of a cable, lever, air pressure, or hydraulic pressure.  Chelsea is advanced in design and manufacturing of PTOs, and offers Power Take-offs for auxiliary power functions in many styles and output shafts for a wide range of transmissions.  Whatever your PTO needs, Winches Inc and Chelsea have you covered.

PTO Selection

To select your own Chelsea PTO, you will need to have specific knowledge about your engine’s

Chelsea 859 Series PTO

transmission and the driving component.  The transmission make and model will need to be given in order to ensure the right Chelsea PTO, in addition to the speed requirement of the component.  You will also need to know the direction of rotation of the PTO shaft, torque and horsepower requirement and the method by which the PTO will be engaged.  Winches Inc. can provide service and support to help you achieve the purchase and installation of a new PTO to fit your needs.

There are different sizes of Chelsea PTOs, based on power need, and these are gauged on bolt size.  An 8-Bolt PTO is the largest, providing more torque capacity.  A large winch would benefit from the use of the 8-Bolt.  Chelsea brand PTOs offer standard and special configurations, multiple ratios and various output of 6-Bolt, Heavy Duty 8-Bolt, Power shift 8-Bolt and reversible 6-and 8-Bolt PTOs.  Chelsea PTO available materials include cast iron, aluminum and steel.

Chelsea PTO styles include:
air shift
lever shift
clutch drive
electric shift
forward and reverse
constant mesh
two gear

Winches Inc your winch and PTO solution.  For more information, see our website at www.winchesinc.com or call toll free at 877-495-9721.

Keep it Up – Winch Maintenance Tips

A winch, like any other type of machinery, needs periodic maintenance and inspection to maintain its performance capabilities, give lasting value, and ensure safe mechanical workings.  Good maintenance consists of three steps.

1. A daily inspection to ensure that there are no oil leaks present, that all mounting bolts and other fasteners are tight, and that wire rope is in good condition.
2. Periodic servicing of the winch includes changing the oil in both the gearbox and the brake section. Severity of use will determine the need for oil changes but it should be checked at a minimum of every 500 operating hours and changed every 1000 hours of operation.  Factors such as extremely dirty conditions or widely varying temperature changes may dictate even more frequent servicing.
3. Complete teardowns and component inspections. Again, severity and frequency of use will determine how often this should be done.  If the equipment on which this winch is mounted is subject to inspection standards, then those standards must also apply to the winch and be followed.  If oil changes reveal significant metallic particles, then a teardown and inspection must be made to determine the source of wear.

LUBRICATION

1. Check gearbox oil levels weekly. If the oil level does not show a satisfactory amount, refill oil according to the individual winch manual.
2. Check brake oil level and fill or replace if oil shows significant metallic particles.
3. Lube all bushings equipped with grease zerks with good quality lithium based chassis lube.
4. Lubricate the cable based on your wire rope supplier’s recommendations.

These are just a few tips to help you maintain your winch so that it works at optimum performance for you.  Winches Inc is the authority on winching information.  For more information, visit us at http://www.winchesinc.com or call toll free 877.495.9721.

Compact Power – DP Winch 20AJ

When it comes to deep planetary recovery work, such as in forestry or wrecker services, experts know they can rely on the DP 20AJ Winch.

The 20AJ is compact, yet tough and stout, carrying a 20,000lbs work load and pulling capacity.  This heavy duty winch was built with highly efficient planetary gearing to reduce recovery time.  It is easily installed on a wide variety of trucks; front, bottom or back.  It is also available with custom mountings.  It comes standard with the “J Style” mounting base, allowing versatility and multi-position mounting.

The innovative design of the multi-disc wet brake enables the brake to remain cool, increasing gear life.  The brake is also spring applied with hydraulic release, and is rated at full winch load.  It is a boss in precision load control, with fast line speeds.  The modular design of the 20AJ is a simple, allowing easy service, and is durable and guaranteed to have a long life.  The 20AJ has been in production since the early 1980s, proving that it can stand strong, with years of solid performance.

Winches Inc is your one stop shop for all your winch needs.  Let us know how we can help you today. http://www.winchesinc.com 877.495.9721 Toll-free