Which Winch – hydraulic or electric?

Winches can be powered in a variety of different ways, including hydraulic and electric power.  Choosing the right winch will be based on review of several factors.  When choosing between hydraulic and electric winches, ask these questions:

What will power the winch?
How will the winch be used?
How tough is the job?
How long will the winch need to perform work?

Power Source
An electric winch typically uses the battery of a vehicle in order to power the winch’s motor. It will only work if the vehicle battery is charged, and it is possible for an electric winch to drain a battery quickly.  Electric winches are the right choice for quick, occasional, and light use, as in ATV recovery, as they do not require as much in the way of power.

A hydraulic winch is powered by a hydraulic system.  A hydraulic pump is required to operate the winch, but the efficiency of a hydraulic winch, however, is unmatched in power and durability.  A hydraulic winch is built to withstand a big job, with the power to handle it effectively.

On the Job
One of the main advantages of an electric winch is that it is often easier to install.  If there is a need to transfer the winch from one vehicle to another, one must simply reinstall only the winch. ATV enthusiasts will appreciate an electric winch more, because it can be fast and efficient, and has enough power to pull them out of a rut.  As it is only run on the battery of the vehicle, it does not require the expense of installing the hydraulic pump to power it.

Most any other big job is going to require a hydraulic winch, offering heavy duty capability and raw durability.  The installation of a hydraulic winch will require more components to power it, but you cannot put a price on the efficiency and strength gained.  For instance, a tow truck would require a hydraulic winch, but would also utilize a built in hydraulic pump system to power the heavy duty winch.

Winches Inc is the authority when it comes to helping you decide which winch is right for you.  Give us a call and let us show you the many winches that we offer for your specific needs.

http://www.winchesinc.com 877.495.9721 Toll-free

The Ramsey QM9000 Winch, an Off-Road Powerhouse

For over 70 years, Ramsey Winch has been developing innovative and powerful hydraulic and electric, planetary and worm gear winch designs.  They are well known for durability, dependability, quality and endurance in products that are manufactured with premium materials and by highly trained engineers.

The heavy duty QM9000 winch is a perfect example of the superb craftsmanship that Ramsey offers.  Off-road enthusiasts will appreciate the mounting platform that is designed with two convenient handles for easy, quick installation into a class-three receiver hitch.  This Quick Mount winch is detachable, and can easily be mounted to the front or rear of a vehicle for self-recovery and other operations.  This heavy duty winch can be used on multiple vehicles, and can be quickly installed and removed to avoid extra vehicle weight.

Standard equipment includes a Hawes fairlead and 105 ft. of 5/16” galvanized aircraft cable with replaceable clevis hook.  The rugged durability of the QM9000 shows its strength with 9,000 lbs. of line pull using Ramsey’s proven and efficient three-stage planetary gear system. A proven three-stage planetary gear system is implemented in the design for fast free spool, and a strong automatic load-holding brake offers strength and reliability.

The Ramsey QM9000 is one of the finest winches available in its class.  With a weather resistant solenoid assembly and an efficient permanent magnet electric reversible motor for increased pull power, this heavy duty winch offers mind-blowing power and durability for all off-road needs.  It also comes with a 12’ pendent remote and a limited lifetime warranty.  With so many charms, this heavy duty winch is hard to beat. Moreover, it’s made in the USA, and proud to be.

Winches Inc is your expert source for Ramsey winches.  For more information, visit us at http://www.winchesinc.com or call 877.495.9721 Toll-free

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The Legendary M8274 WARN Winch

They say legends never die, and this is true of the timeless quality of the WARN M8274 winch. Born in 1974, it was built to last, and is still in production today.  This speaks volumes about the innovative design and durability of this rugged winch. This winch is likely the most recognized and best-known truly heavy duty winch made by WARN Industries.

History
WARN Industries has been creating quality and innovative winch products since 1948. The WARN M8274 originally replaced the WARN Belleview winch that was made from 1959-1973. The M8274 has remained virtually unchanged since 1974, with only some improvements such as upgraded electrics and some cosmetic revisions over the years.  In 1998, in honor of WARN Industries’ 50^th anniversary, the winch became known as the M8274-50, and some more slight cosmetic changes were made. A limited edition M8274-60 was offered in honor of the company’s 60^th anniversary in 2008, each individually numbered, and equipped with synthetic rope, painted black and shipped in a wooden crate.

Identification
The model number identification system is smart and easy to cipher.  The “M” stands for model, “8” is for its 8,000lbs. capacity, “2” for two-way free spool and power in, and “74” for the year it was introduced.

As this incredible heavy duty winch has been around for over 40 years, there are many of them still working at top performance levels in regular recovery duty. Identifying M2874 winches built before the 1990s can be done by using a 3-digit number found on the upper housing of the winch.  The first number represents the month it was made.  For example, A=1 B=2 C=3 and so on.  “A” would represent the first month, so it would be January.

The second letter stands for the working of the day of the month, not including Saturdays or Sundays.  If the second letter were a “B” it would be the second working day of the month.

The ending number will represent the year the winch was made during the 70s or 80s, as WARN Industries began using serial numbers after the 1990s.  For example, if the number is a “6”, then the winch would have been built in 1976 or 1986.  Beginning in about 1980, WARN switched from a metal socket on the control pack to a plastic socket.  This will help to further distinguish which decade the winch was manufactured.

If the 3-digit number found on the upper housing were represented as FB6, the winch would have been manufactured on the second working day of June, in 1976 or 1986, depending on the socket on the control pack.

Today’s M8274-50
The M8274-50 has captured the fancy of off-roaders who compete, because it is WARN’s fastest heavy duty winch.  This winch’s no-load retrieval speed is 79.3 feet per minute, and includes 150ft of 5/16” cable, enabling a long line capacity. It is so good, it is part of WARN’s Premium Winch Series.

The M8274-50 has a smooth braking system with superior heat dissipation.  It includes a roller fairlead, remote control on 12-ft. lead, free spool clutch and battery cables.

The unique upright design of this magnificent machine is unique and distinguished in the winch world.  It is a proven legend and will continue to set precedency in the industry.

Winches Inc is a large distributor of WARN winches and is thrilled to present this information on the M8274-50 truly heavy duty winch. For more information, visit us at http://www.winchesinc.com or call 877.495.9721 Toll-free.

The Fierce TALON 14 by Superwinch

The new TALON Performance Series by Superwinch is a revolutionary evolution of winch design, with the potential to change the global winch industry.   Any experienced user will appreciate the quality of Superwinch designs, and the TALON Performance Series is a top performer in their line-up.  What makes this winch so special?  For starters, it has the industry’s best truly sealed vehicle recovery winch assembly.  All seals on the entire winch meet the highest standards, from the outermost end of the high performance motor and groundbreaking solenoid to the 2-stage planetary gearbox and brake assembly.  Speed and power make the TALON Performance Series ideal for recovery and super duty applications.

The Talon 14 is a beast, with sealed 5.2 motor delivering a quick but safe 62 FPM line speed at a low 75 amp draw.  To prevent overheating, the heat sink-styled motor cap maintains low temperatures under the heaviest loads.  The solenoid will keep out water, mud, snow, and dust and has a patented venting feature that allows the contacts to resist water and releases contact damaging internal condensation.  The VS4 solenoid is vented, submersible, and stabilized with a sealed socket.  It is simply the best winch solenoid in the world, and is located in the modern-styled rugged enclosure.

The innovative “Dual-Stop” 100% load holding brake design, provides zero drag on cable in, and is located inside the gearbox away from the drum to eliminate heat transfer to synthetic rope.  This winch includes an ergonomically shaped, hand-held, sealed remote with a brilliant LED light for using low light conditions.  The chrome plated aluminum ergo-free spool knob lifts and turns effortlessly and can be rotated in 45 increments for custom “in-bumper” applications.

TALON 14 has  14,000 lbs. 1st layer line pull and is available with either steel or synthetic rope.  The 2-stage planetary gearset offers efficient, reliable, and safe winching operation under the heaviest loads. Superwinch’s uniquely designed fairleads offer superior, stable, and safe rope management.  The Heavy Duty 4-Way Rollers are made of strong, corrosion proof Stainless Steel for years of performance & good looks.

The laser-etched aerodynamically shaped extruded aluminum tie bars help reduce weight and structural rigidity. TALON 14 has the industry’s first 3-year warranty on all electrical components.  It is not just a winch, it is a work of art!

Winches Inc is a serious distributor of Superwinch products, and we are excited to share this information with you!

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

“The Wrap” on Wire Rope Spooling

As winching has evolved and improvements made, the industry gets stronger and is able to meet more challenges.  However, something as simple as improper rope spooling can shut down a job. Here you will find the facts you need to keep your winch rolling.

The development of wire rope for winching was revolutionary, but it comes with some technical challenges that users must be aware of for safe and efficient winch use.  One issue that can arise is a problem with the way the rope wraps around the drum.  You can usually figure out pretty quickly what your problem is, based on the way the rope is spooling.

Rope Spooling in Center – a possible cause for this may be because the distance between the winch and the first sheave is too short.  This may mean that the fleet angle needs to be adjusted.

Uneven Spooling – This could mean that the wire rope lay is not correct or the load on the winch is too light for the amount of pull.  The first layer of wire rope installed on the winch drum may not be correct.  Simply readjusting the first layer line would probably take care of the issue.

Rope Climbs Flange Side – If the hoist is not mounted perpendicular with the first sheave, or the center of the winch drum is not aligned with the first sheave, the wire rope may climb on side of the flange, and not wrap evenly.    This can also occur if the drum flanges are not straight.

If the wire rope is climbing both flanges, the distance between the winch drum and the first sheave is too great.

Rope Knives Into Lower Layers – Possible causes could be the lower wire rope layers not installed properly due to a light load, a grooved winch drum, or the groove and wire rope sizes are mismatched.

Trust Us -Knowing how to troubleshoot these areas in spooling can save a ton of headache, and maybe a life.  Improper rope spooling can cause worn rope, damage, and danger. Winches Inc is the best source of information on all things about winches. For more information, visit us at http://www.winchesinc.com or call 877.495.9721 Toll-free.

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.

BRADEN CH SERIES, THE INDUSTRY STANDARD

BRADEN Winch introduced its first CH Series planetary hoisting winch to the offshore industry more than four decades ago.  Since then, the CH series design has under gone two major design changes, improving its performance and longevity.  The key features of the current third generation CH Series planetary hoisting winches includes:

• A robust ball-bearing, overrunning clutch, allowing increased input speed and superior fall back protection.
• A super durable, time tested, spring applied, hydraulically released internal brake, designed to give years of consistent braking.
• A highly efficient, superior quality planetary gearing system for maximum efficiency and a long service life.

The CH Series offers line pull ratings from 6 tons to 30 tons, but the true value of the powerful BRADEN CH series is in the application flexibility, breadth of the product line and the optional features to tailor the winch to meet specific requirements.  Below is a list of some of the many options and accessories available to enhance the BRADEN CH Series.

Grooved Cable Drum
BRADEN offers some CH Series models with grooving cast into the cable drum.  On all other models, grooving can be added by installing a sleeve over the standard smooth cable drum.  The grooving on a cable drum supports proper spooling of the first layer of wire rope on the cable drum.  A proper first layer is a key factor to ensure all other layer spool correctly.  In applications when the bulk of the winch work is done of the first layer, grooving is a must

Tension Roller
Each CH Series winch can be equipped with a tension roller to assist with proper spooling of the wire rope on the cable drum.  The primary function of a tension roller, also known as a pressure roller, is to keep constant pressure on the wire rope as it spools onto the cable drum.  The constant pressure enhances spooling, especially when the wire rope is in a slack condition.  Improved spooling increases the life of the wire rope, saving time and money.

Auxiliary Brake
All CH Series models are available with an auxiliary brake.  The BRADEN auxiliary brake is a fully enclosed, spring applied, hydraulically released friction brake acting directly on the drum.  The sole function of this third redundant brake is to provide a means to stop a load, should the counter balance valve and internal brake fail.

Dual Hydraulic Motor Input
As drill rigs move further offshore, the winches are required to hoist for longer distances.  BRADEN has released dual motor inputs on some of the larger CH Series winches.  Dual motors provide additional torque for high load requirement but also allow for greater line speeds.  Faster line speed increases efficiency as load get from boat to rig much faster.

Rotation Indicators
Most models can be equipped with rotation indicators and/or last rap indicators.  On large cranes the winch is often not visible to the operator.  Both rotation and last wrap indication are good methods to give the operator feedback on the current state of the winch.  BRADEN has even offered a speed sensor, providing the operator with a positive vibration signal in the control joystick.  The faster the winch line speed the faster the vibration felt in the control joystick.

 Gear and Piston Motors
One of the simplest, most effective ways to increase the efficiency of a CH Series hoisting winch is to take some time to select the correct hydraulic motor.  Different types of motor produce different results in the performance of your winch.  Braden offers a wide selection of gear motors, gerotor motors and piston motors to tailor the performance of the winch to the specifics of any hydraulic system and application requirements.

Winches inc has proudly distributed BRADEN products for more than 30 years.  Winches Inc is much more than a winch distributor, we supply, design and innovate new products, new systems, and new accessories to make any winch application achieve optimal performance and productivity.  Contact us today to get more information about the best BRADEN products to meet your application requirements.

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

WINCHES INC – BLOG LAUNCH

This is the first post on our new blog site.  The goal of the post is to build a central place for discussions and information related to winches, winch repair, winch trouble shooting.  We will feature information on all the major winch manufactures in North American and Canada like, BRADEN Winch, Tulsa Winch, Ramsey Winch, Warn Winch, Pullmaster Winch, Lantec Winch and SuperWinch.  Discussions and post will include application information about drilling rigs, dredges, offshore cranes haul trucks, gin pole truck, roust-a-bouts and more…