Often, people get mixed up with the product they actually need. They will state that they need a winch to lift a load. This isn’t right! It’s very important to understand that “winching” means pulling and “hoisting” means lifting. If you intend to use your winch for raising and lowering a load rather than, or in addition to, pulling a load along the group or up or down an incline, there are a few things you should know before making your selection.
First, there are a lot of standards set for machinery used in lifting. Such machines are “hoists” and so if you’re after one of these, ensure you buy a hoist NOT a winch. Electronic hoists must have, at a minimum, a 5:1 safety factor, switches to limit travel, one or more independent braking systems, and large drum diameters. Overload protection is often provided. Machinery used to move people up and down is different again as these have even higher engineering requirements. All ‘WINCH’ products are neither hoists nor elevators and should not be interpreted as such.
If you’re after a HOIST rather than a winch, these can be purchased HERE
Should you be after a goods lift rather than a winch, these can be purchased HERE
If you need to lift people or require a disabled access lift, look HERE
Second, there are hardly any standards for winches. Winch manufacturers can make any claims they wish and set the load ratings wherever they want. This is the biggest worry on many ‘cheap’ winches being sold on eBay with claims they can winch 13000 lbs for example, only to find they just aren’t up to the job! Quality manufacturers such as Superwinch sets their rated load at what the winch will lift vertically on a single line. They do this because it is the most accurate measurement of the productís pulling ability, but it is a practice that can be dangerous. However, you can use a Superwinch for lifting if you follow these suggestions:
- If a choice is offered, buy the Superwinch model with a brake.
- Divide your Superwinch rated load by 5. Take this number and reduce it by 10% for the second and each additional layer of wire rope to be pulled up onto the drum. The result of this calculation will be the load that you can lift.
- You and all others stand well clear of the lifting area.
- Never lift people or lift loads over people.
- Check local building and machinery codes to be sure you are in compliance before using your winch in this manner.
Choose the Right Winch
In most trailer applications, you’re dealing with a rolling load rather than pulling a dead weight. It is often said that you can probably push your vehicle but most can’t lift it. Therefore, you need to size the winch to the rolling load. Then you should select those winch features that you find most beneficial and that allow you to load the trailer safely by yourself.
Install It Properly
First, choose an installation site accessible to you. Align an unobstructed path to the car that you are loading. Prevent any metal-to-metal contact with the wire rope to reduce the chance of potential damage to the rope. Mount the winch close enough to the trailer’s front to pull the vehicle completely on with an adequate fully tested winch mounting plate. If it’s mounted under something, such as a toolbox, leave enough space to access the winch. If you’re mounting your winch to the front of a 4x4, then you would need a reliable and well manufactured winch bumper.
Consider using a Pulley Block
With a hook for mounting and a pulley for the wire rope, a pulley block lets you offset the winch but retain a straight shot. A pulley block can also be used to nearly double the winch’s capacity by simply attaching the pulley block’s hook directly to the load and the winch’s hook is a sturdy mount near the winch. This will half the speed that you winch the load in, as you’re effectively pulling the load on two lines, however it will double the capacity of the winch itself by using this method. Pulley blocks / snatch blocks can be bought HERE and aren’t expensive! Worth every penny.
I you have any questions or require anything, contact: sales@autoliftuk.com
