WINCH ACCESSORIES
MOUNTING
Alone, the winch is not much more than a simple tool. But when used with certain accessories and enhancements, your winch can become a versatile and productive tool. In this section, we’ll review several of these items. Some are vital to the safe operation of your winch, while others offer added versatility and convenience. Gloves Winch rope, through use, will develop “barbs” which can slice skin. It is extremely important to wear protective gloves while operating the winch or handling the winch rope. Avoid loose fitting clothes or anything that could become entangled in the winch rope and other moving parts. Hook Strap Use to hold the hook and keep fingers away from the fairlead as the winch rope is being spooled in. Winches develop tremendous pulling forces and can easily remove fingers and limbs that are placed in pinch points. Put the hook into the loop and hold the strap between the thumb and forefingers. WARNING Always use supplied hook strap whenever spooling winch rope in or out, during installation and during operation. Snatch Block Used properly, the multi- purpose snatch block allows you to: (1) increase your winch’s pulling power; and (2) change your pulling direction without damaging the winch rope. Proper use of the snatch block is covered in “Before You Pull”. Clevis/D-Shackles The D-Shackle is a safe means for connecting the looped ends of cables, straps and snatch blocks. The shackle’s pin is threaded to allow easy removal. Tree Trunk Protector Typically made of tough, high-quality nylon, it provides the operator an attachment point for the winch rope to a wide variety of anchor points and objects, as well as protect living trees. WARNING Never use a strap for winching. WARNING Never use a strap for towing. The strap can be easily cut or abraded.
MOUNT YOUR WINCH
WARNING Never use “bungie” straps that develop tremendous and potentially dangerous amounts of force when stretched. Recovery Strap Never use a recovery strap in a winching operation. Because it is designed to stretch, it stores energy and could react like a rubber band should your rigging fail. Use the recovery strap to “snatch” out a stuck vehicle. Shovels & Hand Tools Quite often during winching activities, you’ll find yourself in need of some additional help. You may want to stow equipment such as a shovel, an axe and a Hi-Lift jack for additional assistance when needed. Backup Parts Important backup parts to carry for back country travel should include an extra screw-pin shackle, snatch block and remote control. For severe and continued winch use, consider including an extra winch rope and winch hook. Toolbox Items to bring along include hand wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, and tools to change winch rope.
WARNING Always choose a mounting location that is sufficiently strong to withstand the maximum pulling capacity of your winch. WARNING Always position fairlead with warning readily visible on top. WARNING Always use class 8.8 metric (grade 5) or better hardware.
WARNING Never weld mounting bolts. WARNING Always confirm required bolt length to ensure proper thread engagement. WARNING Always complete the winch installation and hook attachment before installing the wiring.
R25 / R35
R45 / R60
76.2
76.2
78.9
78.9
38
63
38
63
31.5
31.5
Plate Thickness
Bolt Length
3/16”
25 mm 25 mm 30 mm 30 mm
1/4”
5/16”
3/8”
3/16”
25mm
30mm 3/16” 3/16”
7
8
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