OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS When the clutch is engaged, the gear train is coupled to the winch drum and power can be transferred from the winch motor. When the clutch is disengaged the drum is in the freespool position and the gear train and winch rope drum are uncoupled allowing the drum to rotate freely.
Operating Instructions
Spooling In Under Load WARNING Never exceed winch or winch rope rated capacity. WARNING Always know the Working Load Limit (WLL) of your rope. WARNING Never exceed the WLL of rope or shock load this rope. Power-in the winch rope evenly and tightly on the drum. This prevents the outer winch wraps from sinking into the inner wraps, binding, and damaging the winch rope. Avoid shock loads when spooling by pulsing the control switch to take up winch rope slack. Shock loads can momentarily far exceed the winch and rope ratings. Spooling In Under No Load WARNING Never touch winch rope or hook while someone else is at the control switch, when winch rope is under load or during winching operation. Spooling with an Assistant : Have the assistant hold the hook strap putting as much constant tension on the winch rope as possible. While keeping tension, the assistant should walk toward the winch while you operate the control switch spooling in the winch rope. Release the switch when the hook is a minimum of 6 ft. (2 m) from the fairlead opening. Spool in the remainder for storage as directed below. Spooling Alone : Arrange the winch rope to be spooled so it will not kink or tangle when spooled. Be sure any winch rope on the drum is tightly and evenly layered. Spool enough winch rope to complete the next full layer on the drum. Tighten and straighten the layer. Repeat process until the hook is a minimum of 6 ft. (2 m) from the fairlead opening. Spooling Remainder for Storage When the hook is within 6 ft. (2 m) of the fairlead, disconnect the hook from the anchor or load. Hold onto the supplied hook strap and hold tension on the winch rope. Slowly power-in the winch by “pulsing” the power-in switch on the remote control until the hook is within 3 ft. (1 m) of the fairlead.
Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with your winch and its components, we can begin reviewing how it works. The major advantage of an electric-powered winch is that it can provide reliable service for intermittent utility and recreational use even while the vehicle’s engine is stalled — assuming, of course, that sufficient battery current is available. Your winch can operate at high current loads, and, for this reason, uses a high current switch system to safely handle the current flow. It is important to understand that the longer the pull, the more heat that is created, just like a hot plate. Powering out the rope also generates heat and drains the electrical system. Whenever possible, unwind rope by “freespooling.” Prolonged winching without cooling the winch motor will damage the motor. Also, even if the engine is idling during winching, the battery may drain faster than it is charging. So pay close attention to make sure you aren’t draining your battery too low to start your vehicle. Control Of Your Winch The winch is controlled by a switch mechanism that provides control of the forward or reverse rotation of the spooling drum. How the Winch Reacts to Load Winches are rated by pulling capacity. The maximum pulling capacity occurs on the first layer of rope on the drum. As the layers increase, the pulling power decreases. It’s the mathematics of winching. Exceeding the winch capacity could cause the winch to fail or the rope to break. Thinking through how you intend to use your winch now, could save you a big headache later. In addition, you’ll also want to make sure that your winch’s mounting system and your vehicle’s frame can accommodate the rated load of your winch.
WARNING Never use winch as a hoist or to
suspend a load.
WARNING Never use winch to lift or move
persons.
Remote Control: WARNING Always keep wired remote control lead and power cord clear of the drum, rope, and rigging. Inspect for cracks, pinches, frayed wires or loose connections. Damaged components must be replaced before operation. WARNING Never leave remote control where it can be unintentionally activated. WARNING Never leave the winch remote control plugged in when installing, freespooling, rigging, servicing or when the winch is not being used. The remote control provides control of the power-out (forward) or power-in (reverse) rotation of the spooling drum. Do not leave the remote plugged into the winch when not in use. Leaving the remote plugged in, may result in accidental activation and/or battery drain.
ENGAGED/LOCK
DISENGAGED/UNLOCK
Spooling Out WARNING Never operate winch with less than 5 wraps of wire rope or 10 wraps of synthetic rope around the drum. Rope could come loose from the drum. WARNING Always keep hands clear of winch rope, hook loop, hook and fairlead opening during installation, operation, and when spooling in or out. WARNING Always wear heavy gloves when handling winch rope. Freespooling is generally the quickest and easiest way to spool out winch rope. Before freespooling winch rope out from the winch power-out enough rope to remove any tension on the winch rope. Disengage the clutch. Then manually spool out enough winch rope for the winching operation. NOTICE Do NOT power out more than 30 ft. without allowing the winch to cool for 20 minutes before powering rope back in. Instead, place the clutch in freespool and pull the rope out by hand. WARNING Always use supplied hook strap whenever spooling winch rope in or out.
IN
OUT
Clutch Operation: WARNING Never engage or disengage clutch if winch is under load, winch rope is in tension or drum is moving. NOTICE Always ensure the clutch is fully engaged or disengaged when operating winch. The clutch dial is located on the winch housing opposite the motor and controls the clutch position. To prevent damage, always fully engage or fully disengage the clutch lever.
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