WARRIOR 8000 Spartan Series 8000 lb Electric Winch

In order to ensure the correct winch selection and correct method of use please take time to read the following information.

Failure to select the correct winch and incorrect operation can potentially reduce the life cycle of your winch and result in premature failure.

Winches used under certain conditions i.e. Salvage, recovery and off road applications will require a much higher rated winch than that of a less frequently used winch used for a rolling load such as a small boat, caravan or car onto a trailer.

Winches mounted on a four wheel drive, or trailer can save a lot off effort. Selection of winch capacity for loading needs to be carefully considered. Winches need to be powerful enough to pull your vehicle whilst overcoming the added resistance caused by obstacles such as moving water, gradients, mud, snow or sand.

MAXIMUM LINE PULL OR RATING

This is the maximum effort that the winch can exert on a single line on the first layer of the winch drum.

As the layers of cable build up on the winch drum, the overall cable speed increases, however the rated line pull decreases at the same rate. By using a snatch block to obtain a "double line pull" you can in effect almost double the pulling capacity of your winch, whilst approximately halving the overall recovery speed.

It is good practice to use a snatch block when performing a "heavy" self recovery as it will decrease the current running through your electric winch motor and helps to prevent overheating and damage to the unit.

HOW TO WORK OUT THE CAPACITY OF WINCH YOU NEED

Ideally the rating of your winch should be in excess of 1.5 times the gross weight of your vehicle. Put simply, a 2 tonne Land Rover should be equipped with a winch with a capacity of 3.5 Tonnes or greater.

Vehicle recovery is a high risk activity. The risk can be reduced with some prior training, planning and preparation, and a disciplined approach to the recovery task. 

Become familiar with the owner’s manual. Be sure to read and understand how to use your winch properly. Winches are used for pulling not for lifting. Be sure to choose the right winch for the job.

Winches are normally fitted to vehicles to provide a self-recovery capability, or to provide the capability to recover another vehicle, or to move heavy objects. A winch will be rarely suitable for recovery use without some additional equipment to compliment it. Some of the additional recovery equipment should include a snatch block, some “D” shackles, a short length of 3/8 inch chain, a tree trunk protector and a shovel.

OPERATOR TRAINING

A winch which is not used correctly is a significant safety risk. It is vitally important that the drivers of vehicles which are equipped with a winch are properly trained in its safe operation. Regular training and practice will ensure safer and more competent use during an emergency situation.

GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

The following general safety precautions will reduce the risk:

Operator must be trained to know and understand the use of the winch and how to perform safe winching operations. Sturdy gloves must be worn to protect hands from injury, particularly when handling the wire rope.

Winches should never be submerged in water. If a winch is submerged it must be inspected and serviced by a technician immediately to prevent corrosion damage and to ensure its ongoing safety and reliability;

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR PREPARING A RECOVERY TASK

The following safety precautions must be implemented when preparing a recovery task:

• Practice using the winch before you need to use it.

• Do not rush. Take the time to plan and prepare carefully.

• Estimate the load to be winched.

• Use the correct equipment and do not take shortcuts.

• Recheck the condition of the wire winch rope and any other equipment being used for serviceability and any obvious damage.

• Ensure that the winch controls (remote pendant) are not plugged into the winch while setting up.

• Do not exceed the rated safety capacity of the wire rope. Use a double line (2:1) recovery layout if required. If the winch rope must be anchored back onto the winch vehicle when using a 2:1 layout do not attach it to the winch frame as this will double the forces acting on the frame.  Attach it to the chassis.

• Never use a winch as a hoist. Winches are for pulling not for lifting.

• Do not use the winch rope as a tow rope.

• Do not use the winch rope to secure cargo on a vehicle.

• Do not attach a winch rope to a vehicle’s tow ball, axles or suspension.

• Wear leather gloves when handling wire rope. Do not allow the rope to slide through the gloves .

• Use the hook strap supplied with the winch to pull the winch rope from the drum.

• Endeavor to set up the wire rope so that it is retrieved at a 90 degree angle to the winch drum. (straight pull) This will ensure that it is rewound onto the winch drum evenly and will avoid the damage and delays when over stacking and binding occur.

• Do not hook the wire rope back onto itself. Use a choker chain or sling instead.

• Remove any obstructions which may interfere with the safe winching operation. 

• Ensure that any anchors used are strong enough to hold the load .

• Place a bag or a blanket over the winch rope to minimize cable whiplash damage if it breaks. In the absence of a bag or a blanket consider using a heavy jacket or leafy branches.

• Only allow one person to handle the wire rope and the winch controls (remote pendant).

• Establish no go safety zones for assistants and onlookers.

THINK SAFETY.