Handbook of Winching Techniques

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

GENERAL SAFETY

1.8 Avoid continuous pulls from extreme angles as

this will cause the rope to pile up at one ed of the drum

(Fig. 8). Always aim to get the rope as straight as possible

to the direction of the vehicle.

1.9 Never operate the winch without the rope

fairlead fitted. Operator injury or winch damage can result

if a fairlead is not installed.

1.10 Never engage or disengage winch clutch when

there is a load on the winch.

1.11 Store the remote control cord in a safe place

when not in use to prevent use by children or other

unauthorized persons who could injure themselves, others

or damage the controls.

1.12 Do not operate winch when under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication.

1.13 Isolate winch before putting your hands in or around the fairlead or wire rope drum (the danger zone).

1.14 Do not overload your winch. Do not maintain power to the winch if the motor stalls. Overloads can damage

the vehicle, winch and/or the wire rope and create unstable operating conditions.

1.15 Electric Winches : If the vehicle is powered from the vehicle battery, take care that this is not discharged to the

point where by the engine cannot be started and you could be stranded. It is recommended to keep the engine running

whiltst winching to provide charging current to the battery.

1.16 It is recommended to lay a heavy blanket or jacket over the rope about halfway along to the hook attachment. If

a rope failure should occur, the weight of the clot will act as a damper and help prevent the broken rope from whipping.

See Fig. 9. Remember to move the blanket or coat as winching proceeds, but halt winching when doing so. Partially

raising the bonnet of the vehicle will also give a neasure of protection to it’s occupants from a broken rope, consistent

with sufficient forward visibility for the operator. Keep item 1.2 firmly in mind.

HAULING

2.1 When using your Superwinch to move a load, ensure the vehicle is held securely to the ground, preferably with

a ground anchor. Appliaction of the vehicle’s footbrake by you or your assistant may be sufficient, depending on the

load and the ground surface. Never leave an automatic transmission in the ‘park’ position.

2.2 Do not ‘move’ your vehicle in reverse to assist the winch. The combination of the winch and vehicle pulling

together could overload the rope, and the winch itself.

SELFRECOVERY

3.1 Always aim to get the cable as straight as possible to the direction of the vehicle. It is acceptable to start a pull

at an angle if it is obvious that the vehicle will turn towards the hook anchor point. Turning the steering wheels will

assist the process. It is recommended that the driver is in the vehicle.

3.2 Make sure hand brake and foot brake are free and that transmission is in neutral.