How to winch properly and safely.

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Squatting Dog

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(a small part of a well written article, I take no credit for it, jusy sharing the article)

Common things people doing wrong all the time include:

1) Improper selection of gear, without understanding load ratings and safety margins

2) Improper use of gear - side loading shackles, improper use of wire-rope clips, hooking straps and cables to themselves without understanding the significant loss of load rating incurred, etc.

3) Unsafe practices - not keeping the area clear, handling wire rope with bare hands, etc.

This article will attempt to clear up all of these and more. It focuses on the proper selection and use of equipment for off-road vehicle recovery using an electric winch. It does not go into great detail about how to actually operate the winch or rig a winching operation - there are many other good sources for this information including:

- The U.S. Army vehicle recovery manual, Warn's Guide to Winching, Magazine Articles, and other web pages.

What it will focus on is all the other important info that isn't contained anywhere else, or at least not in any place or format readily accessible to recreational four wheelers. The information regarding rigging and equipment apply equally well if applying the force with a come-along, Hi-Lift jack or hand winch. So - without further ado....

Recovery Guide
 

19-Kilo

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Does anyone have experience with this hand winch (made in the USA :patriot: ) made by the Wyeth-Scott Company: More Power Puller with synthetic rope, part # 3-35-A-SLT
AmsteelBlue2-2189.jpg
~$300 for the synthetic rope model.
Model Number - Rope Length (single line) - Capacity Dead Lift Rating (double line) - Capacity **Pull/Drag Rating (double line) - Rope Size - Puller Weight (Average) - Shipping Weight (with box)
3-35-A-SLT - 35 feet - 3 ton (6,000 lbs.) - 6 ton (12,000 lbs.) - 5/16" - 23.0 lbs. - 25.0 lbs.


this seems like a good hand winch model that is light, 25lbs (relatively for its weight capability), portable, and not as expensive as an electric winch.

And it is the only hand winch that I have seen that comes close to having enough weight capacity to no break when using it on a stuck vehicle.
This model has a 6000 lb rating for dead-lift and 12,000 lbs for dragging... enough for the raptor I think. :)

thoughts? These are a big hit with farmers :hunter: for how reliable and useful they are (the have been in use for over 100 years!)
I would think you would want to add a 5 foot chain or strap to attach it to the truck and still have room to use the handle.

not riveting, but here is a guy using one:
 
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KaiserM715

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Another great article on winching:
Winching without the Worry | Expedition Portal

Check the link for the full article.

Winching Mantra

To save space I will bullet the basic operational aspects of a winch to keep in mind. These will be explained in depth later, but suffice to say these should be your mantra when winching:

  • Slow down, chill out, then make a plan
  • Always wear gloves.
  • Never put a rope between your legs.
  • Never let a rope slide through your hands.
  • Stabilize the vehicle before you do anything else.
  • Define why you are stuck before you grab gear– never make assumptions.
  • Slow down, chill out, then make a plan.
  • Gather all needed gear in advance (best if it’s all in one bag).
  • Always arrange a straight line pull.
  • Pull out most of your rope, but leave 10 wraps.
  • Keep contact tension on the rope, especially metal rope.
  • Stay at least twice the stopping distance of the winch motor away from the fairlead.
  • Set a parachute rig between each anchor point, turn or fulcrum.
  • Use hand signals; no shouting.
  • Envision the places where you could get hurt if the rigging fails, and do not go anywhere near them.
  • Arrange a closed-rope system. Avoid open hooks when possible.
  • Never tow with a winch.
  • Never lower a load with a winch
  • Slow down and methodically implement your plan.
 
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