Winch Basics; Rope Layer - Harbor Freight Tools Badland Apex Owner's Manual & Safety Instructions

Winch Basics

Rope Layer

Imagine trying to hold a full length shovel horizontal by the
very end of the handle — p retty hard, right?
Now imagine holding a shorter shovel by the end of the handle. Maybe
not easy, but certainly easier than the full length shovel.
This is an example of how the winch must exert torque on the drum for the various
layers of rope on the drum. The outermost layer of rope is represented by the full
length shovel, and the first layer of rope is represented by the short shovel.
The winch and the vehicle electrical system have a limited amount of power
available, so it is important to use the power in the most efficient way possible.
The winch can pull to 100% full rated
load only on the first layer of rope
that touches the drum.
For a constant load, as each layer of
rope winds on, the winch must exert
more torque on the drum, because of
the added leverage of each layer.
WARNING! To prevent serious injury from
sudden detachment of the winch rope leave
at least 5 full wraps of rope on the drum.
Page 10 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Winching
Guide