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Techniques of Operation
The best way to get acquainted with how your winch
operates is to make a few test runs before you actually
need to use it. Plan your test in advance. Remember
you hear your winch as well as see it operate. Get to
recognize the sound of a light steady pull, a heavy pull,
and sounds caused by load jerking or shifting. Soon you
will gain confidence in operating your winch and its use
will become second nature with you.
When pulling a heavy load, place a blanket, jacket or tar-
paulin over the cable five or six feet from the hook. It will
slow the snap back in the event of a broken cable. Also,
open the vehicle hood for additional protection.
For basic self recovery, anchor to a tree or heavy rock. When anchor-
ing to a tree, always use a tree trunk protector.
Stakes driven in solid earth and chained together make a good anchor
point for self-recovery when no solid anchor point is available.
For a solid anchor, bury a log with earth or sand or place it in a deep
ravine
Use the vehicle wheel power to help the winch, but do
not overtake the winch line. Plan your pull. You can not
always hook up and pull out in one step. Examine the
area for anchoring possibilities as well as leverage situa-
tions, direction, and goal.
Your winch will not only pull you up or ease you down a
steep grade, it will also pull another vehicle or a load
while your vehicle is anchored in a stationary position.
The following illustrations show a few basic winching
techniques.
For a direct pull of 2,000 lbs., hitch truck to a tree or solid anchor, and
take out of gear.
To double the pull, use 2-part line with snatch block and tie off to
chassis. Take out of gear.
Winches equipped with cable guide fairleads can pull from several
directions. Pull from an angle only to straighten up the vehicle-other-
wise you can damage structural members or other parts of your vehi-
cle and cause excess cable buildup on one end of the winch drum.
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