Electric winches require cooling periods to prevent overheating on long pulls.
Electric winches are rated by maximum pulling capacity. For example, a 10,000 lb winch can safely handle up to 10,000 pounds without breaking or stalling, under the right pulling conditions.
The maximum pulling capacity is based on the first layer of cable on the drum. If you rig up your winch with more than one layer remaining on the drum, the pulling capacity drops for each added layer of cable on the drum. As the layers increase, pulling power decreases.
How to Get More Winch Power
If you need more pulling power, spool out more cable. You can do this either by choosing an anchor point further away from the vehicle or by using a snatch block to double back the cable. A double line pull increases your winch power by almost doubling the capacity.
Be careful not to exceed the maximum rated capacity for your winch. If you think the load will be close to the maximum winch rating, rig up a double line pull for extra power. If you exceed the winch’s rating, the cable could snap, the winch could stall, or you could damage your winch. Exceeding the winch’s rating is dangerous, since a snapped cable can cause major damage to anyone or anything in its way.
How to Prevent Overheating
Unlike hydraulic winches, electric winches are not designed for long, continuous pulls. If you need to winch over a long distance, stop winching and let the motor cool down every so often to prevent overheating. If the motor becomes uncomfortably hot to the touch, that means you need to take a break. Wait five minutes or so—until the motor feels cooler to the touch—and continue winching.
