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ProMark Offroad Blog

Keep Your Winch Working

Written By: Esther
April 10th, 2012 | Filed under Winch Maintenance | No Comments »Tags: , , ,
ATV winch

Use your winch at least once a month, even if just to power the cable out and back in.

Use It or Lose It

We highly recommend using your winch regularly (at least once a month). Even if you don’t need to use the winch for anything, get the motor running and warmed up to keep the winch in good working condition.

Simply power the cable out 5 feet, spool out another 2 feet, and then power back in. This will keep all components in good working condition so that the winch will be ready to use when you need it.

Maintenance

Every so often, check the mounting bolts and electrical connections to make sure they are tight and free of corrosion or damage. Remove any dirt and corrosion that may have accumulated on the electrical connections.

Lubrication

The gearbox and drum bearings are permanently lubricated. No internal lubrication should be required for the life of the winch. Re-lubrication is necessary only after repair or disassembly.

Cable Safety

Always check the condition of the wire or synthetic cable before using. If there are signs of damage that could compromise the safety of the cable, do not use your winch until the cable is repaired or replaced.

Never substitute a heavier or lighter wire rope as a replacement. The rope should have the same diameter and load capacity as the original cable.

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Recovery Winch Operation and Safety Tips

Written By: Esther
March 16th, 2012 | Filed under Offroad Recovery, Winching Techniques | No Comments »Tags: , , ,
Jeep recovery winch

Jeep recovery winch

Even experienced winch users need to be reminded of the basics sometimes. Your safety and the safety of those around you is the most important consideration in the winching process. See below for tips on operating and using your recovery winch safely.

1. Dress for the Job.

  • Don’t wear loose clothing or jewelry. They can get caught in moving parts.
  • Wear leather gloves when handling winch cable. Don’t handle cable with your bare hands! Loose wires, barbs, and extreme temperatures can cause burns or injuries.
  • Wear sturdy, non-skid footwear.
  • Keep long hair pulled back, and keep long beards out of the way.

2. Keep Your Distance.

  • Make sure everyone in the area is standing well clear of the winch cable and load during the recovery process. We recommend a distance of at least 1.5 times the cable length. If the cable pulls loose or breaks under load, it can lash back and cause serious personal injury or death.
  • Don’t step over the winch cable.
  • Watch your footing and keep your balance at all times.

3. Don’t Abuse the Winch.

  • If the motor gets uncomfortably hot to the touch, stop winching and let the motor cool down for a few minutes. Electric winches are designed for intermittent use.
  • Shut off power to the winch if the motor stalls.
  • Stay within the maximum line pull ratings for your electric winch. Shock loads should not exceed these ratings either.

4. Avoid Unintentional Starting.

  • Disengage the winch clutch when not in use.
  • Make sure the clutch is in the fully engaged position before use.

5. Repair Damaged Parts.

  • Before using your winch, you should inspect the winch and cable carefully for any damage.
  • Repair or replace damaged parts before using your winch. Contact the manufacturer or an authorized service center for repairs.
  • Use only identical replacement parts when repairing your recovery winch.

6. Respool the Cable.

  • Wear leather gloves when respooling the winch cable. To respool correctly, you need to keep a slight load on the cable. Hold the winch cable with one hand and the remote control switch with the other. Start as far back and in the center as you can. Walk towards the winch, keeping load on the cable as the winch is powered in.
  • Don’t let the cable slide through your hand, and be careful not to approach the winch too closely.
  • When your hand gets within a few feet of the winch, turn off the power using the remote and repeat the process, grabbing the cable again as far back and in the center as you can.
  • Keep spooling in the cable until only 3 feet of cable remains in your hand.
  • Disconnect the winch remote (or shut off the wireless remote) and finish spooling in the cable by rotating the drum by hand with the clutch disengaged.
  • On hidden winches, spool in the winch cable under power, but keep your hands clear.

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Wire Winch Rope Safety

Written By: Esther
December 21st, 2011 | Filed under Offroad Recovery, Synthetic Winch Rope, Winch Maintenance | No Comments »Tags: , , , ,
Electric winch

Use the winch strap and leather gloves to spool out winch cable.

Handling wire winch rope is one of the hazards of using an electric winch. Although steel cable is rugged and durable in tough winching conditions, it can also be dangerous if handled carelessly. Here are a few tips on learning to handle wire winch rope safely.

Hand Protection

First off, protect your hands. Stray wires from the cable can tear up your skin if you’re not careful. Wear thick leather gloves any time you handle winch cable, and do not let the rope run through your hands. Grab hold of the winch saver strap to spool out cable, and use the hand-over-hand method to guide the cable back onto the spool.

Dampen the Cable

Although the chances of your winch cable breaking are low, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Dampen the winch cable by draping a heavy mover’s blanket or similar object over the rope. Place it about midway between the winch and the anchor point. Even a tree branch, heavy winter coat, or a length of chain draped over the winch cable will work in a pinch.

If the cable happens to break during the winching process, the extra weight will slow down the backlash effect. Just like a rubber band, your wire rope can snap back if broken. Besides dampening the cable, make sure bystanders are standing well out of the cable’s path. The winch operator should also be careful to stand out of the cable’s path as well. If you are operating the winch from inside your vehicle, consider raising the hood for an extra measure of protection in case the winch rope fails.

Winch Cable Replacement

Check your winch rope often for signs of damage. If your cable shows signs of deterioration beyond the usual wear and tear, replace the cable before using your winch again. For safer cable, consider switching to synthetic winch rope.

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Recovery Winch Safety

Written By: Esther
November 9th, 2011 | Filed under Recovery Winch Accessories, Winching Techniques | No Comments »Tags: , ,
Recovery winch

Always use the winch hook strap to spool out cable.

No matter how long you’ve been an offroader, it’s never a bad idea to brush up on your winch safety skills. A recovery winch is a powerful tool that should be handled with respect.

1. Keep your distance.

Always stand clear of the rope, hook, and winch. Although it’s unlikely that the winch or cable will fail, it’s best to make sure that you and others are out of harm’s way.

2. Watch your fingers.

Keep clear of the winch, taut wire rope, and hook when operating the recovery winch. Never put your finger through the hook. If your finger gets caught in the hook, you could lose your finger. Always use the hook strap to guide the wire rope in or out.

3. Take breaks.

If the motor becomes uncomfortably hot to the touch, stop and let it cool down for a few minutes. Don’t continue to power the winch if the motor stalls, and do not exceed the maximum line pull rating for the winch. Shock loads must not exceed this rating.

4. Avoid accidents.

Make sure the winch clutch is disengaged when not in use to prevent unintentional starting. The clutch should be fully engaged when in use.

5. Check for damage.

Before using your recovery winch, you should check the winch housing and cable for any signs of damage. If you see damage, do not use the winch. Repair or replace the winch before using again.

6. Watch your hands.

Wear leather gloves when handling the winch cable and when respooling. Don’t let the cable slide through your hands. Sharp burrs can cut through the gloves and rip up your hands. Be careful not to approach the winch too closely. On hidden winches, spool in the cable under power, but keep your hands clear of the opening.

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Corded Winch Remote Safety Tips

Written By: Esther
April 6th, 2010 | Filed under Offroad Recovery, Winching Techniques | No Comments »Tags: , ,

Winching Tip of the Week from ProMark Offroad

 

Winching Tip of the Week: Only connect the corded remote to the winch when you are ready to operate the winch. Disconnect the remote immediately after use.

Corded Winch Remote

Always unplug the corded winch remote
when not in use.

Keeping the corded winch remote plugged in only when you are operating the winch is a safety measure that prevents the winch from being operated accidentally, whether by someone bumping the winch controls or by little kids getting their hands on the remote.

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Inspect the lead for cracks, frayed wires, and loose connections before using the remote. A damaged control lead may cause the winch to operate erratically. When you are done operating the winch, store the corded remote in a clean, dry area where it will be protected from damage.

To keep the remote control lead from getting damaged during use, keep it clear of all moving winch parts, including the drum and fairlead, cable, and any rigging. Don’t pinch the lead in the door if you are operating the winch from inside your vehicle. Always pass the lead through an open window.

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How to Prevent Winch Cable Backlash

Written By: Esther
March 16th, 2010 | Filed under Winching Techniques | No Comments »Tags: , , ,

Winching Tip of the Week from ProMark Offroad

 

Winching Tip of the Week: Drape a heavy coat or tree branch over the cable to absorb energy in case the cable should snap.

In the rare case that a winch cable snaps, it can lash back with tremendous force. To prevent serious damage or bodily injury, throw a heavy coat or similar object over the taut cable before beginning the winching process. The coat will absorb a large amount of the force if the cable snaps and prevent the cable from whipping violently through the air.

The coat or object should be placed midway between the winch and the anchor point. Some possible weighted objects include the following:

  • A heavy blanket (such as a mover’s blanket)
  • Chain
  • Floor mats
  • A backpack
  • A tree limb

Even with a weighted object over the winch cable, you should still follow all safety precautions for winching. Make sure all bystanders are clear of the cable’s path, stand clear of the cable while operating the winch, and do not step over the cable when it is under tension.

And remember that the best way to prevent your winch cable from breaking is to perform regular maintenance on your winch and cable.

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How To Handle Steel Winch Cable

Written By: Esther
November 5th, 2009 | Filed under Offroad Recovery, Winching Techniques | No Comments »Tags: , ,

Winching Gloves

Winching Gloves

If you’ve worked with steel winch cable much before, no doubt you’ve gotten your share of cuts from burrs and frays in the cable. Feeling a burr slice into your palm is not just annoying; it’s also painful. If you take the right precautions, though, in most cases you can prevent the cable from roughing up your hands. Here’s a few tips to protect yourself when handling steel winch cable.

  1. Always wear thick leather gloves when handling steel winch cable. Burrs and frays in the rope can slice into your hands, which can be pretty painful. If you forget to bring gloves, use a heavy rag or double up a piece of thick material to handle the rope.

  2. Replace your leather gloves at the first sign of wear. If the gloves are worn out, burrs can easily slice through the thinning leather and cut up your hands.

  3. Avoid handling the wire rope more than necessary. Use the hook strap as much as possible to keep the cable from roughing up your hands.

  4. DO NOT let the rope slide through your hands. To guide the rope, move hand over hand down the length of the cable.

  5. Use the hook strap to unwind the cable. Keep your fingers out of the winch hook, fairlead, drum, and any other winch parts that could pinch your fingers. Also, don’t let your clothes or other accessories get caught in the winch drum or any other moving part of the winch.

  6. Finally, use the corded remote or wireless controls to operate the winch, and stand as far away from the path of the winch line as possible.

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Winch Cable Replacement

Written By: Esther
August 25th, 2009 | Filed under Winch Maintenance | No Comments »Tags: , , , , ,

Next time you replace your winch cable, you may want to consider synthetic winch rope.

Next time you replace your winch cable, you may want to consider synthetic rope.

You’ve probably heard numerous stories about near misses with a backlashing steel cable and maybe even a few tragic accidents. Working with steel cable can be dangerous, but taking the right precautions and keeping a close eye on the condition of the cable can prevent most accidents and near misses.

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Inspecting your winch line is one of the most important steps in winch maintenance and safety. It only takes a few minutes, but it could prevent some big headaches in the long run.

Do a quick inspection before and after using your winch. Check for weak spots in the cable. Watch for excessive fraying or crimping and other signs of damage that could signal the need for a new cable. Do a more thorough inspection as part of your regular winch maintenance. How often you need to inspect the cable depends on how often you use your winch.

Although electric winches are designed to last for years, your cable should generally be replaced every two to three years. If you wait until your cable breaks to replace it, you’re risking your life and the lives of those around you. Don’t take your chances with a weakening cable.

When the time comes to replace your winch cable, make sure you find a cable with the correct thickness and length. You may also want to consider switching to synthetic winch rope for added safety.

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Winching Techniques: Choosing an Anchor Point

Written By: Esther
February 24th, 2009 | Filed under Offroad Recovery, Winching Techniques | No Comments »Tags: , , ,

The more stuck you get, the more important it is to choose a solid anchor point that’s strong enough to hold under pressure as you winch out.

ATV Winching Kit

ATV Winching Kit

The two best options for choosing an anchor point are a natural anchor or another vehicle. Natural anchor points include trees, stumps, and large rocks. Since a chain can damage or kill trees, use a tree strap and D-shackle instead to attach your cable to a natural anchor. Never wrap steel cable or synthetic rope around an anchor point and hook it back on itself, as this can damage your cable or cause it to snap.

The further away the anchor point, the better. The more winch line you spool out, the more weight your winch can handle. Just make sure you’ve got at least one full wrap left on the drum.

It’s best to choose an anchor point in line with the direction your vehicle will move as you winch it out. This guides the winch cable onto the drum in straight and even rows rather than allowing the cable to pile up on one side. Pulling at an angle is less efficient than a straight pull. The winch strap is also more likely to drag across sharp edges on your vehicle on angle pulls. If you need to winch at an angle, always use a snatch block to guide the cable rope directly onto the spool.

If you’re riding with a friend, you can use your buddy’s vehicle to winch yourself out. Just block the wheels of the recovery vehicle, throw it in neutral, and apply the hand brake to keep it from rolling.

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Winch Safety Tips

Written By: Esther
February 10th, 2009 | Filed under Offroad Recovery, Winching Techniques | 1 Comment »Tags: , ,

Winch hook and strapA winch is a powerful tool that can create tremendous potential. Without the right knowledge, however, winching can escalate into a dangerous situation in no time. Take the time to understand how your winch works before you use it.

General Winch Safety Tips

•  Inspect the winch cable before and after each use. Keep an eye out for kinks, fraying, snapped threads, and other signs of damage or wear.

•  Wear heavy leather gloves to protect your hands from burrs or slivers when using a steel cable.

•  Avoid wearing loose clothing that could get caught on moving winch parts or the cable.

•  Communicate clearly with bystanders and others involved in the winching process. Clear the surrounding area of bystanders to ensure their safety in case of winch or cable failure.

•  Never straddle or step over the winch strap after it is tightened.

•  If you are winching with a steel cable, pile heavy clothing or blankets at the midpoint of the cable to prevent the cable from lashing back in case the cable snaps.

•  Leave at least one row of cable on the drum when winching.

•  Winch your vehicle out at a slow and steady pace, taking care not to let the cable pile up on one side of the drum.

Other Winch Safety Precautions

•  Never hook the winch cable back onto itself by wrapping the cable around the anchor point. Always use a tree strap and D-shackle to safely wrap around an anchor point and attach the cable.

•  Never engage or disengage the clutch while the winch is operating.

•  Never attach a recovery strap to a winch cable to lengthen the cable.

•  Never use a winch strap to tow another vehicle.

•  A winch is not designed to operate as a hoist. Using your winch in this manner can damage your winch or vehicle and create a serious safety hazard to the winch operator and bystanders.

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