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51
WINCH GUIDE
Winch Operation
8. Read and adhere to the following information for winch damping to ensure safe winch
use.
A. In order to absorb energy that could be released by a winch cable failure, always place a
“damper” on the winch cable. A damper can be a heavy jacket, tarp, or other soft, dense
object. A damper can absorb much of the energy released if a winch cable breaks when
winching. Even a tree limb can help as a damper if no other items are available to you.
B. Lay the damper on top of the mid-point of the winch cable length that is spooled out.
C. On a long pull, it may be necessary to stop winching so that the damper can be repositioned
to the new mid-point of the winch cable. Always release the tension on the winch cable before
repositioning the damper.
D. Avoid being directly in line with the winch cable whenever possible. Also, never permit others
to stand near or in line with the winch cable during winch operation.
9. Never hook the winch cable back onto itself. This will damage the winch cable and may
result in winch cable failure.
10. Never use straps, chains or other rigging items that are damaged or worn.
11. The ONLY time a winch-equipped vehicle should be moving when using the winch is
when that vehicle itself is stuck. The winch-equipped vehicle should NEVER be in
motion to “shock” load the winch cable in an attempt to move a second stuck vehicle.
See the Shock Loading section on page 54. For your safety, always follow these
guidelines when winching a vehicle free:
A. Release the winch clutch and spool out the necessary length of winch cable.
B. Align the winch cable as close as possible to the winching vehicle’s centerline.
C. Attach the winch cable hook to the anchor point or the stuck vehicle’s frame following
instructions in this manual.
D. Re-engage the clutch on the winch.
E. Slowly winch in the slack in the winch cable.
F. Select the proper vehicle gear to propel the stuck vehicle in the direction of winching.
G. Shift to the lowest gear available on the stuck vehicle.
H. Slowly and carefully apply vehicle throttle and winch together to free the vehicle.
I. Stop winching as soon as the stuck vehicle is able to propel itself without the help of the
winch.
J. Detach the winch cable hook.
K. Rewind the winch cable evenly back onto the winch drum following the instructions in this
manual.
12. Never attempt to winch another stuck vehicle by attaching the winch cable to a
suspension component, brush guard, bumper or cargo rack. Vehicle damage may result.
Instead, attach the winch to a strong portion of the vehicle frame or hitch.