Winches

A winch is a device for lifting or moving a load using a rope that winds onto a drum. 3 models are produced serially:

1. Lifting — for delivering a load to a set height.
2. Pulling — for transporting a load within one plane.
3. Rotary — for turning crane or other mechanisms.

Winches are driven by an electric or manual lever drive. They are installed on mobile or stationary platforms.

Performance characteristics and types of winches

Technical parameters of winches:

• pulling force at the last wrap of the rope on the drum;
• rope winding speed onto the drum;
• rope capacity (maximum length of rope that can be wound onto the drum).

Depending on the drive — manual or electric, from a 12V supply — the lifting speed changes. Automatic devices lift or move the load faster. Rotation is transmitted from the electric power unit through a series of gear elements of the reducer. When activated, the winch is fixed to anchors that withstand increased tension from the rope’s pull. This achieves safety and equal lifting and lowering speed, though the speed may be fairly low.

Types of winches:

1. Lever — the simplest type, used in everyday life. Its compact size allows it to be carried in a car trunk. Used where operating larger winches is not feasible.
2. Lever winch with rotating mechanism — a simple and reliable device. In operation, the force increases up to 200%. The manual drive allows lifting loads to a small height.
3. Manual winch with worm drive — an upgraded version of the previous devices. Used in various fields and can increase force up to 4 times.
4. Electric winch — a stationary or portable device capable of lifting weight up to 15 tonnes. Powered from a 380 or 230 V supply. Distinguished by low weight and minimal dimensions.

Winch design

Regardless of type, a winch consists of a rope attached to a drum. The rope length can reach 50 meters. The rope is laid onto the drum during lifting or moving of loads in such a way that it does not tangle. Winding onto the drum is performed using a specialized sleeve.

Materials

Depending on the field of application, a manual or electric winch is made of durable metal. To ensure sufficient lifting force, the housing must be securely fixed. A suspended winch is fixed to a metal or wooden beam.

An important part is the gear transmission, which transmits torque from the lifted weight to a specialized mechanism. High-strength metals capable of withstanding heavy loads on all elements are used for manufacturing.

The rope is made of high-strength steel wire with single, double, or triple lay — to ensure sufficient tensile strength.

Operating features

Before using the winch, the rope must be checked for breaks or corrosion, especially during vertical lifting of a load. Additionally, the power unit’s functionality must be checked.