- Practice using the winch before you urgently need it.
- No loose clothing/jewellery; tie back long hair; wear sturdy gloves.
- Estimate load; use the right gear; don’t take shortcuts.
- Re-check rope, hooks, shackles and slings for damage before use.
- Controls unplugged while setting up; plug in only when ready.
- Don’t exceed the rope’s rated capacity; don’t use the winch rope as a tow strap or cargo tie-down.
- Never attach to a tow ball, axle or suspension; use rated recovery points only.
- Aim for 90° feed onto the drum so it layers evenly; avoid stack/bind.
- Remove obstructions; ensure anchors are strong enough for the load.
Electric Winch
Winches are for pulling, not lifting. Read the manual, set up safely, and keep clear of the rope under load.
The Simple Things to Check Before Using the Winch
Inspect rope for kinks/frays
Clear area • set no-go zones
Chock wheels
Use rated recovery points
Don’t hook rope back onto itself
Use a dampener/blanket on the rope
Keep hands/clothing clear
Important:
Never exceed rated capacity. Never use a winch as a hoist. Keep at least 5 wraps
on the drum (full width for synthetic).
Before You Winch (Setup)
- Plan the pull: path is clear; anchor/recovery points are rated and aligned for a straight pull.
- Free-spool carefully; use the hook strap to pull rope from drum.
- Attach with a tree trunk protector / choker sling — never around the rope itself.
- Fit a rope dampener/blanket mid-span.
- Stand bystanders well clear, never behind the vehicle being pulled.
- Keep the pendant lead away from drum/rope; route through the open window, not the door seal.
During Winching (Operation)
- Winch in short bursts; pause to avoid overheating and to re-layer the rope evenly.
- Maintain a straight line into the fairlead to prevent side loading.
- Never touch or step over a tensioned rope.
- Do not engage/disengage the clutch while the rope is under load or the drum is turning.
- Stop if layers stack/bind; free-spool a little and re-tension on a straight pull.
Guides & Safety Details
Preparing a Recovery Task
Safety While Winching
- Keep the remote lead clear of rope & fairlead; use the window route from the driver’s seat.
- Stand clear of the rope line; keep onlookers well away at all times.
- Open the vehicle bonnet to add protection if a rope were to fail.
- Never cross a rope under load; ensure nobody stands behind the moving vehicle.
- Avoid heavy side loads; don’t operate with fewer than 5 wraps on the drum (full width for synthetic).
After Winching (Pack-down)
- Spool rope back under light tension in neat layers; dry and clean if muddy/wet.
- Inspect for abrasion, kinks or heat glaze; replace damaged rope.
- Stow dampener, straps and shackles; disconnect pendant.
Do
- Wear gloves; set no-go zones.
- Use rated recovery points & slings.
- Keep pulls straight and controlled.
- Layer rope evenly on the drum.
Don’t
- Don’t lift with a winch.
- Don’t hook rope back onto itself.
- Don’t exceed rated capacities.
- Don’t touch a rope under tension.
