2.5 Winching Principles
2.5.1 Calculating fleet angle
To obtain the best wire/synthetic rope service, the direction of
pull will be on a horizontal within ±15 degrees and perpendicular
to the centerline of the winch drum within ±5 degrees. Short pulls
of up to 45 degrees laterally are acceptable; however without
maintaining the proper fleet angle; the rope will pile onto one side
of the rope drum and possibly do damage to the rope or winch.
Re-spool your winch as required.
2.5.2 Recovery damper
A recovery damper is a safety device designed to help reduce
the possibility of injury or property damage in the event of a
wire rope failure. Place in the middle third of a live rope.
Figure 6.
2.5.3 Snatch Block
An important aid to successful winching is the use of snatch block,
which can be used to increase the pulling power of a winch or
change the direction of a pull.
A winch double lined with a snatch block creates a mechanical lever-
age cutting the effort required by nearly half.
The use of one snatch block shows an indirect pull where the vehicle
is limited due to unsuitable ground or obstruction. The pull on the
load is the actual line pull of the winch. If more than one snatch block
is used, they must be located at least 40" (100 cm) apart. Figure 7.
WARNING
Do not use the winch as a lifting device or a hoist for vertical lifting.
CAUTION
The Power-Out function should be used for relieving tension on the rope, not for extended distances.
The Power-Out function drives the winch motor against the brake which is similar to driving your
vehicle with the parking brake engaged. Do not use the Power-Out function for lowering a load --
winches are not designed to be used as hoists. Use the free-spool function to pay out wire rope.
If you Power-Out over 25 feet, let the winch cool for 15 minutes.
CEQUENT
Operation Instructions
PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC. •
™
Figure 5 - Fleet Angle
Roller
Fairlead
Figure 6 - Recovery Damper
Figure 7 - Snatch Block
F3840-00 REV A (3618) 12/14
Snatch
Block
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