5
OPERATION
The best way to get acquainted with how your winch operates is to make test runs before you
actually use it. Plan your test in advance. Remember, you hear your winch, as well as see it
operate. Get to recognize the sounds of a light steady pull, a heavy pull, and sounds caused by load
jerking or shifting. Avoid conditions where load shifts or jerks occur, as they may indicate a dangerous
situation.
The uneven spooling of cable, while pulling a load, is not a problem, unless there is a cable pileup on
one end of drum. If this happens, reverse the winch to relieve the load and move your anchor point
further to the center of the vehicle. After the job is done you can unspool and rewind for a neat lay of
the cable.
When pulling a heavy load place a blanket, jacket or tarpaulin over the cable about five or six feet
behind the hook. In the event of a broken cable, this will slow the snap back of the cable and could
prevent serious injury.
The winch clutch allows rapid unspooling of the cable from the cable drum for hooking onto the load.
The clutch is operated by the clutch shifter lever or air shifter.
WARNING: DO NOT DISENGAGE CLUTCH UNDER LOAD.
MANUAL CLUTCH SHIFTER (Refer to page 13)
TO DISENGAGE CLUTCH: Run the winch in the reverse (reel out) direction until load is off the cable.
Pull handle out and rotate 90o. With handle in the "DISENGAGED" position, cable may now be free-
spooled from drum.
TO ENGAGE CLUTCH: Pull handle out, rotate 90oand release handle. Run the winch in reverse until
the clutch handle snaps fully into the "ENGAGED" position. DO NOT attempt to pull a load unless the
handle is fully at the "ENGAGED" position.
AIR CYLINDER CLUTCH SHIFTER (Refer to page 14)
TO DISENGAGE CLUTCH: Run the winch in the reverse (reel out) direction until load is off the cable.
Apply air pressure to the .125-27 NPT port: 80 PSI (min.) 150 PSI (max.). CAUTION: Pressure must
not exceed 150 PSI.
TO ENGAGE CLUTCH: Remove air pressure from the cylinder (a return spring engages the plunger).
Run winch in reverse until the clutch engagement indicator light (green light) is lit. DO NOT attempt to
pull a load unless the green light is lit. To connect light to the vehicle electrical system refer to the
Electrical Schematic on page 14.
MAINTENANCE
1. Inspect the cable for damage and lubricate frequently. If the cable becomes frayed with broken
strands, replace immediately.
2. Check that the clutch is fully engaging. See OPERATION instructions, above, for the appropriate
clutch shifter. FOR MANUAL CLUTCH ONLY: Monthly disengage clutch, put several drops of oil on
the shaft and work clutch IN and OUT several times to lubricate inside of clutch cylinder.
3. Check to see that drum cable does not overrun (birdnest) when freespooling. Refer to page 3.
4. Replace drum bushings and seals when seals begin to seep grease. Refer to OVERHAUL
INSTRUCTIONS, page 7. Add additional lubricant, Mobilith SHC 007, to gears if required.
