Getting to Know Winches and Hoists

 

Despite their common association with off-road vehicles, winches have broad uses in a variety of industries and fields. From bridge building and general construction to shipping and marine applications, winches can be tailor-made and customized to handle just about any job. 

 

Many people still ask what a winch is, what types of winches can be purchased, and how winches are often used.

 

What is a Winch?

Winches are mechanical devices that pull or lift a load. A typical winch is comprised of a rope, cable, or chain wrapped around a rotating drum that is wound by a crank arm or motor. Simple winches are often found mounted to a vehicle to assist with moving vehicles through treacherous terrain.

 

Common Parts of a Winch

 

A Cable Wire

This is usually a steel cable or wire. It is used to attach the winch to the load and normally connects to a round center axel (called a “drum”) that is used to wind the wire or cable and prevent binding and/or entanglement.

 

A Drum

The drum is a circular part that is attached to the cable and rotates to pay in or pay out the cable which is attached to the load.

 

A Motor

The motor in a winch powers the rotation of the center drum to pay in or pay out the cable. Motors are very common to winches but are not necessary. A motor may be replaced by a hand-powered crank arm or wheel that performs the same function as the motor, rotating the center drum. 

 

A Gear Train

The gears in a winch convert the work of the motor or the hand-powered crank to the rotation of the drum. They provide the mechanical advantage that lets winches lift heavy objects.

 

What Separates a Winch from a Hoist?

Typically, a winch pulls a load horizontally while a hoist lifts a load vertically.

 

With this said, there are some devices that are specifically designed to serve as both a winch and a hoist. In such instances, it is common for the device to have different capacities depending on the type of work being performed (winching or hoisting).

 

Different Kinds of Winches

Air Winches

Air winches typically handle loads up to 10 tons.

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Base mount winch

Base mount winches typically handle loads between 1/2 ton and 300 tons. 

 

Hydraulic Winches

Hydraulic winches typically handle loads between 1/2 ton and 300 tons.

 

Winch Configurations

Winches can be configured in a variety of ways such as:

• Diesel with a torque converter, with or without a multi-speed directional transmission;

• Diesel/hydraulic drive;

• Electric direct drive or electric over hydraulic;

• Hydraulic spud winches.

• Gear or chain-driven winches

 

Benefits of Winches

It is important to pick the right tool for the job. There are many types of winches, but some common advantages exist between them. Winches typically use dynamic breaks that make them a good candidate for moving loads the need smooth, consistent force applied.  

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Custom Winches or Hoists

We can handle just about any request when it comes to custom hoists or winches. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you!

 

Our Services - About MB Brokerage Co. HOSS Winch Division

The HOSS Winch Division of MB Brokerage Co. works with winches through new builds, refurbishments, and resales. The Company primarily works with marine winches, tow winches, or spud winches.