Winches are a useful tool that have been used to move heavy objects since ancient times. Today, most winches for sale are motorized, which means less effort and more efficiency for users. However, it also introduces safety concerns. Before you try winching, it’s essential that you understand best practices.
Be Prepared
There are several pieces of equipment you’ll need for a proper set up:
- D-ring shackles
- Leather gloves
- Designed or improvised cable blankets
- Tree-protectors
- Pulleys and snatch-blocks
You’ll also need to ensure that your battery can handle extra amps of a hydraulic truck winch – this is something you should check before you even leave home. Otherwise, you may end up stuck with two useless vehicles.
Try the Simplest Option First
It’s imperative that you assess the situation and plan before acting. If you go in without thinking, you could end up damaging your cable, vehicle or yourself. Take the time to consider all courses of action before choosing one.
How do you know which to choose? The best option is usually the simplest, as it generally means the fewest possible complications. Try a straight recovery – if the trail allows –to get the smoothest results.
Use Trees for Self-Recovery
The beauty of a motorized winch is how easily you can recover vehicles on your own. However, this situation may take more forethought and use of a bountiful resource: trees.
Remember that a great deal of pressure will be put on the tree you choose, so be sure to check the following during selection:
- The tree is large and deeply rooted enough to handle the weight
- It’s not hollow or dead, which may lead to breaking
- It’s easily accessible
If you plan on off-roading alone, learning this technique is vital.
A winch is great to have just in case, but it can be useless or even dangerous if you don’t know how to use one correctly. Be sure to familiarize yourself with winching techniques before trouble arises so you can be calm and collected if it does.