Ramsey Winch PATRIOT 15000 W_LOWERED SOLENOID - Manual (Page 3)

3
Techniques of Operation
The best way to get acquainted with how your winch
operates is to make a few test runs before you actually
need to use it. Plan your test in advance. Remember
you hear your winch as well as see it operate. Get to
recognize the sound of a light steady pull, a heavy pull,
and sounds caused by load jerking or shifting. The
winch may make more noise when running in the
‘out’ direction under load. This noise should
decrease with use and is not detrimental to the winch
operation. Soon you will gain confidence in operating
your winch and its use will become second nature with
you.
Your winch will not only pull your vehicle up or ease your
vehicle down a steep grade, it will also pull another
vehicle or a load while your vehicle is anchored in a
stationary position. The sketches on this page show you
a few techniques.
For basic self-recovery, anchor to a tree or heavy rock.
When anchoring to a tree, always use a tree trunk
protector.
Stakes driven in solid earth and chained together make a
good anchor point for self-recovery when no solid anchor
point is available.
For a solid anchor, bury a log with earth or sand or place
it in a deep ravine.
When pulling a heavy load, place a blanket, jacket or
tarpaulin over the cable five or six feet from the hook. It
will slow the snap back in the event of a broken cable.
Also, open the vehicle hood for additional protection.
Use the vehicle wheel power to help the winch, but don’t
overtake the winch line. Plan your pull. You can’t always
hook up and pull out in one step. Examine all the areas
for anchoring possibilities as well as leverage situations,
direction, and goal.
Winches equipped with cable guide fairleads can pull
from several directions. Pull from an angle only to
straighten up the vehicle-otherwise you can damage
structural members or other parts of your vehicle and
cause excess cable buildup on one end of the winch
drum.
For a direct pull of 2000 lbs., hitch truck to a tree or solid
anchor, and take out of gear.
To double the pull, use 2-part line and tie off to chassis.
Take out of gear.