Ramsey Winch QM-8000 - Manual (Page 3)

Neat, tight spooling avoids cable binding. Cable binding
occurs when a cable under load pulls down into the layer
below, becoming pinched between two other wraps of
cable. If this happens, alternately power the winch in and
out a few inches. Do not attempt to work a bound cable
under load; free by hand.
Techniques of Operation
The best way to get acquainted with how your winch oper-
ates 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. Soon you will gain con-
fidence in operating your winch and its use will become
second nature with you.
When pulling a heavy load, place a blanket, jacket or tar-
paulin 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 do not
overtake the winch line. Plan your pull. You can not always
hook up and pull out in one step. Examine the area for
anchoring possibilities as well as leverage situations,
direction, and goal.
Your winch will not only pull you up or ease you down a
steep grade, it will also pull another vehicle or a load while
your vehicle is anchored in a stationary position. The fol-
lowing illustrations show a few basic winching
techniques.
3
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
For a direct pull of 2,000 lbs., hitch truck to a tree or solid
anchor, and take out of gear.
To double the pull, use 2-part line with snatch block and tie off
to chassis. Take out of gear.
Use for loading and unloading boats, trailers, race cars, etc.