Ramsey Winch RE-8000/10000/12000/12000X - Manual (Page 5)

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. Soon
you will gain confidence in operating your winch
and its use will become second nature with you.
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.
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.
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 following illustrations
show a few basic winching techniques.
TECHNIQUES OF OPERATION