Ramsey Winch REP-6000/8000/9000 CURRENT - Manual (Page 3)

Since the greatest pulling power is achieved on the inner-
most layer of your winch, it is desirable to pull off as
much line as you can for heavy pulls (remember, you
must leave 5 wraps min. on the drum). If this is not
practical, use a snatch block and double line arrange-
ment (see illustration).
Neat, tight spooling avoids cable binding, which is
caused when a load is applied and the cable is pinched
between two others. 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
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 recog-
nize the sound of 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.
Your winch will not only pull your vehicle up or ease your
vehicle down a steep grade, it will also pull another vehi-
cle or a load while your vehicle is anchored in a station-
ary position. The following sketches show you a few
techniques.
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 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.
3
Winches equipped with cable guide fairleads can pull from several
directions. Pull from an angle only to straighten up the vehicle-oth-
erwise you can damage structural members or other parts of your
vehicle and cause excess cable buildup on one end of the winch
drum.
To double the pull, use 2-part line with snatch block
and tie off to chassis. Take out of gear.
For a solid anchor, bury a log with earth or sand or
place it in a deep ravine.
For a direct pull of 2000 lbs., hitch truck to a tree or
solid anchor, and take out of gear.
Stakes driven in solid earth and chained together make
a good anchor point for self-recovery when no solid
anchor point is available.
For basic self-recovery, anchor to a tree or heavy rock.
When anchoring to a tree, always use a tree trunk pro-
tector.