Ramsey Winch REP-8000e - Manual (Page 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 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.
For basic self-recovery, anchor to a tree or heavy rock.
When anchoring to a tree, always use a tree trunk pro-
tector.
Stakes driven into 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 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.
Winches equipped with cable guide fairleads can pull
from several different 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 2,000 lbs. hitch a truck to a tree or
solid anchor, and take out of gear.
To double the pull, use 2-part line and tie off the chassis.
Take out of gear.
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