Ramsey Winch REP-9.5e - 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 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 vehi-
cle down a steep grade, it will also pull another vehicle or a
load while your vehicle is anchored in a stationary position.
The following sketches show you a few techniques.
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 over-
take 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.
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 direct pull of 2000 lbs., hitch truck to a tree or
solid anchor, and take out of gear.
For a solid anchor, bury a log with earth or sand or
place it in a deep ravine.
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.