Winch maintenance, A. weekly, B. monthly – Ramsey Winch 800/H-800 DOW-LOK User Manual
Page 5: C. annually
3
The Dow-Lok
®
low-profile shifter clutch
provides free spooling and clutch engagement with the cable drum. With the
clutch disengaged, the cable can be freespooled off the drum. For winching in the load the clutch must be fully engaged
with the drum.
TO ENGAGE CLUTCH
Raise the handle so the notch clears the bracket, and pull handle out as far as it will go. The clutch will automati-
cally spring into engagement and latch when the clutch aligns with the drum shaft. In order to attain full engage-
ment, internal elements of the clutch MUST be aligned. This alignment will take place when cable drum or cable
drum shaft turns a maximum of 1/4 revolution. Do not attempt to lift a load unless notch in shifter shaft is se-
curely latched. Keep clear of spring-loaded handle during automatic engagement.
TO DISENGAGE CLUTCH
Raise handle so notch clears bracket. Push handle in and latch the shaft notch onto bracket. Do not disengage the
clutch under load.
WINCH MAINTENANCE
Adhering to the following maintenance schedule will keep your winch in top condition and performing as it should with a
minimum of repair.
A. WEEKLY
1. Check the oil level and maintain it to the oil level plug. If oil is leaking out, determine location and repair.
2. Check the pressure relief plug in top of the gear housing. Be sure that it is in good operating condition so that hot oil
gasses may escape.
3. Lubricate cable with light oil.
B. MONTHLY
1. Lubricate the various grease fittings located in the ends of cable drum shaft, end bearing, clutch housing or clutch op-
erating linkage. Any good grade of grease containing moly-disulfide is acceptable.
2. In the case of jaw clutch winches, check the action of the sliding clutch, making sure it is fully engaging and disengag-
ing with the cable drum. Observe the jaws on both the clutch and cable drum, checking for rounding of the driving
faces. If rounding has occurred they should be replaced immediately.
3. In the case of Dow-Lok® clutches, check the action of the locking ring. Make sure it is spring loaded and free to move
fully against the cable drum in the engaged position and that it is pulled fully away from the cable drum and latched
when disengaged.
4. Check the winch mounting bolts. If any are missing, replace them and securely tighten any that are loose. Make sure
to use only grade 5 bolts or better.
5. Check the torque setting of the oil cooled worm brake. Make any adjustments required, following the procedure de-
scribed in ADJUSTING THE OIL COOLED WORM BRAKE in the Owner's Manual.
6. Check alignment of chain and sprockets and adjust as required to minimize wear.
7. Inspect the cable. If the cable has become frayed with broken strands, replace immediately.
C. ANNUALLY
1. Drain the oil from the winch annually or more often if winch is used frequently.
2. Fill the winch to the oil level plug with clean kerosene. Run the winch a few minutes with no load in the reel in direc-
tion. Drain the kerosene from the winch.
3. Refill the winch to the oil level plug with all purpose E.P. 140 gear oil.
4. Inspect frame and surrounding structure for cracks or deformation.
5. Gear wear can be estimated by rocking the drum back and forth and if necessary drain oil and remove cover for closer
inspection.