Ramsey Winch DC-300 RAM-LOK - Manual (Page 4)

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The best way to get acquainted with how your winch operates is to make test runs before you actually
use it. Plan your test in advance. Remember, you hear your winch as well as see it operate. Get to
recognize the sounds of a light steady pull, a heavy pull, and sounds caused by load jerking or shift-
ing. Gain confi dence in operating your winch and its use will become second nature with you.
The uneven spooling of cable, while pulling a load, is not a problem. unless there is a cable pile up on
one end of drum. If this happens, reverse the winch to relieve the load and move your anchor point
further to the center of the vehicle. After the job is done you can unspool and rewind for a neat lay of
the cable.
When pulling a load where there is even a remote chance of cable failure. place a blanket, jacket
or tarpaulin over the cable about six feet behind the hook. This will slow the snap back of a broken
cable and could prevent serious injury. Check oil level of winch every six months. Replace oil an-
nually or more often if winch is used frequently. Use 3/4 pint of all purpose E. P. 140 oil in the worm
gear housing and 1/2 pint SAE 20 for spur gear box. If the oil is contaminated with metallic particles,
inspect winch for cause of abnormal wear.
Periodically check all electrical connections and mounting bolts. Tighten hardware if necessary.
The minimum ampere-hour rating of vehicle battery should be 70, and used with at least a 40
amp alternator. An Auxiliary battery is recommended to supply additional battery power. Inspect the
cable frequently. If the cable becomes frayed with broken strands, replace immediately. Cable and
hook assembly may be purchased from a Ramsey distributor.
The RAM-LOK® semi-automatic clutch allows rapid unspooling of the cable, from cable drum, for
hooking onto a load. The clutch is operated by the "T-handle". located on the end of the winch, as
follows:
1. TO DISENGAGE CLUTCH, run the winch in the reverse (reel out) direction until the load is
off the cable. Pull outward on the clutch handle, rotate it counter-clockwise 90 0 and release.
The clutch is now locked out and the cable may be pulled off by hand.
2. TO ENGAGE CLUTCH, pull outward on the handle, rotate it clockwise 90 0 and release.
Run the winch in reverse until the clutch handle snaps fully in or until the cable drum starts
turning. At this point make sure the clutch handle is all the way in. The plastic plug in top of
clutch housing may be removed, for inspection of clutch to assure total engagement. After
the clutch is fully engaged, the winch is ready for winching in the cable.
WARNINGS
CLUTCH MUST BE TOTALLY ENGAGED BEFORE STARTING THE WINCHING OPERATION.
DO NOT DISENGAGE CLUTCH UNDER LOAD.
DO NOT LEAVE CLUTCH ENGAGED WHEN WINCH IS NOT IN USE.
STAY OUT FROM UNDER AND AWAY FROM RAISED LOADS.
STAND CLEAR OF CABLE WHILE PULLING. DO NOT TRY TO GUIDE CABLE.
DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LINE PULL RATINGS SHOWN IN TABLE.
DO NOT USE WINCH TO LIFT,SUPPORT,OR OTHERWISE TRANSPORT PERSONNEL.
A MINIMUM OF 5 WRAPS OF CABLE AROUND THE DRUM BARREL IS NECESSARY TO HOLD THE
LOAD. CABLE CLAMP IS NOT DESIGNED TO HOLD LOAD.
DISCONNECT THE REMOTE CONTROL SWITCH FROM WINCH WHEN NOT IN USE. A RAMSEY PART
NO. 282053 SAFETY ON-OFF SWITCH IN YOUR VEHICLE IS RECOMMENDED.
TECHNIQUES OF OPERATION