Rugged Ridge Heavy Duty 8,500 lbs, Off Road Winch - Manual (Page 8)

VEHICLE RECOVERY ELECTRIC WINCH USE & INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
8
2.
Plan and center anchor and snatch blocks or rigging so cable pulls straight to winch. Confirm anchor point will
support load with adequate safety margin. Where anchor is tree use trunk protector and shackle rated at least
double maximum winch pull. Where anchor is vehicle, (see below) fully engage cable hook through towing eye or
shackle rated at least double maximum winch pull. Attach to vehicle frame
not bumper or winch mount.
Vehicle to Vehicle winching not recommended as it may exceed capacity of winch, mounting or cable. Do not drive
vehicle while winching. Avoid slack cable or shock loads from rolling vehicle to reduce risk of failure. Maintain steady tension through
winch and block vehicle at safe intervals. Winch not intended to tow vehicles or secure loads. Never use recovery strap as part of winch
operation. Stretch/stored energy in recovery strap may create shock load.
3.
Extend cable manually by disengaging clutch to free spool. Confirm cable hook fully engages anchor, strap or
shackle. Do not fix hook back around cable to avoid damage. Confirm power switch on Control Handle is “OFF”
and attach remote. Fully engage clutch before powering spool. Keep vehicle motor running to avoid battery drain.
• Always keep hands, body and clothing clear of cable, hook and fairlead during operation and spooling.
• Reduce risk of cable-related injury by clearing persons and establishing safe zone equal to at least 1.5 times length of cable.
Keep operator away from cable and line of pull. Operate from inside vehicle if possible. If not, operator should be at right angle
to cable and protected by vehicle where possible. To avoid electrical short, never route remote switch through vehicle door jam.
Confirm anyone assisting understands recovery plan and safety precautions.
• Always wear gloves and use supplied hook strap when handling cable; never touch cable under tension. Never work
under or over cable under tension. Use Rugged Ridge ® dampener or substitute (heavy blanket) over cable mid-point
to dampen energy in event cable fails. Slack cable before moving blanket or tree limb.
4.
Plan your pull, recognizing recovery winches are not intended for continuous duty. Heavy load and slow line speed
indicate high amperage draw causing heat build-up in motor. Avoid damaging motor by adjusting to
shorter pull cycles and longer cool-down periods under heavy load. Do not continue power to stalling motor.
5.
Begin pull by gradually taking tension on cable to avoid shock loads. As you power in, cable must wind tightly
and evenly on drum to prevent over-wraps and cable damage. Avoid side-pull on spool or cable stacking against
spool side plates.
WARNING
Cable must rewind in direction of arrow indicated on spool housing for spool brake to function. If cable stacks or does
not spool properly, block or secure vehicle and slowly power-out problem section. Keeping gloved hands clear of fairlead
and spool, reposition cable to opposite side of spool. Stand clear of winch while gradually regaining tension on cable.
6.
Complete pull by securing vehicle in gear with parking brake on. Slowly power cable out to remove tension
before securing rigging.
Cable must be stored evenly and tightly on spool to prevent damage. Using gloves, grasp cable in sections
at least feet ( meters) from fairlead. Slowly power cable onto spool while maintaining light tension to produce tight, even wraps.
CAUTION
NOTICE
CABLE ENTANGLEMENT HAZARD
NOTICE
WARNING