Rugged Ridge Performance 8,500 lbs Off Road Winch - Manual (Page 7)

VEHICLE RECOVERY ELECTRIC WINCH USE & INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
7
Cable or synthetic rope must be unspooled, stretched and respooled before first use. (See Installation instructions
and use warnings below). Cable must be re-wound in direction of arrow for spool brake to function (see arrow on spool side-plate).
NEVER MOVE CLUTCH WHEN CABLE IS UNDER LOAD OR SPOOL MOVING.
Use supplied hook strap when spooling in or out (no load). Use gloves and keep fingers and body clear of hook, cable
and fairlead during installation and all winch operations.
4.
Cable or synthetic rope must be stretched and spooled under tension to prevent over-wraps and damage. For
initial spooling, disengage clutch and using gloves, keep tension on cable while having assistant evenly wind the
first five wraps for cable, or a full layer for synthetic rope, by hand rotating spool in direction of arrow (see spool
side plate).
5.
Next, secure hook to suitable anchor, connect power switch, engage clutch and slowly power spool while
maintaining tension so that cable spools tightly and evenly. Rolling load of vehicle should provide proper initial
tension (500 lbs./230 kg. min.) while providing opportunity to practice winch operation and safety procedures.
Stop spool when hook is 6 feet/2 meters from fairlead. Attach and secure hook to vehicle frame. Slowly take up
any slack.
WARNING
CAUTION
NOTICE
WARNING
WARNING
1.
Ensure vehicle, slope and conditions do not approach maximum rated pull. Leave a safety margin. Winch
provides greater mechanical advantage when cable is fully extended. Plan pull using as much cable as practical.
Double line using snatch block is preferred.
Read and understand all instructions and related Warnings, Cautions and Notices before attempting to install or
use your Rugged Ridge ® winch.
Planning and Use of Your Winch
Avoid internal damage by breaking each vehicle recovery into segments and allowing motor to cool. Do not continue
power to stalled motor.
A. Clutch Operation
1.
Free spool by disengaging clutch. Move clutch lever clockwise to the “OUT” position. Cable may now be
pulled off spool using supplied hook strap. DO NOT FORCE CLUTCH HANDLE. Use control handle to rotate
drum, aligning gear to free spool.
2.
To power spool fully engage clutch. Move clutch lever counterclockwise to the “IN” position. Winch is now
ready for vehicle recovery using power switch. Avoid powering spool in reverse as this increases wear on
spool brake. Return clutch to “Out” position after completing pull and assuring vehicle is stable.
B. Power Switch Operation
Keep control handle in secure location, attaching before and detaching after each winch operation.
Clutch and Control Handle Operation
To avoid unintentional starting when winch is not in use: (a) remove & secure remote switch & (b) keep clutch disengaged.
WARNING Secure cable attachment requires at least five (5) wraps on Spool. Do not extend red painted cable.
Secure synthetic rope attachment requires a full layer on the spool. DO NOT EXCEED RATED PULL LESS SAFETY MARGIN.