Portable Winch High Speed gas-powered pulling winch PCW5000-HS - Manual (Page 15)

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3.5 Rope installation
USING COMMON SENSE WHILE INSTALLING THE ROPE IS THE KEY
TO A SECURE WINCH USAGE.
The great variety of situations encountered when winching prevents us from providing specific
instructions; however you need to consider the following points:
3.5.1 Rope
Use a low stretch rope, in good condition, with a minimum diameter of 10 mm (3/8'') and a
maximum diameter of 16 mm (5/8''), with good knots. We strongly suggest the bowline knot (see
section 3.2.1). Use pulleys to redirect the rope and to multiply the pulling capacity when the load
is near or over the pulling capacity of the winch.
3.5.2 Pulley
Using a pulley at some distance in front of the winch offers many advantages:
Pulling angle
‘lifts’ the load and reduces friction;
The winch is maintained at a relatively horizontal position;
Winch and operator are away from
the load’s path.
3.5.3 Direction
Install the rope in such a way that it does not rub against other objects. Try to set-up the rope so
that the front of the load is slightly lifted. Do not pull downwards or through an obstruction.
Generally, if the rope touches the ground while pulling, your installation is incorrect.
3.5.4 On a hill
DO NOT PULL A LOAD DIRECTLY TOWARD THE WINCH IN A
DOWNWARD SLOPE SINCE IT COULD SLIDE WITHOUT YOU BEING ABLE TO STOP IT.
IN THAT SITUATION, USE A PULLEY AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL AND POSITION THE
WINCH OUTSIDE OF THE LOAD
’S PATH.
3.6 Pulling a load
CHECK WINCH POSITION, ROPE CONDITION, SOLIDITY OF THE
ANCHOR POINT, KNOTS, CARABINERS OR SHACKLES IN ORDER TO PREVENT
INJURIES OR MATERIAL DAMAGE.