Winches are lifting and traction equipment generally used in the fields of metallurgy, construction and automotive. For hobbyists and professionals alike, this is a very useful tool for moving heavy loads around the workshop. Whichever winch you choose, there are different criteria that you should pay attention to when making your choice. The type of winch will depend on the work you plan to do with it. There are four types of winches: manual, electric, mechanical and hydraulic. The speed of traction is also an element to take into account. A winch generally pulls 1.5 meters per minute under load. Winches faster than that can use more power. The length of the cable should also be chosen according to your traction needs.Too long a cable loses power to the winch and can become tangled.
our selection
Electric winch, GT Market
Manual winch PRTRM540S, Ribimex
Manual winch TM450, Fartools
Manual winch ME15363896, VidaXL
Manual winch FY9210, FreeTec
Manual winch TC-WI 500, Einhell
Electric winch ME527261, VidaXL
Electric winch, SucceBuy
What are the different types of winches?
There are four main types of winches: manual, electric, mechanical and hydraulic. To choose between these different types, you will need to consider your traction needs. Manual winches are the easiest to install and use. They have a reduced pulling capacity since they only use the strength of your arms. These winches are perfect for construction sites and small loads. Electric winches can be connected to a car battery or to the mains. They can lift heavier loads than a manual winch. On the other hand, they tend to heat up when under load. To prevent them from burning out, this type of winch should be used intermittently. Mechanical winches operate using a heat engine.They have a fairly high cost, but allow continuous operation. The hydraulic winches are connected to a hydraulic circuit which actuates it thanks to the pressure of the liquid. They can reliably tow continuously. They have a very high load capacity.
What is lifting capacity?
Lifting capacity refers to the maximum load the winch can pull.
This data is expressed in kg.
It is best to plan for a lifting capacity that is 50% more than the weight you plan to tow.
For example, if you want to tow items weighing 500 kg, it is better to provide a winch with a lifting capacity of 1000 kg.
What type of winch to choose according to the lifting capacity?
The lifting capacity depends on the type of winch you choose. Mechanical and hydraulic winches are the ones with the greatest lifting and towing capacity. They will be very useful for moving heavy loads. They can be used continuously without risk of overheating. Electric winches are a little less powerful and can heat up when charging. But they have a practical side since some models can be powered by a car battery. They are suitable for occasional traction work. Manual winches are hand operated and allow small loads to be lifted. Their average lifting capacity is 2 tons. They are very practical for occasional use.