Installation Guide
Physics of The Pulling Power Zone
TM
How the Laws of Physics govern winch performance.
We know that using a long-handled wrench makes
a job easier. You pull further away from the bolt –
a longer turning radius.
WHAT IF THE BOLT WAS DOING THE PULLING?
Then the opposite is true. It’s easier for the bolt to
turn the same weight when it’s closer to the bolt –
a shorter turning radius.
Just like the drum on a winch.
As layers of rope build up, pulling the same weight
requires greater force, robbing your winch of power.
The first 2 layers of rope on the drum we call the
Pulling Power Zone. Beyond 2 layers, pulling capacity
can be reduced as much as 42%.
Start each pull with a minimum of
5 wraps* around
the drum.
From the minimum 5 wraps of rope, to the maximum
of
2 layers** on the drum, you
are working in the
Pulling
Power Zone.
•
5 Layers: Power drops 42%
•
4 Layers: Power drops 32%
•
3 Layers: Power drops 19%
•
2 Layers
The Pulling
•
1 Layer
Power Zone
TM
* The industry
safety standard.
The rope fastener
alone cannot support
a heavy load.
Get the most from your winch. Extra layers cut pulling power. Stay in The Pulling Power Zone.
The power loss percentages above are approximate.
** Pulling capacity is
determined by the load
a winch can pull with
only the bottom layer
of rope on the drum.
For practical purposes,
full capacity is retained
with up to 2 layers.
Some typical pulls: a single-line, straight pull. A typical double-line winch and pulley A redirected pull. If there’s no straight, clear
arrangement doubles winch capacity. line to the anchor point, use a pulley block.
Use a pulley block and double the capacity of your winch.
Another Law of Physics: double the line with a pulley block and you double the pulling capacity of your winch.
Removing extra rope from the drum also allows you to work in the Pulling Power Zone.
YES
NO
Keep the rope feeding through the
fairlead as straight as possible.
This will help keep the rope wrapping smoothly across
the drum. Rope feeding through the fairlead at a sharp
angle will bunch up.
3 Ways to Get the Most from Your Winch Purchase.