| Winches are very helpful accessories to have if you | | | | which can usually be found within the wire rope drum. |
| own a Jeep, pickup truck, or ATV. The main benefit of | | | | This brake controls the load that is applied to the |
| having a winch is the ability to pull something very | | | | winch. The brake will generate a fair amount of heat |
| heavy that would otherwise require a team of strong | | | | within the drum itself. However, this energy is |
| men to move or carry. They are not only handy in | | | | dissipated to prevent the winch from overheating. |
| mud, snow, and woods, but in the sand also. Some | | | | Even though most winch brakes are very reliable, |
| models are more advanced and come standard with | | | | make sure you keep your hands clear of wire rope |
| bells and whistles (not literally) like remote controls and | | | | and fairlead opening during operation and when |
| safety shields. But regardless of the extra features | | | | spooling to avoid injury. |
| you may want, you need to make sure your winch | | | | When it comes to winches mounted onto trucks and |
| has the drums, cables, and brakes to get the job done | | | | ATVs, you'll generally see two types of braking |
| for you. | | | | systems: dynamic and mechanical. The mechanical |
| Winch Drums and Cables | | | | brake is just like the parking brake in your car. It |
| If a chain is no stronger than its weakest link, then a | | | | operates via friction and is relatively easy to install. A |
| winch is no stronger than its cable. Make sure you get | | | | dynamic winch brake makes use of the resistance |
| one strong enough to meet your needs. Cables are | | | | offered by the winch motor in order to prevent the |
| required to be rated for strength and durability and | | | | drum from cranking and turning freely. It's a natural |
| manufacturers are required to indicate how big a load | | | | braking mechanism built into the winch. Between these |
| their winch cables are capable of pulling. | | | | two brakes, there will usually be plenty of power |
| Cables can be used in single or double-line pulling | | | | available to stop your winch on demand. |
| applications. Some Cable winches pull up to 60 feet | | | | Winches Can Save Your Life |
| without unhooking and resetting as when using | | | | Whether you make your living with your truck or if |
| conventional lever or hand chain hoists. Most winches | | | | you're an avid 4-wheel drive enthusiast, a good strong |
| differ with pulling capacity, motors speeds and cable | | | | winch can come in very handy. It can help you pull an |
| type. These warn winches are powered by strong | | | | otherwise impossible load out of the wilderness with |
| motor, strong cables and great pulling capacity. It's | | | | ease. It can also pull your truck or jeep out of a hole in |
| never a bad idea to have some spare cable for your | | | | an emergency situation. Make sure you get the winch |
| winch. | | | | and accessories that meet your needs before you |
| Winch Brakes | | | | buy. |
| Most of your higher quality winches utilize a brake, | | | | |