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WINCH GUIDE
Winch Safety Precautions
11. Always align the vehicle and winch with the load directly in front of
the vehicle as much as possible. Avoid winching with the winch
cable at an angle to the winching vehicle’s centerline whenever
possible.
12. If winching at an angle is unavoidable, follow these precautions:
A. Look at the winch drum occasionally. Never let the winch cable “stack”
or accumulate at one end of the winch drum. Too much winch cable at
one end of the winch drum can damage the winch and the winch cable.
B. If stacking occurs, stop winching. Follow step 15 on page 90 to feed
and rewind the cable evenly before continuing the winch operation.
13. Never winch up or down at sharp angles. This can destabilize the
winching vehicle and possibly cause it to move without warning.
14. Never attempt to winch loads that weigh more than the winch’s
rated capacity.
15. The winch motor may become hot during winch use. If you winch
for more than 45 seconds, or if the winch stalls during operation,
stop winching and permit the winch to cool down for 10 minutes
before using it again.
16. Never touch, push, pull or straddle the
winch cable while winching a load.
17. Never let the winch cable run through
your hands, even if wearing heavy
gloves.
18. Never release the clutch on the winch
when the winch cable is under load.
19. Never use the winch for lifting or
transporting people.
