Smittybilt 97612, Instruction Manual

6

OPERATIONAL WARNINGS

Read the following carefully before attempting 

to operate your winch and keep the instructions 

for future reference. Smittybilt electric winches 

are intended for recreational self-recovery usage 

only.

1.  The uneven spooling of cable, while pulling a load, is 

not a problem, unless there is a cable pile up on one 

end of the drum. If this happens reverse the winch to 

relieve the load and move your anchor point further 

to the center of the vehicle. After the job is done, you 

can unspool and rewind for a neat lay of the cable.

2.  Store the remote control switch inside your vehicle 

where it will not become damaged, inspect it before 

you plug it in.

3.  When ready to begin spooling in, plug in remote 

control switch with clutch disengaged, do not engage 

clutch with motor running.

4.  Never connect the hook back to the cable, this 

causes cable damage. Always use a sling or chain of 

suitable strength.

5.  Observe your winch while winching, if possible 

while standing at a safe distance. Stop the winching 

process every meter or so to assure the cable is not 

pulling up in one corner. Jamming the cable can 

break your winch.

6.  Do not attach tow hook to winch mounting plate, they 

must be attached to vehicle frame.

7.  The use of a snatch block will aid recovery operations 

by providing a doubling of the winch capacity and 

a halving of the winching speed, and the means to 

maintain a direct line pull to the center of the rollers. 

When double loading during stationary winching, the 

winch hook should be attached to the chassis of the 

vehicle.

8.  Ensure "D" or bow shackles with adequate load rating 

are used in conjunction with an approved tree trunk 

protector to provide a safe anchor point.

9.  When extending winch cable, ensure that at least five 

wraps of cable remain on drum at all times. Failure 

to do this could result in the cable parting from the 

drum under load. Serious personal injury or property 

damage may result.

10. All winches are provided with a red cable marking to 

identify that 5 cable wraps remain on the winch drum 

when this mark appears at the rollers (10 wraps for 

synthetic rope). No recovery should be attempted 

beyond this marking (wire rope only).

11. Since the greatest pulling power is achieved on the 

inner most layer of your winch, it is desirable to pull 

off as much line as you can for heavy pulls (you must 

leave at least 5 wraps minimum on the drum--red 

cable). If this is not practical use a snatch block and 

double line arrangement.

12. Draping a heavy blanket or similar object over the 

extended winch cable is recommended as it will 

dampen any back lash should a failure occur.

13. Neat, tight spooling avoids cable binding, which 

is caused when a load is applied and the cable 

is pinched between the others. If this happens, 

alternatively power the winch in and out. Do not 

attempt to work a bound cable under a load, free by 

hand.

14. To prevent vehicle rollback, apply blocks behind 

wheels when vehicles are on an incline.

15. Battery
  • Be sure that the battery is in good condition. Avoid 

contact with battery acid or other contaminants.

  • Always wear eye protection when working around a 

battery.

  • Have the engine running when using the winch, to 

avoid flattening the battery.

16. Winch cable
  • Be sure that the cable is in good condition and is 

attached properly.

  • Do not use the winch if cable is frayed.
  • Do not move the vehicle to pull a load.
  • Do not replace the cable with a cable of lesser 

strength.

  • The life of the cable is directly related to the use and 

care it receives. Following its first and subsequent 

Operational Warnings