The Basics of Using a Winch

Many individuals consider purchasing a four wheel drive vehicle with a winch in order to use it for both business and recreational purposes. However certain individuals are reluctant to purchase a vehicle such as this because they are uncertain about the proper use of the winch itself. If you are likely to use winch of your four wheel vehicle, getting the accompanying 4WD winch gear might be a good idea.

A winch is not necessarily a difficult thing to use. Many individuals that have not previously used a winch simply need a few minutes of coaching in order to effectively use this device. It is possible after just a time or two of using a winch to be able to use one effectively in a variety of different situations. Once you have the basics down using a winch becomes much easier.

The first step in using a winch is to make sure that it is unlocked and that you are able to pull the line from the winch to the object that you wish to tie the winch off to. This is not a difficult process, however it does seem to intimidate many individuals. Once the winch is disengaged from the lock it is very easy to pull line to the object that you wish to tie it off to. Simply take the line and then secure the line to the object that you wish to use as an anchor point. The object that you choose to use as an anchor point will largely be determined by the reasons that you are using the winch. If you are using it as an anchor point to get your vehicle out of the mud, then you have to be certain that the object that you are tying the winch off to is strong enough and secure enough to be able to support the weight of a vehicle. On the other hand, if you are simply moving large debris such as a dead tree from your property then you simply tie off to the object that you wish to remove and start the winch.

Once you have the line tied around the object that you are anchoring the winch to you simply engage the winch from the cab of your vehicle or from the winch itself depending on the setup that you have with your four wheel drive car. It is important to take basic safety procedures such is not standing in the direct line of the winch. That way, in the event that the line breaks or something similar happens, you are not standing directly in an area where an injury may occur.

After you have activated the winch you either allow it to remove the debris from your property or in the case of a stuck vehicle, you place your vehicle in neutral and allow the winch to do the work. Once you have accomplished the desired task with your winch you simply disengage it and then disconnect the line from the anchoring object. You then return the line back to the winch reel.

While these are just basic rudimentary steps the above directions demonstrate the ease of use when learning how to use a winch properly. It is important to note that in addition to the steps listed above you should endeavour to both read your owner’s Manual and have someone that has previous experience show you how to perform the task properly and safely. After just one or two times of using your winch you will discover not only how easy it is to use but that you can use it for many different situations as well. It will quickly become a tool that you will use on a very regular basis.