A practical modern device which has evolved to help out in a number of difficult situations, the winch is ideal for tasks which involve the hauling or lifting of heavy objects. Prominent during projects in which massive pulling power is required, winches have come a long way since they were first used thousands of years ago. Atlas Winch Hire & Hoist Services are a reliable winch company that can find you the most appropriate equipment for your requirements. Whether you’re looking for a small manual winch or a mounted winch with a large capacity, our winch specialists can help out.
Continue reading to discover the fascinating history of winches, from early uses during times of war, to modern applications in vehicle recovery and construction work.
How Does A Winch Work?
The basic principles of a winch are fairly simple, they are comprised of a cable or rope that is spooled onto a drum by a crank, allowing for a strong pull which is practical for a number of tasks. What was once a piece of basic machinery has taken on a more modern look and functionality as you would expect. Manual winches have made way for electrical and hydraulic models, enabling the user to seamlessly transport large objects which would otherwise appear unmovable.
Early Winches
The earliest mention of winch-like devices came in the accounts of ancient Greek philosopher Herodotus of Halicarnassus, who talks of equipment being used during the Persian wars which resembled modern winches. What we would later come to know as wooden winches were used to tighten the cables for a pontoon bridge across the Hellespont in 480 BC. By 4 BC, the writings of Aristotle confirm that manual human powered winches were being used practically within construction work, a functionality which they retain to this day.
Modern Application
Used most frequently when towing vehicles or during construction projects, large-scale winches can be obtained to carry out the movement of extremely heavy objects – ideal for ship to shore movements of loads and vessels, as well as onshore oil and gas lifting purposes. The largest and most comprehensive range of winches in the UK can be found within our product range, available as new or used, we also offer temporary winch hire. Our experience in this area means that we can offer servicing and complimentary support for your project, with winch specialists, engineers and technicians available..
To ensure we can find you the right solution for your circumstances we stock a huge range of equipment to help you lighten the load, from hoists to slings. Whether you need an electric winch, a spooler, mooring equipment or a heavy duty engine hoist, our team will advise you on the best option. For more information on our range of new and used products, please don’t hesitate to contact us today on 01899 221 577.
