Winches. Where would we be without them, eh? Certainly not where we are in society now! Winches big and small are used in various industries and for various tasks, from vehicle recovery to maritime operations.
Whether you realise it or not, winches are actually extremely prevalent in everyday life, but how much of what you think you know about winches is actually true? Keep reading as we discuss some common myths and misconceptions about winches and why they’re not true.
1 | All Winches are the Same
When many people hear the term ‘winch’, they probably imagine it’s a standard piece of equipment that looks the same in any application. This couldn’t be further from the case, however, as there are many different types of winches, including:
- Electric winches
- Air winches
- Hydraulic winches
- Diesel winches
Not only are there these different winch types, but they also come in various sizes and configurations.
2 | Anyone Can Operate a Winch
A winch isn’t a standard piece of machinery that simply comes with an on and off button for anyone to use. In reality, operating a winch requires adequate training to ensure proper and safe usage that mitigates the risks of accidents.
Many accidents that occur during winch operation are due to operator error, so ensuring all winch operators are trained on all the correct procedures and knowledge by certified professionals.
3 | Winches Don’t Need Maintenance
People may assume that winches hardly require any maintenance due to their heavy-duty design and regular usage. However to ensure such regular usage, regular maintenance is required.
Winches should undergo frequent inspections to check for issues such as corrosion, frayed or broken cables and any other failures or damage. On top of that, it’s also important to regularly clean and lubricate a winch to ensure smooth operations, as well as arrange an annual winch service for it.
4 | Winches are Only Used in Industrial Settings
Because winches are known to be strong, many assume that they are exclusively used for heavy-duty applications. Whilst they are used in heavy-duty applications, they are also used in smaller, everyday applications also.
For example, they’re used for:
- Vehicle recovery
- Boating
- Tree removals
Winch Specialist Services
As you can see, there’s a lot more to winches than first meets the eye. As experts in all things winches, our trusted specialists are here to answer all your winch-related questions.
Whether you’d simply like more information on our products or would like to discuss the hire options we have available, get in touch with a member of our team today.
