WINCH WARNINGS:

Installation:
Winches shall be attached in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer's instructions, to a structurally sound frame element capable of sustaining the maximum capacity of the winch assembly. Mount and position the winch so the latch/pawl is visible dropping into the gear/sprocket by gravity. Portable winches shall be removed from trailer when not in use.

Welding (All winches except portable, slider & bolt on types)

Weld with a continuous 1/4" fillet along the sides of the length of the winch frame using low hydrogen filler wire suitable for AISI 1018 steel. The weld shall have 1/8" minimum penetration.

Maintenance:
Winches shall be protected against corrosion by application of a rust inhibiting coating. Avoid excessive paint buildup, which may cause latch to malfunction.

The latch/pawl pivot shall be lubricated with a light rust inhibiting oil and will require periodic lubrication during service. Latch/pawl shall be kept lubricated to ensure safe and proper operation. If latch/pawl does not drop freely into gear/sprocket , immediately remove from service.

WARNING! MUST READ BEFORE USE

Failure to comply with these instructions may result in cargo damage, serious personal injury or death. This product is used entirely at the user's own risk. Use of this product demonstrates understanding of these instructions and the risks involved.

Use extreme caution when tensioning the winch assembly to make sure the latch/pawl fully engages into the gear/sprocket before releasing pressure on the winch bar (tensioning bar). When using a winch bar, winch bar point shall be inserted through two holes in the winch cap. When tensioning or releasing tie downs, operator's body shall be positioned to prevent slipping, falling, winch bar slippage, etc.; and out of the path of rotation, with both feet on the ground, with special consideration for environmental conditions such as snow, ice, wet or oily surfaces, etc.

Always make sure the load is adequately secured per federal and state requirements and a sufficient quantity of appropriately rated tie downs are used. All components used in the tie down process shall meet or exceed U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and California Highway Patrol (CHP) regulations, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) guidelines and other regulatory agencies where applicable.

All tie downs shall be checked periodically during transit and re-tensioned as required.

Do not modify or repair winches. Any deformed, cracked, broken, or malfunctioning winches shall be immediately removed from service. Any modification or misuse of these winches will result in voiding any and all warranties and liabilities of the manufacturer and/or distributor.

Do not modify cable winches into web winches by cutting slots in the mandrel. A weakened condition will result, which is extremely dangerous.

Do not use winches as pulling or lifting devices. Do not exceed working load limit (WLL) of lowest rated component in tie down system.

Winches shall not interfere with any other trailer components when the trailer is loaded or unloaded (e.g. tire clearance). Portable winches shall be removed from trailer when not in use.

Tie Downs:
A minimum of 12 inches of web shall be inserted through the web slot in the winch mandrel and excess web pulled through. After tensioning, 2 - 4 wraps of web shall be around the mandrel. Less wraps may result in slippage. More wraps will put additional strain on the winch assembly and result in sub-optimal tie down tension.

Webbing straps shall be used with corner/edge protectors. All webbing straps require inspection each time before they are used. Do not use webbing straps when cut, damaged, abraded or deteriorated.

Webbing strap working load ratings are based on breaking strength when new. Always consider age and condition of webbing straps when determining quantity to use. It is always safer to use more tie downs than required by law.

Straps shall be tensioned to approximately 2000 lbs. This will require approximately 100 lbs. applied force to the end of a 34" winch bar.

Cable and wire rope binders shall be used only with winches designed for their use and shall be used consistent with the cable manufacturer's safe working load ratings. Twist an eye in the end of the cable with at least 2 feet of loose tail. Place the eye over the pin on the mandrel and tighten the winch, wrapping the cable over the loose tail end a minimum of 4 times to lock the cable.

Winch Coating Considerations:
Winches shall be protected against corrosion by application of a rust inhibiting coating.

1. PCC's standard finish for winches is electrophoretic paint (E Paint). E Paint provides a superior, durable finish and is difficult to remove.
2. While PCC's standard E Paint is also a suitable primer for many purchaser custom-color painting applications, unpainted winches are available by special order.
3. Optionally, PCC can provide zinc plated or silver powder coated winches.

Winch Coating Warnings:

1. Zinc plating, galvanizing and similar treatments not done by PCC, have the potential to adversely alter the mechanical properties of the product, are considered a modification or alteration of the product, voids any applicable warranty and become the purchaser's sole responsibility.
2. Like all steel products, winches are subject to certain inherent risks [e.g., hydrogen embrittlement] when improperly prepared, cleaned, pickled, plated or otherwise coated. Purchaser bears sole responsibility for any such conditions.
3. Purchaser should not remove a previously applied coating. E Painted winches should not be considered as suitable for zinc plating, galvanizing and similar treatments.

Cable, Wire Rope & Rope

1. PCC's winches are rated based on WSTDA standards using synthetic web tie down straps. The ratings are substantially lower when using cable, wire rope and rope and are limited by the strength of the cable, wire rope or rope.

When using a suitable cable or wire rope, the maximum working load limit (WLL) is typically 3335 lbs. for PCC's winch, but many cables, wire ropes and all ropes have a much lower rating that will be the limiting factor. Please consult the manufacturer for the specific cable, wire rope or rope you are using; in no event shall the WLL be exceeded.