Pro Pickup

April 2013

Propickup Digital Magazine

Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/119529

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 32 of 44

maintenance; and 3) being used improperly (overheating or in place of a snatch strap). Cheap components are a liability in a contractor's or construction worker's line of work. So it is with winches. High-quality steel gear sets, case-hardened shafts, heattreated planetaries and all-metal housings cost more to make than cheaper components. But they last longer and are designed to take big loads for long periods of time –- something a number of inexpensive, imported winches don't. So, select a well-made winch, keep it maintained and use it properly and it'll perform when you need it year after year. HEAVY DUTY BUMPERS The winch is only as strong as the weakest link in the system. That weak link could be the winch itself, the cable or rope on the drum, or where the winch is mounted. When a winch capable of exerting five, six or eight tons of force is installed on a pickup, the last thing you want is the mount to break or the bumper snap off. (Don't laugh. It happens.) There are two basic mounting systems: the type that retains the factory bumper and heavy-duty replacement bumpers with the winch mount built-in. I prefer the latter because heavy-duty winch bumpers afford a lot more frontend protection while increasing tire clearance and approach angles. Like winches, some are better built and designed than others. Here're some key elements to look when bumper shopping: Look for "commercial" or "industrial" models that feature heavy-duty plate steel (1/4- to 5/16-inch), welded and gusseted. The winch mounting plate should be integrated in the bumper. DOUBLING PULL Sometimes we need more pulling power than the winch can provide – or we want to get the winching job done faster. Either scenario requires maximizing the winch's capabilities. A winch only delivers the maximum-rated pulling power when the cable is on the innermost layer. Pulling from subsequent layers reduces that power roughly 20 percent per layer. Still not enough pulling power? Use a snatch block (or blocks) in the winching setup. Running the cable/rope through a snatch block connected to the item being winched – or to the anchor point – and back to the vehicle with the winch doubles the effective pulling power of the winch. Double it back and pull triples. Using this simple setup speeds up the recovery process while reducing the electrical load on both winch and batteries. A strong winch bumper should mount to the frame instead of using any factory brackets, and have strong mounting for front and side pulls, as well as pulls at upward and downward angles. Built-in marker lights, fog/driving lights, and welded "D"-ring mounts are also good indicators the bumper is designed for commercial, severe-duty applications. Brush guards and grille guards, if you want them, should be welded on as well, not bolted. The bumper should also be powder-coated (not painted) or coated with a premium spray-on bedliner-type material. Again, the winch is only as strong as the weakest link in the pull. Make your purchase decision accordingly. Text INFO to 205-289-3781 or visit www.ppmrequest.com propickupmag.com PROPICKUP 33 PP0413_HD Winches_Bumpers.indd 33 3/8/13 11:10 AM

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of Pro Pickup - April 2013