Ramsey Winch RE 8000 & 12000 - Manual (Page 3)

For basic self-recovery, anchor to a tree or heavy rock. When
anchoring to a tree, always use a tree trunk protector.
Stakes driven in solid earth and chained together make a
good anchor point for self-recovery when no solid anchor
point is available.
For a solid anchor, bury a log with earth or sand or place it in
a deep ravine.
Winches equipped with cable guide fairleads can pull from
several directions. Pull from an angle only to straighten up
the vehicle-otherwise you can damage structural members or
other parts of your vehicle and cause excess cable buildup on
one end of the winch drum.
For a direct pull of 1 ton, hitch truck to a tree or solid anchor,
and take out of gear.
To double the pull, use 2-part line and tie off to chassis. Take
out of gear.
Techniques of Operation
The best way to get acquainted with how your winch operates
is to make a few test runs before you actually need to use it.
Plan your test in advance. Remember you hear your winch as
well as see it operate. Get to recognize the sound of a light
steady pull, a heavy pull, and sounds caused by load jerking
or shifting. Soon you will gain confidence in operating your
winch and its use will become second nature with you.
Your winch will not only pull you up or ease you down a steep
grade, it will also pull another vehicle or a load while your
vehicle is anchored in a stationary position. The following
sketches show you a few techniques.
When pulling a heavy load, place a blanket, jacket or tarpaulin
over the cable five or six feet from the hook. It will slow the
snap back in the event of a broken cable. Also open the vehi-
cle hood for additional protection.
Use the vehicle wheel power to help the winch, but do not
overtake the winch line. Plan your pull. You cannot always
hook up and pull out in one step. Examine all the areas for
anchoring possibilities as well as leverage situations, direc-
tion, and goal.
Cable Installation
1. Unwind cable by rolling it out along the ground to prevent
kinking. Securely wrap end of cable, opposite hook, with
plastic or similar tape to prevent fraying.
2. Insert the end of the cable, opposite hook end, under
drum and into the 7/16" diameter hole in drum barrel.
Secure cable to drum barrel, using setscrew furnished
with winch. Tighten setscrew securely.
3. Carefully run winch in the "reel-in" direction. Keeping ten-
sion on end of cable, spool all the cable onto drum, taking
care to form neatly wrapped layers.
Inspect the cable frequently. If the cable becomes frayed with
broken strands, replace immediately. Cable and hook assem-
blies may be purchased from a Ramsey distributor.
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