Ground Winches

How does a ground winch work?

A ground winch is made up of an electric motor, a gearbox, a brake, a drum, a steel wire rope and a control box. The motor turns the drum through the gearbox, and the rope winds onto the drum or pays out from it. When the motor stops, the brake engages and holds the load. The body is bolted to a concrete plinth, a steel base frame or another strong structure. Because of this design it is also called a drum winch.

Models and rope lengths

Our electric ground winch and electric wire rope winch models range from 250 kg to 10 t. The rope length is between 20 and 100 metres, depending on the model. For example, the 500 kg model has 30 m of rope, the 1 t model 20 m, the 2 t model 100 m and the 5 t model 20 or 30 m. There are also 7.5 t and 10 t models. Check whether the capacity in the catalogue is given for pulling or for lifting. As more layers of rope build up on the drum, the pulling force usually drops.

Where are they used?

• Building sites: Pulling materials, and lifting them to upper floors with a sheave set-up.
• Shipyards and ports: Pulling boats, ropes and equipment.
• Installation sites: Pulling heavy machines on skids and setting them in place.
• Factories and stores: Pulling wagons, platforms and heavy loads horizontally.

How is it different from a hand winch, lift hoist or mini hoist?

A hand winch does the same job with a handle and no power, but it is meant for light work now and then. A ground winch has a motor, so it is much faster for long pulls and frequent use. A lift hoist also has a drum and wire rope, but it is fixed at a high point and lifts the load straight up from below. For lifting hanging loads of a few hundred kilograms, mini wire rope hoists that run on 230 V single phase are more practical. If a hanging load has to be carried along a line, you need a monorail hoist that runs on a beam.

Sheaves and anchoring for lifting work

Because a ground winch stands on the floor, the rope is led over a diverting sheave above the load when you lift. These points matter in this set-up:

• Suitability: Not every winch is suitable for lifting. If you will lift, confirm from the catalogue that the model is suitable for it and check its lifting capacity.
• Sheave mounting: When the rope passes over the sheave and turns back, the force on the sheave and its mounting point is about twice the load. Choose the sheave and the mounting point with this in mind.
• Anchoring: Bolt the winch to a base or frame that can safely take the pulling force, following the manufacturer's instructions. Never work with a temporary or improvised fixing.
• Rope line: The first sheave should be in line with the middle of the drum and far enough from it. This way the rope winds evenly onto the drum and does not pile up at one side and get crushed.

Safe use

• A few turns of rope must always stay on the drum. Sources call for at least two or three turns, and the exact number is in the manufacturer's manual.
• No one should stand in line with a tight rope or under the load. A rope that breaks whips back.
• Never use a ground winch to carry or lift people.
• Replace a crushed or kinked rope, or one with broken wires, straight away. For a spare rope see our wire ropes page.
• Winches used for lifting must have a periodic inspection at least once a year.

For the general rules, see our article on hoist safety rules.

Ground winch prices

The price of a ground winch depends on its capacity, the rope length and diameter, the motor power and speed, the power supply type, and the brake and control equipment. Large models usually need 400 V three phase power. We provide service and spare parts for electric winches from our base in Tuzla, Istanbul. Just send us your job, the load weight and the rope length you need on WhatsApp.