Winches

Winches are mechanical devices used for adjusting the tension of a wire rope or sling. Bobbin and crank found in several everyday use items are the simplest forms of winches. Tow-trucks, elevators, and steam shovels all use one or other form of winches. Winches can be powered by manual, electric, hydraulic, pneumatic or internal combustion energy and advanced winches used for industrial activities often have gear mechanisms and may also have a mechanical brake which stops unwinding unless the brake pawl is removed. Winches are at the heart of most material lifting equipment as it’s almost impossible to lift heavy items without some sort of winch.