Choosing the Right Winch System

Winches are rated by the maximum load it can pull with only the bottom layer of rope on the drum. As the layers of wire rope increase, the line pull typically decreases by approximately 10 percent per layer. The size of winch you need for a job depends on many factors including: weight, mobility and surface level.

Here's a quick easy formula to determine the minimum size of a winch you’ll need: multiply the gross weight of the heaviest object you plan to pull by 1.5. For example, if you plan to pull a 1,000-pound object, you’ll need a winch with a minimum of 1,500 pounds of line pull. It’s important to keep in mind that there numerous variables associated with winching, so it is best to consult with the manufacturer to verify the proper winch size for your intended application.