Hoist and Winch Maintenance Tips
Due to the potential risk for injury, hoists and winches must be properly maintained. It’s important to follow your manufacturer’s maintenance instructions in addition to these general guidelines for safe operation.
Inspect your winch before and after each use. If the wire rope has become damaged, frayed or kinked, it’s important to replace it right away.
Keep the winch, wire rope and remote control clean. If necessary, unwind the winch completely, and use a clean rag to remove any dirt and debris.
When using a vehicle-mounted winch, be sure to check and maintain your vehicle battery and its cables. Operating the winch for long periods of time puts extra strain on the battery.
Ensure your hoist remains in proper working condition through regular maintenance. Conduct routine load testing to ensure you know just how much weight the hoist can handle.
Regularly inspect your chain hoist, and lubricate according to the manufacturer’s instructions.