Winch Options
Rope Lock
Available for winches with the F or RF mounts.
The rope lock allows the rope to pass through in the take up direction and locks the rope in the reverse direction.
The rope lock can be engaged anywhere on the rope by pulling the locking cam open with the rope and pushing the rope pin into place.
Pulling one quick release pin allows the rope lock to swing out of the way. Pulling two quick release pins allows removal from the winch.
The small quick release pin locks the spring loaded release lever in the open position. This allows the rope lock to be used as a deflector so the operator can reposition for better visibility or safety.
For use with 5/8 to 7/8 inch diameter polyester or nylon rope. Not for use with manila, sisal or polypropylene rope.
Due to potential weakening and damage to the rope caused by pinching from the locking cam, loads must be limited to 600 lb. and rope working loads reduced by at least 50%. The mechanical strength of the rope lock is greater than the winch capacity.
For rope lock use, the winch reverse should be locked out or disabled. The weight of the load added to the reverse power of the winch can potentially break the rope at the rope lock.
The rope lock mounting lug is welded to the winch and does not come standard unless a rope lock is ordered with the winch.
Like capstan winches, this rope lock should not be used for holding people or holding loads over people. It should not be used in a situation where life would be threatened by any event.
Mounted dual counterbalance valves are available on F and RF mounts for the CL, CH, and B series winches.
Dual Counterbalance Valve
Counterbalance valves offer various functions. They block the flow to the hydraulic motor when they have no incoming flow. They prevent the hydraulic motor from cavitating when releasing a load under power. They also help prevent releasing the load in the event of a hydraulic failure.
If connecting to a control valve that does not block the flow to the winch in neutral, a dual counterbalance valve should be used to prevent the winch from freewheeling in the neutral position.
If releasing a load under power a dual counterbalance valve should be used. If a winch without a counterbalance valve is running in the same direction as the pull from the load, the force of the load can pump oil out of the winch faster than it is coming in, causing the motor to cavitate and the load to run away.
When counterbalance valves are used, the control valve should not block the flow in neutral, otherwise pressure can get trapped between the control valve and the counterbalance valve and cause the counterbalance valve to malfunction.
Our winch mounted dual counterbalance valve (as shown on a CL3-F) has all steel lines between the valve and hydraulic motor.
If used without counterbalance valves, the control valve should block the flow in neutral to hold the load and should not reverse.
The load on a capstan winch can be released by allowing the rope to slip on a stationary drum. This usually works better than reversing the capstan because the rope will try to unwind off the capstan when it is reversed, especially if a rope guide is not used.
Price list
Rope lock: $215.00
Winch mounted dual counterbalance valve: $225.00
Dual counterbalance valve (valve only): $160.00