An Engineer Reveals the Magic of a Winch and a Crane
by：Snowaves Mechanical
2020-08-16
If you're in the construction business or work in industry, I'm sure you are aware of the value of a winch and a crane. But if you are like most foremen, engineers and construction workers, you think of these pieces of equipment as a last resort solution rather than as one of the first solution to be considered.
Here's how to find the magic in these marvels.
You may have an electric winch on your vehicle, but you don't use if much. You think of it as something to be used in an emergency and you probably don't really know much about its specs or performance rating.
In a nutshell, your electric winch has a lot of power, but in most cases should only be used for a short period of time. It could run your battery down or if you're running your engine, you could over heat your alternator unless you have upgraded to a heavy duty model. For most situations this is not a problem you will need to worry with.
As a side note, a hydraulic winch that runs off your power steering pump can run indefinitely. Electric winches are more popular because they are much easier to install, more universal and there are more models to choose from. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages and both are being under used.
What does a crane and an electric winch have in common?
You may not think all of this has anything to a crane, but like a winch, a crane is often the last thing that is thought of when you're confronted with an unusual problem. Sure, a crane is probably the first thing you would think about if you needed to put some piece of heavy equipment on a roof top, but cranes can make many other jobs easy.
Since it takes a little effort and planning to get a crane to your job site, it's usually the last solution considered unless it's a job that absolutely requires a crane.
Bottom line: Be creative when you are trying to solve a mechanical problem. Get in the habit of asking yourself if a winch or crane can solve or help solve the problem. As an engineer, I can tell you that if you do this, you will be amazed at the number of times your job can be made much easier with one of these 'magic tools.'
Here's how to find the magic in these marvels.
You may have an electric winch on your vehicle, but you don't use if much. You think of it as something to be used in an emergency and you probably don't really know much about its specs or performance rating.
In a nutshell, your electric winch has a lot of power, but in most cases should only be used for a short period of time. It could run your battery down or if you're running your engine, you could over heat your alternator unless you have upgraded to a heavy duty model. For most situations this is not a problem you will need to worry with.
As a side note, a hydraulic winch that runs off your power steering pump can run indefinitely. Electric winches are more popular because they are much easier to install, more universal and there are more models to choose from. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages and both are being under used.
What does a crane and an electric winch have in common?
You may not think all of this has anything to a crane, but like a winch, a crane is often the last thing that is thought of when you're confronted with an unusual problem. Sure, a crane is probably the first thing you would think about if you needed to put some piece of heavy equipment on a roof top, but cranes can make many other jobs easy.
Since it takes a little effort and planning to get a crane to your job site, it's usually the last solution considered unless it's a job that absolutely requires a crane.
Bottom line: Be creative when you are trying to solve a mechanical problem. Get in the habit of asking yourself if a winch or crane can solve or help solve the problem. As an engineer, I can tell you that if you do this, you will be amazed at the number of times your job can be made much easier with one of these 'magic tools.'
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