ABOUT THERN ELECTRIC WINCHES: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
What is a Thern Electric Winch?
A Thern electric winch is a motorized device that is used for the lifting, hoisting, pulling and positioning of heavy loads up to 100,000lb. Typically, the electric winch will consist of a transmission system, which converts the motor power into a large pulling force; an electric motor, which provides power to the transmission system, turning the winch drum to wind the rope in and out, and a control system, which enables the operator to control the direction of drum rotation. This type of winch is industrial and can be mounted in various applications. Most commonly, they are used for pulling large loads like locomotives, conveyors and can be fitted to Therns range of Davit Cranes.
Advantages of using a Thern electric winch:
Thern electric winches come in a wide variety of base configurations, so it is both fast and affordable to customize a winch to perfectly suit your application.
Thern’s heavy-duty winches are built to be durable. These electric winches are built to withstand regular wear and tear on hard-working job sites. They include steel frames, industrial strength controls and more to ensure they last for long even in the toughest working conditions.
Compared to other types, electric winches have low operating costs. They are also available in a variety of sizes at different price points, so if you’re on a budget, this is your best bet.
The variety of sizes available means that electric winches can (a) be sized to match any application with an available electric power source, and (b) adapt to any space constraints
Electric winches are among the quietest models. They do not require a hydraulic power unit, allowing for better communication at the worksite. Even better, the reduced noise creates a more relaxing work environment and less overall stress for winch operators.
Electric power is clean, eliminating the risk of hydraulic fluid leaks and environmental concerns.
Electric winches are fast and efficient. Their electrically powered motors allow operators to move large amounts of material quickly, whilst exerting minimal physical effort. This level of efficiency allows for greater productivity in the construction industry especially, where it is necessary to constantly move heavy materials.
BUYERS’ GUIDE
Winch Capacity
The first thing to consider when choosing which winch to buy is the winch manufacturer’s line pull rating, which is the combination of the drum line’s tensile strength and the winch’s mechanical capacity.
To figure out the right amount of pull for your needs, take the weight of your desired application and multiply by 1.5 – so if the load you’re pulling weighs 4000lbs, you should buy a winch that has a capacity of at least 6000lbs. The higher the winch capacity, the better it will be.
Winch Rope
Winches can have either synthetic rope or steel cable. Steel cable is long-lasting, durable and easy to maintain, making it perfect for off-roading or for use in highly abrasive terrains. Meanwhile, synthetic rope is flexible, lighter, stronger and easier to handle than steel rope, which makes them a better option for recovery and trail winches.
Winch Motors
Electric winches come with two types of motors: magnet or series-wound. Series-wound motors use field coils to generate the magnetic field. They’re very powerful, so they’re great for heavy-duty and cold weather use.
Permanent magnet motors are less tolerant of heat and can also lose power in extremely cold weather. However, as they’re less expensive than series-wound motors, they provide a cost-effective alternative for light to medium duty works.
Winch Gears
When buying a winch, there are three gear options you can choose from: spun gear, worm gear and planetary gear. The planetary gear is the most commonly used, offering clear benefits such as low weight, a compact size, and low cost. They offer middle-of-the-road drivetrain friction and amp draw.
The worm gear offers the smoothest, quietest form of gearing with high-ratio speed reduction in minimal spaces – making it a great choice for environments where large gear reductions are required.
Spun gears are one of the most cost-effective gear types, offering a power transfer efficiency of 75%.
Winch Remote Control
A remote-controlled winch will allow you to remain a safe distance from the winch as you direct it. There are two types of remote: corded and cordless – with the former being the most cost-effective option while the latter is the safest.
Winch Mounting Options
Before choosing a winch, it is important to figure out how you will mount it to your rig. The three most popular mounting systems for your winch are: bumper mount, multi-mount and winch bumper. The bumper mount is the simplest to install, providing excellent versatility, while the winch bumper provides a great alternative for off-roaders.
Cable Length
When choosing the cable length for your winch, the typical rule of thumb is to reduce the length by 15 feet for every size up in diameter over the original size winch cable or rope. This will allow you to run the larger and stronger size diameter rope, while still maintaining the pulling power of the winch. Each layer of rope added on the winch drum will reduce its pulling power, so the shorter the rope, the better.
Waterproofing
Ideally, your winch should have a rated or sealed waterproof motor housing, as it will typically be exposed to harsh elements often.