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Thursday, November 7, 2024

Winch

A winch is a mechanism used to reel in, to let out, or otherwise adjust the tension of a rope, wire, or cable. Boats and ships make use of multiple winches to handle halyards, sheets, as well as anchor or mooring lines. The basic mechanism consists of a spool or winch drum to wind in and store the line. The line can be manipulated by something as simple as a hand crank, but larger winches may incorporate gear assemblies and are powered by electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, or internal combustion drives. Some use a mechanical or a solenoid brake to control the line; occasionally a ratchet and pawl setup prevents the spooled line from unwinding. Some types of winches, commonly referred to as "self-tailing", make use of a "stripper" or cleat to maintain the proper level of tension on the line.

In larger forms, winches form the mechanical base of tow trucks, steam shovels, cranes, and elevators. Outside of their marine and industrial uses, winches are used to tow all kinds of vehicles. Planetary winches and worm gear winches are two winch types currently in use for this purpose. Planetary winches are commonly found on the front of road vehicles such as trucks and SUVs. They have a fast line speed, but should be restricted to light duty. A worm gear winch is designed to have a slower, consistent pull in order to hold a heavy load. These types of winches are usually seen on car hauling trailers, and larger work trucks.

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Reducing Complexity in Marine Winches with Powertrain Solutions

The ChallengeAn international engineering technology company that strives to develop unique…

(Photo: Moran Towing Corporation)

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(File photo: McAllister Towing)

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Known as KOCAÇAY IX while under construction in Turkiye, the tug has been renamed Pellegron by its new owners and will operate in the Arabian Gulf.  Image courtesy Sanmar

Sanmar Delivers Escort Tug

Sanmar delivered a tug designed for escort, ship-handling, and towage work to Italy…

(Image: Robert Allan Ltd.)

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Image courtesy Robert Allan Ltd.

RAL Tugs Delivered in the Philippine Navy

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(Credit: Damen)

UK’s Portland Port Orders Damen’s Tug

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(Photo: Robert Allan Ltd.)

New Tugs Delivered to the Philippine Navy

The Philippine Navy in May accepted delivery of a pair of new tugs built at Josefa Slipways Inc.

(Credit: Vard)

Palfinger to Supply Major Equipment Package for Prysmian’s New Cable Layer

Palfinger Marine, an Austrian manufacturer of hydraulic lifting, loading, and handling…

(Credit: Huisman)

Huisman Inks Deepwater Crane Supply Deal with Malaysia’s Oilfield Services Firm

Dutch company Huisman has secured its first contract from Coastal International Marine…

(Photo: Med Marine)

Med Marine Delivers Tug to Arrendadora Continental

Turkish shipbuilder Med Marine announced it has delivered the MED-A2565 class Robert…

(Credit: Damen)

Fairplay Towage Orders Two More Damen Tugs

Fairplay Towage Group has placed an order with Damen Shipyards for the delivery of…

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