Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A hydraulic winch which is capable of generating significant amounts of torque and providing very high line pull even after a significant amount of cable is wrapped onto its spool. The winch spool is also capable of carrying a large amount of thick cable. It is useful in applications such as assisting maintenance of dredge disposal areas in which a ditching machine must be assisted by a tether across the pit of the disposal area. In the described embodiment, the novel winch includes a transportable base or skid which is affixable to a prime mover vehicle, a heavy duty spool, a chain drive and a power train. The power train for the winch is powered by a hydraulic motor. Through significant gear reduction via the chain drive and a hydraulic gear box, the winch is capable of generating sustained significant torque regardless of the amount of cable on the spool. A selectively engageable clog or dog assembly permits the spool to be unengaged so that 'free spooling' can occur to permit the cable to be unrolled freely despite operation of the hydraulic motor. Additionally, the winch includes a manual brake assembly which selectively stops the spool from unrolling the cable. The winch also includes a backlash preventor in which a Teflon.RTM. drag member is maintained in frictional engagement against portions of the spool to govern the speed at which the spool will rotate.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim