Hydraulic Winch Buying Guide: How To Choose The Best One

Do you need to lift or tow heavy loads frequently?

Does your job involve the constant transport of boxes, motors, or other objects that humans cannot transport without the help of assistive devices?

Don’t worry – Our hydraulic winch buying guide will help you to choose the right one for your needs.

The hydraulic winch is a very efficient means of lifting or transporting heavy objects. Its operation and durability stand out in relation to other equipment that has the same function. But how do you choose and how do you know if you really need one?

Stay with us in this article and we will answer all your questions!

First, the most important!

  • The hydraulic winch is a very versatile piece of equipment and can be used in various industries.
  • It is superior to electric and manual winches in most respects, with only a few minor drawbacks, including price.
  • Make sure you know how to use the hydraulic winch before you start operating it. Otherwise, serious accidents can occur and service areas.

The capacity of the best hydraulic winches

hydraulic winch capacity

We have selected some of the main hydraulic winch models available in the market. They are robust, reliable and help you with daily service.

The hydraulic winch that supports 2 tons

Vonder grows more and more in the market of tools and instruments of work and presents this spectacular hydraulic winch. Its load capacity is 2 tons and the space for transport is 170 cm high and 420 cm wide. It has an extension. It is also foldable, making it easy to store.

Intermediate pricing model winches

A robust and well-finished winch, with antioxidant protection that increases its durability. The wheels and chain are made of iron, it is a product that will suffer little structural damage and still has a 12-month warranty. It has a load capacity of 1 ton and has an extension.

The ideal model for lifting motorcycles

It has several locks that ensure that its users are always safe, in addition to galvanizing the wheels and chains to provide greater resistance to the effects of time. The load capacity is 1 ton and there is also an extender.

Shopping Guide For Pick The Best

Do you want to better understand what a hydraulic winch is for and how to use it? It is in the buying guide that we will bring all these details! Advantages, disadvantages, comparisons, when to use and more. 

Ready!

The hydraulic winch is essential in mechanical workshops.

Purchase Criteria- What to Consider When Choosing Your Hydraulic Winch

Have you decided to buy a hydraulic winch, but still don’t know which model to choose? We then select some criteria to help you with the technical specifications.

  • Loading capacity
  • Chain Material
  • Wheel material
  • Easy to use

Next, we talk a little more about each of them:

Loading Capacity

Hydraulic winches can have a load capacity range of between 500 kg, 1 or even 3 tons. It all depends, therefore, on what you need to bring.

The recommendation is that the winch always supports at least 150% of the weight of the object to be loaded.

The recommendation is that the winch always supports at least 150% of the weight of the object to be loaded. Do not ignore this rule to avoid the risk of accidents. Therefore, the choice must be made from an estimate of what it will carry frequently.

If the winch is for a repair shop, for example, evaluate the use of vehicles and engines.

Chain Material

hydraulic winch chain

There are two main types of hydraulic winch chains: steel and synthetic.

For steel chains, gloves should always be worn when handling. Ideally, they should be galvanized, otherwise, they can rust. They have high strength, but are heavier and can damage the winch over time.

Synthetic chains are safer and easier to use. However, they can be damaged by chemicals, sun exposure, and abrasiveness. They require more care and maintenance.

Wheel Material

The same information can be applied to wheels. As much as the vast majority of winches have steel wheels, there are a few variations that can be interesting.

If the wheels are made of steel, pay attention to whether there is galvanization. You don’t want them to rust! The resistance they provide is excellent and there is not much damage from abrasiveness.

Synthetic wheels should be chosen only for winches used on flat and internal surfaces, otherwise, the durability will not be high.

The hydraulic winch can have wheels made of different materials.

Easy to Use

We have already shown you how to use a hydraulic winch. It’s not exactly easy and only practice will be perfect. Therefore, when choosing your model, make sure that it is not even more complicated.

What is a hydraulic winch and what is it for

In various industries and services, heavy objects or equipment must be lifted and transported frequently. Since human beings cannot do it themselves, they had to invent accessories for this. That’s where the winch comes in.

Always check that all standards are followed.

There are electrical, mechanical, pneumatic and other winches. And there is the hydraulic winch, which works, as the name implies, a hydraulic system that powers your drum and allows the movement of its parts.

As it is equipment that carries very heavy loads, the hydraulic winch must be used safely and sparingly. Always check that all the rules are followed to avoid accidents!

How does a hydraulic winch work

The following video will clear everything:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vs-zi444z0

Who is recommended to have a hydraulic winch

We have selected some examples of industries and sectors that need to use a hydraulic winch frequently:

  • Garages: it is often necessary to lift a car or specific parts of it, as the engine for repairs properly. This is the most popular use of the hydraulic winch.
  • Steel Industry: As heavy metals are involved, it is often difficult in the steel industry to transport all products and their components. A squeak helps a lot at that time.
  • Naval sector: constant transport of boxes in the naval sector makes it necessary to use winches. When you look at a port, you easily notice the presence of many of them.
  • Reels and urban transport sector: Heavy items like washing machines, kitchen cabinets and refrigerators are often carried on the arm, but it may be a good idea to have a crane to help transport them.
  • Nursing: With some adaptations, the hydraulic winch can be a great idea for transporting people who are bedridden or have difficulty walking from one place to another within the house or in an ambulance!

These are only the sectors that need a hydraulic winch the most, but there are still others that can benefit from the equipment. You only have to carry very heavy objects!

Did you know The hydraulic winch is a relatively new invention – it wasn’t until the late 1960s that Gearworks, a Canadian company, began work on its development.

The first model hit the market in 1972, making life easier for many workers.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a hydraulic winch

Why choose a hydraulic winch instead of an electric or manual winch? Without a doubt, each type has its advantages and disadvantages.

The hydraulic winch does not depend on sources of electrical power, either through a socket or through a connection to external motors or a battery. In addition, it does not tend to overheat, which can be a problem in other types.

It is usually quite robust and has a 100% duty cycle. Its lifting efficiency is very high, as long as the load is compatible with its capacity.

Another advantage is that the hydraulic system allows easier winch handling, similar to what occurs with hydraulically steered vehicles.

On the negative side, we have to highlight two specific points. First, the internal composition, which needs good pressure and continuous flow in your system to function. Maintenance may be required more frequently. Also, the value is usually higher.

Please refer to the table below with the advantages and disadvantages of the hydraulic winch:

Advantage

  • No need for electrical sources to operate
  • Does not overheat and can be used continuously
  • Hydraulic system makes handling easy
  • Very efficient for lifting and transporting heavy objects

Disadvantages

  • The hydraulic system can give problems more often, requiring more maintenance
  • Higher value than other types of winches

How to use a hydraulic winch

To use the hydraulic winch, you need to be very careful. Any mistake can result in an unwanted accident. So pay attention and make sure you know what you are doing.

It is important that the surface is flat and that the load is centered between the legs of the winch at the beginning of the process. Then it must be securely attached to the winch chains for pumping to take place safely.

How much does it cost and where to buy a hydraulic winch

The main factors that interfere with the value of a hydraulic winch are the load capacity and the presence of an extender. The cheapest models cost around $400, with an average of between $800 and $12,00.

Building materials and tool stores are good options for purchasing your hydraulic winch, but we recommend purchasing online. Amazon has excellent options.