An industrial winch is an effective lifting and pulling mechanical device, designed to horizontally and vertically position heavy loads. Whether supplied with a rope, cable or chain wound around a horizontal rotating drum and turned by a motor, winches have been an integral part of industry and logistics for millennia.

Designed to move and manoeuvre heavy loads safely and efficiently, industrial winches minimise the potential risks to personnel and property, while maintaining the integrity of the load in transport.

When to use a winch

​Intended to pull, position, and lift heavy loads, winches are mechanical devices which allow the operator to pull in, release, or otherwise situate the load by adjusting the tension of the cable – often referred to as wire rope or line.

Industrial winches typically feature manual hand or automatic brakes and can be efficiently used for vertical lifting tasks alongside their inherent horizontal pulling duties without issue – while some winch types are expressly intended for pulling only.

Utilised for a wide range of activities, industrial winch applications include waste water, oil and gas, commercial fishing, manufacturing, mining, construction, and logistics. While there are numerous winch designs available, the most commonly spotted industrial winch types include:

• Electric winches – Designed for heavy duty lifting and sites where there is electricity available. Ideal for industrial material handling operations, logistics hubs, and construction sites where the handling of bulk items is required. Portable electric winch options are available for those who need a mobile winching unit.
• Air winches – Feature a pneumatic motor, driven by a supply of compressed air, which results in a typically faster line speed compared to other types of winch. The pneumatic motor makes air winches suitable for operation in volatile explosive-risk environments, meaning they are often found in hazardous sectors such as mining, logistics, manufacturing, marine, oil and gas, and chemical handling.
• Hand winches – Lightweight hand powered mechanical devices which rely on physical effort, but do not require any external power supply to operate (such as electricity or compressed air). Manual hand winches are portable and easy to use, simple by design in comparison to the other winch types, and require relatively low maintenance, making them a great long-term winching solution.

Stratalign winches

As New Zealand’s industrial winch experts, we supply a range of top quality air, electric, and hand winches. We’ve used our extensive industry knowledge to handpick reputable brands that we know are reliable and safe, ensuring our customers get the right lifting solution product.

Helping New Zealand manufacturers safely solve their lifting challenges with the best local and global solutions.

Industrial winches can play an important role in many material handling operations, but, as with all heavy machinery, care must be taken to ensure that the proposed usage meets the appropriate application and does not exceed technical limitations.

Our knowledgeable team of problem solvers can help you to choose the correct winch setup for your situation, improving the efficiency and safety of your material handling operation by ensuring you have the ‘right tool for the job.’

Contact us today for a consultation and quote.