Creeper winches

GENERAL
Creeper winches are designed for pulling, lifting or lowering loads. They use a wire rope that is levered through the machine using a friction grip hand principle. Creeper winches are versatile machines and can be utilised in many applications.
 
Principal of Operation 
Most creeper winches work by the same general principle, regardless of size or capacity. They utilise two sets of jaws that open and close in turn enabling the rope to be pulled through by one set of jaws while the other set of jaws hold the wire rope in position and stop it slipping backwards under load.

The creeper winch principal is similar to a person pulling on a rope. One hand holds the rope while the other hand pulls in turn.
 
INSPECTION BEFORE USE 
The pre-use inspection for creeper winches should include the following:

Winch Body
Check that the winch has its identification plate displaying the WLL.

Ensure the shear pins are intact and located correctly in the lower section of the operating levers. Spare shear pins are provided with new units at the time of purchase.

Check operation of the forward and reverse operating levers. They should operate smoothly and without sticking.

Generally check the winch for any signs of wear, damage, abuse, corrosion, cracking or distortion. Check also that all nuts and bolts are secure.

Check the handle for signs of distortion and that it is the correct size and type for the model winch.

Check the anchor point for wear, distortion, cracks and corrosion.
Wire Rope
Check the tapered end of the wire rope.

Check the wire rope for any signs of wear, corrosion and kinking. Acceptable levels of wear, broken wires etc, is as per the wire rope section of this book.

Check the ferrule for any signs of cracking or distortion.

Check the hook to ensure the safety catch is intact and that there is no deformation, excessive wear or corrosion.
 
 
CARE IN USE 
Conduct minor operational test before use if possible.

Only shear pins supplied by the manufacturer should be used. Never mix and match shear pins from other brands of creeper winches or replace pins with any other material. Shear pins are designed to fail to prevent the operating lever from being subjected to excessive overloading.

Always use the genuine wire rope as recommended by the manufacturer or an approved equivalent. Do not mix and match wire ropes from other brands of creeper winches. Wipe the wire rope clean before using in the winch.

Ensure that the winch is well lubricated. For lubrication instructions refer to the manufacturers operating manual.

Do not use kinked rope, as this will cause the winch to malfunction. If the rope is kinked it should be replaced before the winch is used.

Ensure all slings and accessories used to lift or pull the load and anchor the winch are of sufficient strength and are suitable for the purpose. All slings and accessories used with creeper winches should be rated and comply to Australian Standards.

The wire rope should be handled with care and should be reeled and unreeled in a straight line to prevent loops or kinks occurring. The wire rope should always be reeled up after use.

The wire rope should be lubricated from time to time with an approved wire rope lubricant.

The winch and the rope should be stored in a clean, dry and airy environment where it will be free from contamination.

Use only the hand lever provided with the winch and do not use extension or cheeter bars to gain more leverage. If the winch cannot be operated with the correct handle then it is being overloaded.

Ensure there is no deflection in the rope when under load. If the rope needs to be deflected or the capacity doubled to two falls then only an approved sheave or snatch block should be used. The snatch block should be of adequate WLL and the sheave should be of suitable diameter and grooving.

The creeper winch wire rope should not be allowed to rotate under load. This could result in the wire rope unlaying.
 
 
Creeper Winches should always be used in line with good lifting and rigging practice and as per the manufacturers recommendations.

Incorrect Creeper Winch use could result in a dangerous situation that could cause property damage, serious injury or death.

Rig-Mate Creeper winches should only be operated with the manufacturers recommended rope or an approved equivalent. The ropes are specifically designed to suit the jaws in the creeper winch and are non-standard diameters.

Rig-Mate creeper winches will not operate safely or efficiently if the manufacturers rope is not used.