Winch Duty Cycle

Our KEEPER® Winch is equipped with a series wound, 12 Volt DC motor and is designed for
INTERMITTENT GENERAL DUTY USE. This electric winch is similar to most electric motor driven tools and should not be allowed to become overly hot. Stop winch if motor starts to labor or end of motor becomes hot to the touch. Stop winching and allow motor to cool down. Minimum electrical requirements are 60 amp alternator and battery with 650 CCA (cold cranking amp) capacity. This Winch (FIGURE 2) is not intended for use in lifting/hoisting applications and the manufacturer does not warrant it to be suitable for such use

When winching for extended periods of time, an electric winch has an Achilles heel – its motor. This component can fail if you don’t pay close attention to the heat build up while you winch. Electric winches don’t have a 100 percent duty cycle (like a hydraulic winch) and need a rest occasionally from their work. This “rest” allows the electric winch cool down and build up an electrical reserve in the battery from the engine’s alternator.

The Duty Cycle rating is : 5% (45 sec at Max Rated Load ;14 min,15sec Rest).

This stands for all winches.