Simple Adjustment Can Cure Many Problems

You know the feeling—you pull on the handlever to operate the winch, and the thing just doesn’t move. Immediately, you start wondering about burned clutches and broken gears.

Before you do anything else, make one very easy check. It might be just enough to get the winch back in service in a matter of minutes.

Here’s the trick—check the handlever adjustment. It’s amazing how many problems can be traced back to having the handlever out of adjustment. Fortunately, it’s easy and quick to set right.

There are several different types of handlevers in use on Allied winches. But they all share the property that they pivot to move a mechanical push-pull cable that controls winch operation. Start by checking that the push-pull cable is securely attached to the handlever. And be sure the handlever pivot is in place and not broken.

Generally, you want the handlever to be able to move through its entire range of motion without striking its housing or having its travel hindered in any way. If it can’t, you need to adjust a nut at the handlever that shortens or lengthens the control cable to bring the handlever into the correct position.

Check your service manual for the exact details, or contact us for help.