ELECTRIC VS MANUAL WINCHES: OUR COMPLETE BREAKDOWN

When it comes to winch equipment, electric and manual options are extremely popular, for a range of reasons. If you’re having trouble deciding on the right kind of winch for your project, keep reading our complete guide. We’ve outlined the different advantages of both of these industrial machines so that you can make the best decision for your project. To find out more, keep on reading! ELECTRIC WINCHES As the name suggests, electric winches are operated using electricity. Electric power is used to lift and haul large loads without any major human interaction. Electric winches are growing in popularity, being used across a wide range of industries due to their high reliability and good performance rate. When it comes to large loads, electric winches are usually the right choice, as they are durable and can withstand higher weight capacities. They are a quick and simple choice for moving loads around. Read below for the main pros and cons of electric winches. PROS Less human interaction is required meaning there is less reliance on manpower, making electric winches a more convenient option. They speed up the process, helping to complete tasks and projects quicker. They are more reliable for heavy loads. Less human interaction and an operating system at the back of the winch also makes them safer. CONS They require a power source, and if you don’t have power available at your worksite, this could be a problem. Electric winches can be more easily affected and even damaged by the elements. Electric winches are not great for use in wet conditions or wet terrain. MANUAL WINCHES Manual, or hand winches, are operated by an individual, rather than relying on electric power. They are much better for lighter loads, and a human operator will simply use the ends of the rope to manually lift the load. Manual winches are commonly found being used for outdoor operations where the weight is manageable for individuals to move. They can also be used for mounting and support purposes. PROS Manual winches don’t require a power source. Easy to use and maintain. Lower risk of technical issues or functioning problems. More affordable option in comparison to electric winches. CONS They do rely on physical effort to operate, which relies on man power. Because they are operated by people, manual winches can be slower and have a reduced lifting speed. They have a limited weight capacity. There may be more safety concerns with a manual winch, as it is being operated by hand. SO, WHICH IS BETTER? It’s not a straightforward answer, as the applications of these winches vary. Ultimately, you will need to assess the needs of your project before choosing the appropriate winch. On the whole, for more manageable loads and lighter weights, manual winches can work well. For a heavier capacity or on a site with power, electric winches could be more useful. ATLAS WINCH & HOIST SERVICES: WINCHES YOU CAN RELY ON We offer a wide range of winches and lifting gear suitable for a range of applications. No matter what kind of project you are working on, we are sure to have something that suits your needs. You can browse our product range on our website. For more information about our winch hire, contact us today and speak to our team directly.