Ancra releases air-operated power winch for flatbeds. WTF?

[PhuzzyGnu]

I dunno about adding 10 or more air lines and connections and the relsulting leak possibilities to a trailer, but hey, what do I know?

http://www.ancra-llc.com/cinch/

-p.

[Part Time Dweller]

If a professional installed these, with quality fittings and lines, there will be no more chance of leaks than the brake or suspension lines.

If I were to do this, I would run the lines in series, with a shutoff between the first winch and the air source. Heck, I would even use a self bleeding valve so the air wasn't trapped in the system. This way, the only time it could possibly leak is when the winches are being used. But hey, what do I know.

[PhuzzyGnu]

Point taken.


The main drawback I see is that they are:

a) Bulky

b) Fixed in position.


When I drove flats I needed the flexibility of sliding the winches. I guess if you hauled the same thing in the same place every load they'd be great- lumber and building materials, shingles, concrete...

-p.

[Part Time Dweller]

Yeah, I was wondering about the fixed position also. Unless the winches could slide with a loop of air hose?

[Jumbo]

Yeah, I was wondering about the fixed position also. Unless the winches could slide with a loop of air hose?

That is alot of hose that could rub on the frame. I saw this set up at M.A.T.S this year. The thing I thought of is that the standard winches that we use now are simple, Why take something that is simple and complicate it? For the cost and potential headaches I just didn't see the advantage.

[Part Time Dweller]

One advantage would be not getting nailed with the winch bar.

[Jumbo]

That is where proper technique and taking your time comes in. In 15 years of trucking I have never had a winch bar slip out of my hands or come back at me. Could it happen? Yes. Do I do everything to prevent it from happening? Yes.

[PhuzzyGnu]

One advantage would be not getting nailed with the winch bar.

Well hell, just get some of the Ancra ratcheting winches and don't worry about the air winches or winch bar kickback.

-p.