A regular program of preventive maintenance for your winch will minimize the need for emergency servicing and promote long product life and trouble-free operation.
The service intervals suggested in this manual will optimize component service life. These intervals may be gradually increased or decreased with experience of a particular lubricant and evaluation of your application.
Gear Case Oil
The winch assembly should be visually inspected for leaks at the beginning of each workday. If oil leaks are found, the gear case oil level should be checked. If no leaks are detected, the oil level should be checked once every 250 hours, or monthly. The oil level plug is located near the winch horizontal centerline on the LH end cover, toward the rear of the winch. Position the tractor on a flat, level surface and the remove the plug. The oil level should be at the bottom of the level plug port.
Add oil as required through the oil filler plug, which is located near the top of the LH end cover toward the front of the winch. When filling, add oil slowly, as the oil must pass through the gear train and fill the drum cavity.
Refer to the "Recommended Oil" chart for recommendations of the proper oil for use in your application.
Tractor Hydraulic Oil Level
The tractor hydraulic oil reservoir level should be checked at the sight glass on a daily basis, or in accordance with the tractor manufacturer's recommendations. Use the type and grade of hydraulic oil recommended by the tractor manufacturer.
Change the tractor hydraulic oil and filter in accordance with the AVSpare recommendations.
Winch Gear Case Oil Change
Change the winch gear oil after the first 100-250 hours of operation, then every 1000 hours or six (6) months, whichever occurs first.
Remove the drain plug, located at the bottom of the LH end cover. To reduce drain time, also remove the fill plug. Drain the oil into a suitable container and recycle, or dispose of the oil in an environmentally responsible manner. Contact your local environmental agency or government concerning proper disposal methods. Install the drain plug securely after the oil has completely drained.
Refill the winch to the proper level with the recommended oil. Allow at least 15 minutes for the oil to flow completely through the gear train and fill the cable drum cavity before rechecking the level.
Vent Plug
The gear case vent plug is installed in the oil filler plug, located near the top of the LH end cover. Each time the oil is changed, remove the vent plug, clean in safety solvent and reinstall. In extremely dusty environments, the vent plug may require cleaning more often.
NOTE: Do not replace the vent plug with a solid plug. The normal expansion of the gear oil during operation will cause a build-up of pressure within the gear case, which may lead to seal leakage.
Winch Cable (Wire Rope)
Inspect the entire length of wire rope, and the hook, in accordance with the rigging manufacturer's recommendations.
Mounting Fasteners
Check and/or tighten all winch mounting fasteners to the recommended torque levels after the first 100-250 hours of operation, then every 1000 hours or six (6) months, whichever occurs first.
Warm-Up Procedure
The tractor engine should be run in accordance with AVSpare recommendations to warm the hydraulic system. In colder climates or in winter, use low-temp oil as recommended by AVSpare.
Fairlead Rollers
Grease the fairlead rollers at the start of each workday. Each fairlead roller has two (2) grease fittings, one in each end. Apply grease until a small amount pushes out around the shaft.
Use a high quality, NLGI #2 lithium complex based grease, which contains an EP (extreme pressure) additive and meets or exceeds the NGLI Grade 2 specifications.
Inspection
The winch should be disassembled, and all wear items inspected thoroughly for excess wear or damage, every 10,000 hours or four (4) years, whichever occurs first.