Start with the cable, not the machine
The most common mistake when choosing a winch is looking only at the machine's catalogue pulling force. The starting point is the cable: its manufacturer states a maximum pulling force that must not be exceeded. Exceed it and instead of saving time you will be replacing a section.
Only from that figure do you work downwards: how much force friction takes along the route, how many bends the duct has, what condition it is in and how long the pull is. The machine should have force in reserve, but the operator has to be able to limit and control it.
Pulling force — indicative ranges
- up to 10 kN — installations inside buildings, fibre optics, telecom ducts
- 10 – 30 kN — low-voltage networks, shorter MV sections
- 30 – 50 kN — medium and high-voltage networks, long routes, large cross-sections
- above 50 kN — line construction, pulling ducts, specialist work
These are ranges, not a rule. The final choice is decided by the specific route.
Rope length and diameter
The rope has to be longer than the longest pull you plan — with a margin for winding on the drum and for the run-in sections. A rope that is too short can strand the whole crew halfway along the route. One that is too thin for the pulling force is the straight road to snapping it.
Drive: combustion, electric or hydraulic
A combustion drive gives independence from mains power and works in the field. An electric drive is quiet and clean, so it goes where exhaust fumes are not allowed. A hydraulic one — usually with a diesel power pack — gives smoothness and constant force under heavy load.
Pulling force recording
If you work for the power industry or for large operators, a record of the pull is often required for handover. It is worth checking this before the machine goes on site, not after the first pull.
You don't have to do it alone
The simplest way is to give us three things: the required pulling force, the rope length and the type of work. We will work out the rest and propose a specific machine — new, used or from the rental fleet.