Our mechanical winches

Frequently asked questions about the mechanical winch

• What is a mechanical winch / chain winch?

  The mechanical winch — also called chain-wheel winch or chain winch — is driven by the PTO, without its own hydraulics. It is lighter, cheaper and almost maintenance-free. Sensible for infrequent use.

• What is the difference between mechanical and electro-hydraulic?

  Mechanical winches (M series) are operated by hand via a pull rope — no hydraulics, no remote possible. Electro-hydraulic winches have their own hydraulic circuit — remote retrofittable, rope unwinding (SA/Q) and SBS possible, easier on the body in continuous use.

• What is the difference between chain winch and gear-drive winch?

  Chain-wheel winch: compact, light, cheaper — ideal for classic slope work. Gear-drive winch: higher rope capacity, precise winding, but heavier and more expensive. The KGD Q cross-drum winch combines the best of both worlds: the rope capacity of a gear-drive winch at the price of a chain winch.

• Can the M series be retrofitted with remote control?

  No — the mechanical KGD winches (M series) have no hydraulic block and therefore no remote connection. That is a basic technical prerequisite for remote control. Remote operation requires an EH, SA or Q winch.

• Can I retrofit remote control on the mechanical KGD winch?

  No. The M series cannot be upgraded to remote — it has no hydraulic block and no slot for a remote system. That is the fundamental difference to the EH, SA and Q series. If remote control is a must for you, you need an electro-hydraulic winch.

• What is rope unwinding?

  Rope unwinding is a mechanism that pays out the rope at the push of a button. That saves time and effort — especially when working alone.

• What is rope unwinding — and do I need it?

  Rope unwinding (SA) pushes the rope out of the winch at the push of a button — no manual pulling. Especially handy on slopes and when working alone: you simply walk to the next skidding spot, and the rope is unwound behind you. All electro-hydraulic KGD winches are optionally available with rope unwinding. Remote + rope unwinding together means: unwind the rope by remote, walk to the log, attach, pull in.

• How heavy may the winch be for my compact tractor?

  Rule of thumb: the winch’s own weight should not exceed 20–25 % of the tractor weight, so the front axle doesn’t lift. The KGD 35 M weighs from 239 kg. Exact figures are in the data sheet or on request.