Cable winches for trailers
The right winch for pulling, lifting and dragging loads
A cable winch for trailers moves vehicles, boats and other loads with controlled force using a cable or strap. AL-KO VT offers braked cable winches and unbraked drag winches for different requirements. Important selection factors are not just the weight, but also gradient, cable layer and type of load.
Cable winches for trailers at a glance
- PLUS cable winches with 350, 500, 900 or 1,150 kg maximum pulling force on the bottom cable layer
- BASIC cable winches with 450 or 900 kg maximum pulling force on the bottom cable layer
- Braked BASIC and PLUS models with automatic load pressure brake
- BASIC drag winches with 250 or 500 kg for horizontal dragging tasks
- Available with cable, strap or automatic cable release, depending on the version
- Typical applications include boat trailers and car transporter trailers
Which cable winch does my trailer need?
The suitable winch depends on the load and the specific application. A vehicle that rolls onto a trailer requires different specifications to a non-moving or vertically lifted load.
For lifting, holding and lowering, the BASIC and PLUS braked cable winches are suitable. Their automatic load pressure brake holds the load when the crank is released. The mandatory minimum load of 25 kg must be observed.
Unbraked BASIC drag winches, in contrast, are designed solely for pulling non-rolling loads. They do not have a mechanism for controlled lowering.
How much pulling force does my cable winch need?
When selecting a cable winch, the stated pulling capacity is not the only decisive factor. How much weight can actually be moved depends mainly on the cable layer, the gradient and whether a load is being lifted or pulled. The available pulling force decreases as more cable is wound on the drum.
This can be seen, for example, with the PLUS 900: For vertical lifting, the reference value is 900 kg on the bottom, 600 kg on the middle and 330 kg on the top cable layer. In contrast, rolling loads can be much heavier. On a 10 percent gradient, the reference values are 5,800 kg on the bottom, 3,900 kg on the middle and 2,100 kg on the top cable layer.
The exact intended use is therefore always crucial. To ensure the longest possible service life, AL-KO VT recommends operating the cable winch within the medium load range wherever possible. If the required performance is permanently close to the load limit, choosing the next largest version can be sensible.
Frequently asked questions about cable winches for trailers
The automatic cable release makes it easier to unspool the cable or strap. Once the load pressure brake has been deactivated, the cable or strap can be pulled from the drum. This feature is available on selected variants.
Straps are available for various models. The straps offered in the portfolio are designed exclusively for horizontal dragging. For lifting operations, suitable straps according to DIN EN 13157 must be used.
No. The cable winches are designed for manual, time-limited use and are not intended for continuous operation. Operation is carried out via the crank; mechanical drive is not permitted.
No. The cable winches are not approved as lashing devices. Dedicated systems must be used for load securing.