Methods for Powering Electric Winches

Question:

Can a 3500 lbs winch be powered by a battery charger or what would the lightest battery? Looking to make a portable unit.

asked by: Steve

Helpful Expert Reply:

Winch makers usually provide guidance about the required power to operate their winches to their fullest capacity. For example, the 3000-lb-rated Dutton-Lainson StrongArm Electric Winch # DL25010 will require 70-amps of battery current to deliver its full capacity. A battery with less output capacity may still adequately operate the winch with lighter loads on it but will not be able to operate the winch under a full load.

A battery charger like NOCO # NOC34FR is designed to deliver slow, steady charging power to a battery over a period of time, not to discharge rapidly. A portable jump starter pack might be able to operate the winch briefly but because winches are VERY power-hungry you really want to use a fully-charged battery of a high enough amperage rating. These may be too heavy to be considered portable.

expert reply by: Adam R