Weight Capacity of Dutton-Lainson Hand Winch # DL11001 Using 1/4 Inch Cable

Question:

Im considering the DL11004 with 1/4inch galvanized 7x19 cable for an application replacing a Fulton K1550 in order to utilize the hex drive for a drill, self braking of the worm gear, and an extra safety margin on the lift rating. Most winches Ive used with this size cable, including the K1550, have a drum diameter of at least 2.25 inches. The DL11004 specs say it has a 1.5 inch drum. Im a little concerned that 1.5 inches makes a bit of a sharp bend for 1/4inch cable, but the mfg should know their product I guess. I would like your thoughts on using that size drum with 1/4inch cable. Also, I know the 2000 lb rating is first layer on the drum, but nowhere can I find the specs for subsequent layers, or a full drum. Would you happen to have those figures? I will only be pulling about 23 feet of cable onto the reel at maximum lift. If the full layer specs are still within my lifting limits, I suppose I could increase the effective drum diameter with excess cable, but at the expense of a higher load on the drill, or my arm. Thanks.

asked by: David B

Expert Reply:

I do have a solution for you, however the Dutton-Lainson Hand Winch # DL11004 referenced in your question is actually designed for use with a polyester strap and not cable.

For the Dutton-Lainson 2,000 pound hex gear hand winch that uses cable you will want part # DL11001 instead. This winch can definitely be used with 1/4 inch cable and the drum can handle up to 59 feet of it.

I spoke with my contact at Dutton-Lainson and did verify that the drum hub diameter is 1-1/4 inches and on its first layer the winch has a 2,000 pound weight capacity. Keep in mind that the winch is rated when lifting a dead weight at a 90 degree angle - so if you have any angle at all for your application the actual rating will be a bit higher.

My contact said it's difficult to put a solid number on how much the capacity will decrease with subsequent layers of cable as it is dependent on a number of factors specific to your application (angle, other components used such as rollers, etc) but generally speaking you are looking at about a 10 percent reduction for each layer.

If you can tell me a little bit more about what you are using the winch for I will be happy to get a more details rundown of the capacities. I have attached a short video demonstration on this winch that you can also take a look at.

expert reply by: Chris R