DL STRONGARM SA7015 (01) PDF DOCUMENT

Read instructions carefully before attempting to install, operate or service the DL STRONGARM SA7015 electric winch. Failure to comply with instructions could result in serious or fatal injury. Retain instructions for future reference.

General Warnings:

Not to be used as a hoist for lifting, supporting or transporting people or loads over areas where people could be present.

This winch is not designed for movement of human beings. Do not use for scaffolding, elevators, or any other application in which persons could be positioned on or under the load at any time. Do not use as an overhead hoist.

Consult with the manufacturer before using this winch in any vertical lifting/lowering applications.

This electric winch should be respected as power equipment. High forces are created when using a winch, creating potential safety hazards. Never allow children or anyone who is not familiar with the operation of the winch to use it.

Operational Warnings:

Never exceed rated winch capacity. Dangerously high forces can be created if the load being moved is too large or is allowed to get in a bind, etc.

Inspect the winch cable often and replace at the first sign of damage. If the cable breaks under tension, it tends to whip; it is recommended that a blanket or rug be placed over the cable during winching to minimize this action.

Never apply load to the winch with the cable fully extended. Keep at least three turns of cable on the reel.

Keep the winching area free of all unnecessary personnel. Never stand between the load and the winch.

The 12 volt D.C. winch operates from a low voltage D.C. source of power (e.g., a car or truck battery). DO NOT connect the winch to 120V A.C. power.

When the winching operation has been completed, do not depend on the winch to support the load. Always secure the load properly using tie-down straps or chains.

Keep hands and fingers clear of the drum and cable area of the winch when operating. Do not attempt to guide the cable by hand as it rewinds on the drum.

The winch must be securely attached to a structural member or frame that is capable of sustaining loads in excess of the winch capacity. When attaching to a vehicle, ensure the mounting area is rigidly supported by the vehicle frame. Always block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling when pulling a load with the winch.

Motor and Overload Cautions:

Continuous running in excess of 4 minutes will damage the winch motor.

The electric motor is designed for intermittent service only. Extended use without cooling off periods will cause overheating, resulting in motor damage. The maximum continuous run time is four minutes.

Even though the winch is equipped with circuit breaker overload protection, particular care should be taken not to create an overload. Pay attention to the sound of the winch and the load being pulled. Make certain that the cable tension does not rise suddenly because of a bind in the load.

Auxiliary Handle Warning:

The auxiliary handle is for emergency use only. Never use it as an assist to the motor when running. Always remove the auxiliary handle when not in use. Do not operate the winch motor with the handle installed.

The dead weight capacity of the DL STRONGARM SA7015 changes depending on how much cable is on the reel. The capacity is a measure of the actual maximum force to which the winch system may be subjected.

When using a double line operation, the capacity for the DL STRONGARM SA7015 starts at 4,000 lbs with 10 feet of cable on the reel and decreases to approximately 2,250 lbs with 50 feet of cable on the reel.

The DL STRONGARM SA7015 is factory equipped with a pulley block and hook and 50 feet of cable for double line operation. This configuration increases the pulling capacity of the winch. However, care must be taken to allow for adequate motor cooling. Note that with a double line, a pull of 25 feet requires reeling in 50 feet of cable.

This is for intermittent use only. Ratings are based on a 10-foot pull. For longer pulls, motor cooling periods must be allowed.

The guide below shows the maximum rolling load capacity in pounds and kilograms for the DL STRONGARM SA7015. All capacities shown are with 15 feet of cable on the reel and a 10% rolling friction factor. For a full reel of cable, adjust capacities according to the winch rating graph. A 5% incline is a one-half foot rise in ten feet.

The approximate load speed for the DL STRONGARM SA7015 is provided in feet per minute (FT./MIN.) under different load conditions.

1. Be sure that the mounting surface is of sufficient strength to support a load well in excess of the rated winch capacity. Fasten the winch to the mounting surface with three 1/2″ bolts, nuts, washers, and lockwashers.

2. Be sure that the winch is positioned so that the cable does not rub the front opening of the winch. Your winch is equipped with key hole slots in the base for use with quick-mounting shoulder studs if desirable. If you wish to use quick-mount studs, they should be mounted securely into the mounting surface. After positioning the winch on the studs, a 3/8″ bolt should be placed in one of the other holes available to keep the winch securely in position.

3. For double line use, install an eye-hook on the mounting surface close to the base of the winch for fastening the stationary cable hook. Be sure the eye-hook is of sufficient strength to withstand loads in excess of the single line rating of the winch.

Wiring to Battery:

Attach the circuit breaker assembly on the end of the positive (+) wire to the positive battery terminal. Attach the negative (-) wire (ground) to the negative battery terminal or a convenient ground location. Make certain that connections are clean and tight. If the wiring is being permanently installed in a vehicle, the wires should be secured so that they cannot come into contact with hot or moving parts.

Switch Installation and Connection:

Attach the power supply plug into the connector located at the back of the winch. This plug pushes and snaps into place easily and will fit in only one direction.

Connect the remote switch cord to the short cord coming from the back of the winch. The winch can be operated by depressing the “In” or “Out” side of the switch, which will return to off when released.

The DL STRONGARM SA7015 can be powered in or out. Allowing the switch to return to the off position will automatically stop the winch and hold the load.

Note: It is normal for smoke to be produced during the initial power down use.

Be sure the battery is fully charged and in top condition to avoid power loss. If using a vehicle battery, leave the engine running on fast idle as a precaution in case the battery is not in top condition.

When the winching operation is complete, secure the load properly with tie down straps or chains. Do not depend on the winch to support the load. Also, remove the power supply plug from the winch to avoid accidental operation.

An emergency crank handle is provided for use in the event of a power failure.

1. Remove the electrical power from the winch.

2. Remove the plastic plug from the side of the winch housing and insert the handle so that it completely engages with the drive shaft. The handle can be cranked in either direction.

3. Always remove the handle from the winch after use and replace the plastic plug.

WARNING: Never operate the winch electrically with the emergency handle in position.

For long life and trouble-free operation, your winch should be periodically inspected for any required maintenance. This should be done at least once annually, and more frequently in adverse conditions such as salt water areas or areas of extreme dust and dirt.

1. Cable Inspection and Replacement: Carefully inspect the winch cable for any kinks, frays, or abnormal stiffness and replace it at the first sign of this kind of damage. Periodic lubrication with a light oil will improve the life of the cable. To replace the cable, remove the four cover mounting bolts while power is disconnected. Lift the housing off. Rotate the winch reel to access the rope clamp. Remove the old cable and replace it with a new cable of the same size. Ensure the new cable passes under both sides of the rope clamp and that the clamp is tightened securely. For the DL STRONGARM SA7015, the cable is wound OVER the top of the drum.

2. Gear and Bearing Lubrication: With the cover removed, inspect the entire gear train and all drive shafts for significant wear or loose bearing fits. Grease all of the gears on the inside of the winch base and apply a drop of oil on all of the bearings in the base. Also, place a drop of oil on the roller clutch. Do not over-lubricate these areas and do not use grease in the roller clutch. The brake pads and brake disc must be kept clean and oil-free.

3. Clutch and Fastener Check: Check the operation of the roller clutch. Carefully rotate the brake disc and observe the motor shaft. When the disc is turned clockwise, the motor shaft should turn with it. When the disc is turned counterclockwise, the motor shaft should not turn. Also, check all nuts, bolts, retaining rings, etc., to be sure that they are tight and secure.

4. Pulley Block Inspection: If a pulley block and hook is used, check the assembly to be sure that the pulley rotates freely on the bronze pulley spacer. Occasional greasing of these two items is recommended.