A winch is a device Mécanique making it possible to order the rolling up and the course of a cable, a chain or any other type of rope intended to carry or tractor draw a load.

A winch can be motorized or not. It generally includes a device of reduction of the effort, either on the level of the motorization, or by the use of Poulie (S) (mainly in a Palan) and a winding drum. The winches for heavy load can be equipped with a system of linear traction hydraulic.

The principal applications of the winches are:

• handling: assembly on the arrow of a crane;
• towing: assembly in front or behind of a Vehicle, to allow the car-towing or the towing of another vehicle;
• specific uses: dedicated winches (anchors of navy for example: Guindeau - Capstan).

• the Hélicoptère S of rescue (see Research and rescue or Search and Rescue , SAR) are equipped with a device making it possible to raise at least two people: a rescuer plus the person in difficulty.

Simple: Hoist