Products

Air Winches

Air Winches

Red Rooster Lifting offers a series of EMCE air winches, suitable for a number of applications and offering varied load capacities.

About our EMCE Air Winches

Here is a quick overview of the air winches currently available.

OAW/OMR Offshore Series:

This is a robust lifting and pulling offshore air winch specially designed for offshore applications or for any other hazardous environment These winches are fitted with heavy duty planetary gearboxes and can be optioned for man riding applications.

LV Series:

Explosion-proof air winch providing a solution for pneumatic winch applications that demand lightweight construction. These winches find their use in general industry, oil and gas exploration and in many places where compact, explosion-proof hoisting gear is required.

A/F Series:

This is a standard air winch with a high efficiency gearbox. It is developed for medium duty pulling and lifting duties up to 2,700 kg.

SB Series:

The standard build SB type planetary gear winch provides the basis of the solution to many pulling and lifting winch applications. The winch is constructed in the Conventional manner with motor, gearbox and drum in line and offers lifting capacities of up to 20 tonnes.

FD Series:

This planetary gearbox winch is specially designed for applications where space is at a premium. These compact and lightweight lifting winches are ideally suited for installation on cranes, davits and derricks. The single drum support enables the rope to leave the drum at any angle.

TR Series:

These traction winches are built to order and can be executed with a self-braking worm gear or planetary gear depending on the load required. The traction winch is mainly used for traversing applications where a compact but heavy duty system is required. EMCÉ has supplied systems up to and including 10,000 kg.

AW/PW Series:

Accommodation ladder winch AW series are designed to position and hold accommodation and ship-to-shore ladders and ladders between vessels and offshore installations. The range features a dynamically and statically self-braking wormgear and emergency hand crank. Each type may be configured for single or twin rope operation and powered by means of an electric or pneumatic motor.

W/P/PW Series:

This windlass series has been especially designed for intensive use and therefore has a robust construction. All windlasses are designed with a self-braking gearbox (except P 1000 H and P 1600 H) which will save the costs of an expensive brake motor.

HR/UR/TW Series:

Hose reel, umbilical or transponder winches are mainly built for purpose. Winches are built to order and can be executed with a self-braking wormgear or planetary gear, depending on the load required.

The hose reel option is mainly used to reel hoses for fresh water supply, MDO fuel supply and hydraulic oil or to reel electrical power supply cables.

The umbilical winches are, generally, used to reel a combination of hoses, signal cables, coax or even fibre optic cables. Most of them come with slip rings and/or rotating swivels.

Transponder winches used for powered transponders are mainly used with electrical signal cables and have, in most cases, an electrical slip ring mounted.

Red Rooster Lifting has supplied these winches for offshore heavy lift vessels, offshore semi-subs, diving support vessels, research vessels, cable and pipe laying vessels and offshore pile-driving barges.

Red Rooster Lifting’s EMCE winches comply with the UK Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 and the European Machinery Directive. The equipment can be UKCA marked or CE marked.

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FAQs

An air winch operates by utilising compressed air as its power source. The core components of an air winch include a pneumatic motor, a drum or cable spool, and control mechanisms. When compressed air is supplied to the pneumatic motor, it generates rotational force, which is transmitted to the drum. The drum is designed to wind or unwind a cable or wire rope. 

By controlling the air pressure and airflow to the motor, operators can precisely control the speed and direction of the cable’s movement. The unique advantage of air winches is their suitability for use in hazardous environments, as they don’t produce sparks, making them ideal for industries like oil and gas, where safety is paramount. 

These winches are widely employed for lifting, pulling, and positioning heavy loads, and their power can be easily regulated by adjusting the air pressure, offering operators fine control over their operations.

Using an air winch effectively involves a systematic approach to ensure both safety and efficiency. Here are the key steps to operating an air winch:

Preparation: Before use, inspect the air winch for any damage or wear and tear. Ensure the cable or rope is in good condition. Confirm that the compressed air supply is sufficient, and all connections are secure.

Safety Measures: It’s crucial to follow all safety protocols. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and safety glasses, and make sure the work area is clear of obstructions and bystanders.

Control Setup: Familiarise yourself with the winch’s control mechanism, which typically includes levers or buttons for hoisting and lowering. Ensure it is in the neutral or stop position before starting the air winch.

Air Supply: Connect the air supply hose to the winch and regulate the air pressure to match the manufacturer’s specifications. Be cautious not to exceed the winch’s maximum rated pressure.

Operating the Winch: Gradually engage the air winch by moving the control lever to the desired position for hoisting or lowering. Exercise control over the cable or rope’s movement to maintain a steady and safe pace.

Monitoring: Continuously monitor the operation, and be ready to stop or reverse the winch in case of any issues or emergencies. Keep an eye on the load to prevent overloading.

Shutting Down: When the task is complete, return the control lever to the stop position, allowing the winch to release tension on the cable. Disconnect the air supply and store the winch safely.

Maintenance: After use, inspect the winch for any wear, and carry out routine maintenance as recommended by the manufacturer. Lubricate moving parts as necessary to keep the winch in optimal working condition.

Adhering to these steps ensures the safe and effective use of an air winch, helping to complete tasks efficiently while minimising the risk of accidents or damage.