By Bruce W. Smith Winch technology seems to move slower than a custom rock crawler idling along in double-under four-wheel low-range. In the last 25 years the biggest advances in winches are pretty much relegated to the introduction of planetary gears, automatic reverse braking, heat-sensing relays and remote-control. Aside from those items—and minor cosmetic packaging—the electric winch has remained pretty much the same from manufacturer to manufacturer as it has been for decades--an electric motor connected to a drum that reels in cable. No Warn Industries makes the biggest change yet—a winch/air-compressor combo. The Warn PowerPlant Dual Force winch integrates a high-volume, state-of-the-art air compressor mounted just above the cable drum and uses the electric winch motor to power the compressor head. This latest evolutionary step in winch technology takes the off-road adventurer’s most appreciated tool, the winch, and elevates it to a true multi-tool. “Warn is always working with the four-wheel-drive community to develop products to meet the needs of the enthusiast and tradesman,” says Tom Giacomini, President of Warn industries.” “The PowerPlant Dual Force was developed in conjunction with end users and a select group of Warn engineers. The result is an on-board, vehicle-mounted air compressor with a winch.. The PowerPlant meets a variety of needs.” PREMIUM AIR POWER There are several engineering aspects that make the Warn winch/air-compressor combo impressive. One is the mere accomplishment of integrating the air-compressor’s powerhead to work directly off the 9,500/12,000-pound 4.6-horspeower winch motor. Warn engineers handled this feat by making the compressor part of the
winch, and using a simple sliding ring This allows the user to select either air-compressor mode or winch mode and allows the winch motor to spin freely when working the air side. The water-proof compressor head itself is one of the biggest and most efficient on the market of this style. In one aspect it’s like comparing a Big-Block V-8 to a Small-Block with the Warn having the decided edge in pumping power. In one demonstration the PowerPlant air compressor system, which makes 5cfm at 90psi, brought a 5-gallon air tank from 0 psi to 100psi in just a shade over a minute while it took a Viair 500 almost four. The new Warn winch/compressor system will inflate a 35-inch tire in two minutes—or an inflatable raft in less than one. Both high- and low-pressure regulating switches are incorporated into the unit, too. Warn engineers say the PowerPlant air compressor can run for 30 minutes non-stop, say for use around a job site because a thermal sensor monitors and protects the winch motor. Another cool feature is the air compressor’s primary air tank doubles as an intercooler. The triangular-shaped, finned-aluminum tank, which sits directly above the cable drum, reduces the 300-degree air coming out of the compressor head down to 200 degrees, allowing the use of standard rubber air hoses. (Conventional on-board air compressors require use of special hose so the hot air doesn’t melt the hose.) The intercooler and air compressor are protected by a steel grillwork capable of supporting 300 pounds. “If you need to stand on top of the winch for whatever reason, it’s going to support your weight,” assure Scott Salmon, Warn product manager and a key player in the PowerPlant’s development. MULTI-TASKING WINCH SYSTEM Having a high-power on-board air-compressor built into the winch has plenty of advantages, including not requiring any additional wiring or finding a suitable mounting location. With one of these on the front of you pickup or SUV it’s easy to see how convenient the new system is and the multiple uses it can be tasked with off-road, on the job site, or at home. "Although not intended as a replacement for your jobsite compressor, the Warn PowerPlant provides an excellent secondary air system,” says Larry Walton, Oregon Carpenters, Inc., who was on hand when Warn demonstrated the new winch system “The Warn PowerPlant is ideal for small pickup jobs like using nailguns or air staplers, or where AC power is not available,” Walton added. “The built-in half -gallon tank and quick recovery time provide enough air for all but the most demanding jobsite tasks. Just pull your rig up to the work site, plug an air hose into the quick connect on the PowerPlant, and you’re good to go!” Off-road adventurers will find it appealing because the system has enough air power to run impact wrenches, grinders and drills right off the small tank. Run the quick-disconnect hose to the optional 2.5- or 5-gallon air tank and you have enough compressed air to handle much bigger tasks. VALUE PRICE The PowerPlant Dual Force winch systems come complete with air hose and fittings. All you have to do is connecting the winch power cables to the battery to have both a winch and on-board air system at the ready. It really is innovative. Warn says the air-compressor adds about $275 to the price of their premium 9,500- and 12,000-pound heavy duty winches. For now two PowerPlant Dual Force winches are available: the HP (9,500-pound pulling capacity) and HD (12,000-pound pulling capacity). Both weigh 100 pounds. The only differences between the two is the HD has a lower final gear reduction and slower line speed 16.2 fpm) and carries 80 feet of 3/8-inch wire rope where as the HP model pulls 125 feet of smaller-diameter, 5/16-inch cable at 26.9 fpm. You will find these new PowerPlant Dual Force winches available through 4Wheel Parts Wholesalers stores around the country as well as on the web site: www.4wheelparts.com; 877-474-4821.
|
ONE
FOR ALL
gear to engage/disengage the winch’s 3-stage planetary geartrain when a
lever is turned on the outside of the winch housing.