Which Winch is Which?

The cargo control winch on a flatbed trailer makes up the heart of the tie-down assembly’s strength. The combination of the winch, the durability of the winch straps, and the leverage of the winch bars deliver the ultimate force for securing cargo.

Since there is more than one set of cargo securement requirements, there are more than a few types of winches available. Need to determine which choose one winch over the other, and which winch works best for each of your cargo-securement jobs? For those answers, let’s examine the different styles of tie-down winches available from Kinedyne, nearly a dozen in all.

C-Channel Sliding Winch

These are used in tandem with C-Channel Winch Track and are designed to move easily along the track to provide a variety of anchoring positions. Versatility is the watchword for Kinedyne C channel sliding winches. Rather than remaining in a fixed, stationary position, these winches can be placed anywhere along the winch track. Therefore, they continuously provide strong security as they lock firmly into place once tension is applied to the winch strap. The key benefit of these winches is gaining both flexibility and strength. Kinedyne’s C channel winches include standard and storable profiles with and without small disks, along with a 3-bar winch. These winches must be used with aluminum winch track.

Double L Sliding Winch

These are used in combination with Double L Winch Track and are designed to move easily along the track to provide a multitude of anchoring positions. These industrial-strength, heavy-duty winches are more versatile than weld-on winches. Double L winches are engineered to provide optimal tensioning anywhere along Kinedyne winch track, offering the freedom to choose exactly where you want a tie-down point to be. This kind of flexibility can improve the efficiency of completing tie-down jobs. The double L sliding tie-down winch must be used with Kinedyne aluminum winch track. It’s available in a variety of different styles, including storable, low-profile, or 3-bar, with galvanized or silver powder coated finish.

3 Bar Winch

These are designed for smooth strap insertion and to ease the removal of snow and ice buildup. These highly durable webbing winches have a winch reel with three bars that allow for easier strap insertion, even if the strap ends are frayed. Ice that has built up over the slot is also not a problem with this design, making the tie-down job a lot easier in the cold. Several different versions of 3-bar winches are available, including the 3 bar low-profile weld-on winch; 3-bar standard profile weld-on winch; 3-bar C track sliding winch, and 3-bar double L sliding winch. Any of these winches will ensure easy and quick strap insertion.

Combination Winch

Whether you are faced with securing rough cargo with abrasive surfaces and sharp ends or you must be able to apply heavy-duty strength to hold everything down, the solution may be Kinedyne industrial-strength combination winches. These double-duty winches are designed to be used with either wire cable or winch straps, so there is no need to use two different winches to get the job done. If it’s a rough job, use our durable wire cable, and if it’s a tough job, use our strong winch straps. Kinedyne’s collection of combination winches includes the combination double L sliding winch that effortlessly glides along the track; the combination low-profile weld-on winch that is ideal for low-space and side mount applications. Our combination standard profile weld-on winch handles nearly any kind of heavy-duty tie-down job quickly and accurately.

Bolt-On Winch

Bolt-on winches provide a nearly permanent solution for nearly any kind of tie-down job that requires strength and durability. Easy to install, easy to access, and easy to operate, you’ll be able to get your cargo secured efficiently with little effort with these winches as they are bolted either to the side or bottom rail of a trailer. Kinedyne offers two types of bolt-on winches: the side mount winch that installs on the side rails of your vehicle, and the bottom mount winch that installs on the bottom flange of the vehicle’s side rail. Which bolt-on tie-down winch you choose will depend on trailer design and specification.

Weld-On Winch

These are designed to be permanently mounted in a fixed position on a trailer. Built for strength and durability, weld-on winches are designed to provide ideal tension with little effort, making them a reliable method to tie down cargo. They can be easily welded onto nearly any spot along your vehicle’s structure. Once installed, combine them with any winch straps and winch bars to assemble the ultimate tie-down winch method for your cargo. Kinedyne offers a wide range of weld-on winches, suitable for nearly any application. These include low-profile, storable, and 3-bar versions to fit more jobs. Note that when working with weld-on winches with a galvanized finished, be aware that welding galvanized material will produce toxic fumes; ensure that welding is done with adequate ventilation.

All Kinedyne winches are manufactured from heat-treated carbon steel and are available with a black or silver powder finish; a corrosion-resistant zinc-plated finish; a rust-resistant galvanized finish, or no-paint finish, all of which enhance durability to lengthen winch life. Kinedyne winches are also engineered to function in all types of weather, providing a tight and secure grip over your cargo no matter the weather.