The Superwinch Tiger Shark 18000 series is a robust and powerful electric winch designed for heavy-duty recovery and pulling applications. This manual covers two models: the 1518200 Tiger Shark 18000 Winch, 24V, and the 1518201 Tiger Shark 18000SR Winch, 24V. The primary function of these winches is to provide reliable pulling power for vehicles and other objects in demanding situations, utilizing a 24V DC motor.
Technical Specifications:
Both models share key technical specifications that highlight their strength and performance:
- Motor: 7.5 HP, 24 Volt DC. This powerful motor ensures substantial pulling capability.
- Gear Ratio: 345:1. A high gear ratio allows the winch to generate significant torque for heavy loads.
- First Layer Rated Line Pull: 18,000 lbs. This indicates the maximum pulling force the winch can exert on the first layer of rope on the drum.
- Drum Length: 8.8 inches.
- Dimensions:
- Overall length: 24.31 inches
- Overall width: 9.45 inches
- Overall height: 11.43 inches
- Mounting bolt pattern: 10.00 inches by 4.50 inches (center to center)
- Drum diameter: 3.00 inches
- Drum flange diameter: 6.74 inches
- Motor housing diameter: 8.99 inches
- Gearbox housing diameter: 8.50 inches
The 1518200 model comes with a synthetic rope (1518200 only), while the 1518201 model (SR) is also equipped with a synthetic rope, indicating a focus on lighter weight and potentially safer operation compared to traditional wire rope.
Usage Features:
The Superwinch Tiger Shark 18000 series is designed for ease of use and safety in various recovery scenarios.
- Contents: The winch package includes essential components such as the winch itself, fairlead, hook, hand saver strap, wired remote, synthetic rope, ground cable, and various hex head bolts, split lock washers, flat washers, and hex nuts for installation. Anti-seize lubricant is recommended for all stainless steel fasteners to prevent thread damage and galling.
- Installation: The manual provides detailed instructions for installing the winch, including mounting the control box, connecting the motor and ground terminals, and securing the winch to the vehicle. It specifies torque values for M12 bolts (50-55 ft lbs) to ensure secure mounting.
- Remote Control: The winch is operated via a wired remote control, featuring "IN" and "OUT" buttons for precise control of the rope. The remote also includes a strap loop for storage. An important safety feature is the plug-in remote cable, which connects to the control box.
- Free Spool Operation: The winch allows for free spooling, which enables quick manual unwinding of the rope without using motor power. This is achieved by disengaging the clutch. The process involves pulling the opposite side of the drum, flipping the handle towards the front of the winch, and using the supplied hand saver.
- Clocking the Gearbox: The gearbox can be "clocked" or rotated to different positions to accommodate various mounting situations. This involves disconnecting the winch from the power supply, flipping the clutch handle, removing M6 bolts, and rotating the gearbox to the desired position.
- Rigging and Winching: The manual emphasizes the importance of proper rigging techniques, including using tree saver straps, snatch blocks, and shackles to distribute loads and increase pulling power. It highlights the need to always use a tree saver strap to protect trees and ensure safe anchor points.
- Safety Guidelines: The manual includes extensive safety warnings and instructions, such as reading the owner's manual, being aware of electric shock, fire, burn, hot surface, and moving parts hazards. It also advises against using a shackle or strap when attaching the hook to an anchor point and always wearing personal protection gear and heavy protective gloves. Never apply load to the hook tip or latch.
- Rope Management: Instructions are provided for attaching the hook to the rope, never touching the rope when in tension, and never using the winch as a hoist. It also warns against using a winch to secure a load in place or to lift or move people.
- Battery Connection: Clear instructions are given for connecting the red battery cable and black battery cable to the battery, ensuring proper polarity and secure connections to the vehicle's ground terminal.
Maintenance Features:
Proper maintenance is crucial for the longevity and safe operation of the Superwinch Tiger Shark 18000 series.
- Regular Inspections: The manual stresses the importance of regularly inspecting the winch for any damage, loose connections, or worn components. This includes checking the rope, hook, fairlead, and electrical connections.
- Lubrication: The use of anti-seize lubricant on stainless steel fasteners is specifically recommended during installation to prevent galling and ensure easy removal in the future.
- Troubleshooting Guide: A comprehensive troubleshooting guide is provided to help users identify and resolve common issues. This includes symptoms like the motor not operating, the winch running in one direction only, the winch not shutting off, the motor running extremely hot, motor running but with insufficient power, battery not holding a charge, battery to winch wire too long, poor battery connection, poor ground, motor runs but drum does not turn, and winch runs backwards. For each symptom, possible causes and corrective actions are listed, ranging from checking electrical connections and battery charge to replacing components like the solenoid, motor, or wiring.
- Preventative Measures: The manual advises against overloading the winch, ensuring the freespool is fully engaged before winching, always applying load to the throat (center) of the hook, and always ensuring the hook latch is closed and not supporting a load. It also recommends operating the winch with an unobstructed view of the winching operation.
- Rope Care: Instructions include always seating load in the throat of the hook, taking your time when rigging, and never allowing the rope/cable to chafe against sharp edges. For synthetic rope, it's important to avoid abrasion and ensure the rope is properly wound on the drum.
- Professional Repair: For more complex issues or if the user is unsure about a repair, the manual implies that professional assistance may be required, especially for issues like motor damage or internal component failures.
Overall, the Superwinch Tiger Shark 18000 series is presented as a powerful, reliable, and user-friendly winch system, with a strong emphasis on safety and proper operation to ensure effective and secure recovery in challenging environments.
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