Lug-All Pre and Post Checklist

9 Apr, 2024

1. Lug-All Pre-Operational Inspection

Link to TEN Video - https://youtu.be/lsJTnHc_0FU

Lug-All Come Along Ratchet Winch Hoists have always been designed and produced to high standards. High-quality materials and precision construction ensure that Lug-All winch hoists deliver consistent performance for many years. To protect the longevity of your Lug-All, it is important to perform routine inspections and maintenance.

Inspection Checklist (Download PDF below)
Before using a Lug-All winch hoist, you should perform a simple pre-operational inspection following these steps. If the hoist fails any of the inspection points, it should be removed from service. Damaged winch hoists can be sent to Lug-All for repair or repaired with replacement parts available from TEN.

• Inspect the hooks for deformation, cracks, and wear.
• Check the operation of the latches.
• Inspect the full length of the web strap for fraying, melting, chemical damage, abrasive wear, cuts on the face or edges of webbing, or any other damage.
• Check the ratchet teeth for gouges, burred edges, or any other physical damage.
• Check the entire winch hoist for bent or broken metal parts.
• Check the pawls for bends, cracks, or other damage.
• Check the integrity of the springs.
• Operate the u-frame and verify that the u-frame pawl contacts the main frame pawl spring correctly and does not miss the spring.
• Test operating functions, such as lowering, lifting, and free release.
• For web strap hoists, check the handle for a broken stress link. For wire rope hoists, check the handle for bending or deformation. A broken stress link or bent handle indicates the hoist has been overloaded.

2. Operation Inspection

The Lug-All winch hoist has three operation modes: tensioning, backing off, and free release. To test the tensioning function, rotate the reverse lever toward the drum to engage the u-frame pawl against the ratchet teeth. Operate the handle as required to apply the proper tension.

To test the backing of function, rotate the reverse lever away from the drum to move the u-frame pawl away from the ratchet teeth. Move the handle until the u-frame pawl engages the main frame pawl spring. Additional handle pressure in the same direction will release the main frame pawl. Ease off the handle and the load will lower one tooth at a time.

To test the free release function, rotate the reverse lever away from the drum to move the u-frame pawl away from the ratchet teeth. Press the trigger to hold the main frame pawl away from the ratchet teeth.

Maintenance
Some corrosion is normal for Lug-All winch hoists used in outdoor conditions. Shafts and other moveable parts can be lubricated with lightweight lubricants or penetrants, such as WD-40 or similar products. Keeping the hoist lubricated will allow it to work more easily and freely. Be careful not to spray lubricant on the strap of Lug-All web strap hoists, as it can compromise the dielectric properties and damage the strap material.

 By inspecting your Lug-All come along ratchet winch hoist regularly, you help protect your equipment from unexpected maintenance issues in the future. Lug-All winch hoists are manufactured to strict quality standards, but poor maintenance can cause even the best products to stop working properly. In extreme cases, lack of maintenance can cause equipment to fail entirely possible in the middle of a task. While Lug-All uses several safety features to help keep you safe, unexpected equipment failure can put your safety at risk. Keeping up with inspections and maintenance protects not just your equipment, but also yourself.

3. Hoist Maintenance

Lug-All come along ratchet winch hoists are designed to be long-lasting, hard-working tools that serve you for decades. In fact, many Lug-All winch hoists built 30, 40, and even 50 years ago are still being used today. One of the best ways to make sure your Lug-All winch hoists lasts as long as you need it is to perform basic maintenance regularly.

Inspection
The first step in preventive maintenance is regular equipment inspections. Before using a Lug-All winch hoist, you should perform a pre-operational inspection of the components and functions of your hoist. The open frame construction of Lug-All winch hoists makes it easy to visually inspect all of the components. Visual inspections include checking the hooks, the ratchet teeth and pawls, the webbing or wire rope line, and all other components. You can review our pre-operational inspection checklist for a complete list of inspection points. 

It's also important to inspect the hoist’s operation. Your Lug-All winch hoist should be able to pull the line in and let the line out smoothly. You can test this operation by applying tension to the line with one hand while operating the hoist normally in both tensioning and backing off modes. The line should also pay out smoothly when the free release trigger is pressed.

Maintenance
Lug-All winch hoists require minimal maintenance. The aluminium alloy frames resist corrosion, but some corrosion of movable parts is normal. To keep your hoist operating smoothly, these movable parts can be lubricated with lightweight lubricants or penetrants, such as WD-40 or similar products. 

Repair
One of the greatest benefits of Lug-All ratchet winch hoists is the ability to repair them when parts wear out or break. A complete catalogue of replacement parts is available at our online store. If you need to repair a Lug-All hoist, you can purchase replacement parts through the store and follow our instructional videos to see how to complete the repairs.

We also offer complete repair services through our Birdsboro, Pennsylvania, manufacturing facility. If you need repairs done for a Lug-All ratchet winch hoist, you can send it to us, and we’ll perform all the necessary repairs using the same tools and processes used to manufacture it in the first place.

With regular inspections, simple routine maintenance, and repairs when necessary, you can be sure your Lug-All come along ratchet winch hoists will keep working hard for you for many years. 

Caring for Your Web Strap Hoist
Lug-All Come Along Ratchet Winch Hoists are designed with an open construction, making it easy to clean after every use. Inspecting the hoist daily is quite simple and only takes seconds to complete. You can add years to the life of your hoist, and ensure the safety of your workers, by following these simple recommendations:

DO NOT’S

• Do not snag or pull the strap over a sharp edge
• Do not use an unsteady or curved pull to operate the Lug-All
• Do not allow the handle to “let go” when operating the Lug-All under load, as this can damage the U-frame.
• Web strap is made of synthetic fibres, which are subject to deterioration from various causes, including chemical elements, weather, dirt, grease, and exposure to sunlight. Conducting a daily inspection and cleaning can keep your web strap performing optimally for a long time and will help to keep your workers safe from harm. 

What to Look for During Your Daily Web Strap Inspection:

• Signs of melting, charring, or chemical damage
• Cuts, holes, or tears on the face or edge of webbing
• Signs of excessive abrasive wear
• Broken or worn threads in the stitch pattern
• Knots in the straps

Most of the damage described above can cause catastrophic failure of the web strap. Although not all the damage incurred will be obvious or extreme, it’s still important to remove the hoist from use. Additionally, the web strap should be tested periodically and replaced when the safety factor for its maximum possible load is considered insufficient.

Download the Hoist Inspection Checklist here

Contact TEN for further information on repairs and repair videos/blogs and spare parts.