1. Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the safe and effective operation, installation, and maintenance of your BUNKER INDUST 6000lb Electric Winch. Designed for offroad UTV and ATV recovery, this winch features a 3.2 HP motor, 192:1 gear ratio, and a 6,000 lbs pull capacity. Please read this manual thoroughly before use to ensure proper function and safety.
Image 1.1: BUNKER INDUST 6000lb Electric Winch and included accessories.
2. Safety Information
Always prioritize safety when operating the winch. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious injury or damage to equipment.
- Read the Manual: Understand all operating procedures and safety warnings before using the winch.
- Wear Protective Gear: Always wear heavy-duty gloves and eye protection when operating the winch.
- Inspect Before Use: Before each use, inspect the winch, synthetic rope, hook, and all connections for damage or wear. Do not use if any components are damaged.
- Maintain Safe Distance: Keep hands, hair, clothing, and jewelry clear of the rope, fairlead, and drum during operation. Ensure bystanders are at a safe distance.
- Proper Anchoring: Always ensure the vehicle and anchor point are stable and capable of withstanding the pulling force.
- Do Not Overload: Do not exceed the rated capacity of the winch (6,000 lbs). Overloading can cause damage and lead to dangerous situations.
- Avoid Shock Loads: Do not use the winch to jerk or snatch loads. Apply tension smoothly.
- Layer Rope Evenly: Ensure the synthetic rope spools evenly onto the drum. Uneven spooling can damage the rope and winch.
- Battery Connection: Ensure all electrical connections are secure and properly insulated to prevent short circuits.
- Waterproof Rating: The winch boasts an IP67 waterproof rating, ensuring reliable performance in adverse weather. However, avoid submerging the control box or remote unnecessarily.
3. Package Contents
Verify that all items listed below are present in your package:
Image 3.1: All components included in the BUNKER INDUST 6000lb Electric Winch kit.
- 6,000lbs Electric Winch
- 50ft Synthetic Rope (pre-installed)
- Hawse Fairlead
- Mounting Plate
- Wireless Handheld Remote Controller
- Corded Control
- Cables (for power connection)
- Hook
- Hook Strap
- Clutch Caps (various colors)
- User Manual
- Winch Terminal Covers
4. Product Overview
Familiarize yourself with the main components of your electric winch:
Image 4.1: Labeled components of the BUNKER INDUST Electric Winch.
- Motor: The 3.2 HP motor provides the power for winching operations.
- Drum: The central cylinder around which the synthetic rope is wound. It features a steel-reinforced design to reduce rope wear.
- Synthetic Rope: A 50ft, 1/4" diameter rope with a 7,716 lbs (3,500kg) breaking strength, designed to resist fraying. It includes a temperature-resistant sleeve for added protection.
- Hawse Fairlead: Guides the rope onto the drum and reduces friction, made from aluminum for durability.
- Clutch: Engages or disengages the drum from the motor, allowing for free-spooling of the rope. Operated via a clutch knob.
- Control Box: Houses the electrical components for winch operation.
- Wireless Remote Controller: Allows for remote operation of the winch, featuring built-in LED lights and a magnetic base.
- Corded Control: Provides an alternative wired control option for the winch.
5. Specifications
Key technical specifications for the BUNKER INDUST 6000lb Electric Winch:
Image 5.1: Product dimensions of the winch.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | BI-WIN6000-ROPE-FRD |
| Pulling Capacity | 6,000 lbs |
| Motor | 3.2 HP |
| Gear Ratio | 192:1 |
| Gear System | 3-stage Planetary |
| Rope Type | Synthetic Rope |
| Rope Length | 50 ft |
| Rope Breaking Strength | 7,716 lbs (3,500kg) |
| Waterproof Rating | IP67 |
| Material | Aluminum (Fairlead) |
| Item Weight | 32.3 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 16.5 x 5.1 x 5.1 inches |
| Batteries Included | Yes (for remote) |
6. Setup and Installation
The winch is designed for bolt-on installation. Follow these general steps for mounting and wiring:
- Choose Mounting Location: Select a sturdy, flat surface on your ATV/UTV capable of supporting the winch's weight and pulling forces. Ensure it allows for proper rope alignment with the fairlead.
- Mounting Plate Installation: Secure the provided mounting plate to your vehicle using appropriate hardware (not always included, refer to vehicle manual).
- Winch Mounting: Position the winch onto the mounting plate, aligning the bolt holes. Secure the winch firmly with bolts, washers, and nuts.
- Fairlead Installation: Attach the hawse fairlead to the mounting plate or vehicle frame, ensuring it is centered with the winch drum.
- Electrical Wiring:
- Connect the winch motor's positive (+) and negative (-) terminals to the corresponding terminals on the control box.
- Connect the control box to your vehicle's 12V battery. Ensure the positive cable connects to the positive battery terminal and the negative cable connects to the negative battery terminal or a suitable ground point on the vehicle chassis.
- Use the provided terminal covers to insulate all connections.
- Route all cables away from hot or moving parts and secure them to prevent chafing or damage.
- Initial Rope Spooling: With the clutch disengaged (free-spool), pull out the entire length of the synthetic rope. Then, engage the clutch and, under a light load (e.g., pulling a small weight or having someone hold the rope), carefully spool the rope back onto the drum in even layers. This helps to properly seat the rope.
7. Operating Instructions
Follow these steps for safe and effective winch operation:
Image 7.1: Wireless remote controller with built-in LED lights.
- Preparation:
- Ensure the vehicle is securely braked and stable.
- Identify a suitable anchor point (tree, rock, another vehicle) that can withstand the pulling force.
- Disengage the clutch by rotating the clutch knob to the 'Free Spool' position.
- Pull out enough synthetic rope to reach the anchor point. Always leave at least 5 wraps of rope on the drum to prevent damage.
- Attach the hook securely to the anchor point, using a tree saver strap or shackle if necessary.
- Engage the clutch by rotating the clutch knob to the 'Engaged' position.
- Winching Operation:
- Connect either the wireless remote or the corded control to the winch system.
- Stand clear of the rope and maintain a safe distance.
- Press the 'IN' button on the remote/control to begin winching. The rope will retract, pulling the load.
- Press the 'OUT' button to release rope if needed.
- Monitor the rope spooling onto the drum. If it begins to pile up unevenly, stop winching, release tension, and manually guide the rope to spool evenly.
- The remote controller features built-in LED lights for night-time visibility and a magnetic base for convenient placement.
- After Winching:
- Once the recovery is complete, release tension on the rope.
- Disconnect the hook from the anchor point.
- Carefully spool the rope back onto the drum under light tension, ensuring it is neatly and tightly wound.
- Disconnect the remote/control and store it safely.
8. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and reliable performance of your winch.
- Rope Inspection: Regularly inspect the synthetic rope for cuts, abrasions, fraying, or excessive wear. Replace the rope if any significant damage is found.
- Cleanliness: Keep the winch, rope, and fairlead clean from dirt, mud, and debris. Rinse with fresh water after use, especially in corrosive environments, and allow to dry completely.
- Electrical Connections: Periodically check all electrical connections for corrosion or looseness. Clean and tighten as necessary.
- Lubrication: Consult a qualified technician for internal lubrication of gears and motor if required. Do not attempt to disassemble the winch unless you are trained to do so.
- Storage: Store the winch in a dry, protected environment when not in use. Ensure the rope is clean and properly spooled.
9. Troubleshooting
Refer to this section for common issues and their potential solutions.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Winch does not operate. | No power to winch; Loose electrical connections; Dead battery; Faulty remote/control. | Check battery connections and voltage; Ensure all cables are securely connected; Recharge/replace battery; Test with corded control if using wireless remote, or vice versa. |
| Winch operates slowly or with reduced power. | Low battery voltage; Overload; Motor overheating. | Check battery voltage and charge; Reduce load; Allow motor to cool down before resuming operation. |
| Rope spools unevenly. | Lack of tension during spooling; Obstruction. | Always spool rope under light tension; Ensure fairlead is clear of debris; Manually guide rope if necessary. |
| Clutch will not engage/disengage. | Debris in clutch mechanism; Rope under tension. | Ensure no tension on the rope when operating clutch; Clean around clutch mechanism. If issue persists, contact support. |
10. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or contact BUNKER INDUST directly through their official website or the seller's platform where the product was purchased. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
For technical support or assistance with parts, please contact BUNKER INDUST customer service. Contact details can typically be found on the product packaging, the manufacturer's website, or through your purchase history on the retail platform.
