When going through the process of selecting an Ingersoll Rand Air Winch, it is important to understand the two different drum brake options. In doing this, you will be able to make a more informed and accurate decision based on which Air Winch drum brake option works best for you and your business.

The first Air Winch drum brake option is called a manual drum brake. The manual drum brake works by applying a friction force between the brake bands and the drum brake surface. A brake handle engages the brake. The brake has a broad range of adjustment to balance normal use, and the non- asbestos brake linings are attached by either riveting or through a proprietary bonding process. The manual drum brake is rated to hold 125% of the winch’s rated capacity, and is adjusted and tested at the factory before it is shipped.

For the Air Winch drum brake model FA10i, a wheel is supplied (rather than a lever) in order to activate the manual drum brake. As the wheel is turned clockwise, it causes the bands to tighten against the drum’s brake surface. Because of this feature, the FA10i manual drum brake model is best used for your horizontal pulling needs, NOT for lifting. This is because the wheel-operated system is not as immediate as the lever-operated system. Automatic drum and/or disc brakes are available for FA10i models being used for your lifting applications.

When operating an Air Winch with a manual band brake, the owner or user is required to operate both the winch control and band brake control simultaneously during operations. It is recommended that operators practice operation of brake and winch control with lighter loads until they are capable of operating the machine with both functions.

When lowering loads at very slow speeds, monitor the temperature of the brake bands and or brake housing. A large load/ low speed combination may result in automatic brakes dragging, which could cause heat build up. Indications that there is excessive heat buildup include: housing surface temperatures exceeding 120 degrees C, paint blisters or scorching, or the smell of hot oil or burning paint. If a hot brake is identified, stop all operations. Continual operation of an Air Winch with a dragging brake will cause heat buildup, and may be a source of ignition in potentially explosive atmospheres.