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Frequently Asked Questions

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What precautions should I take when pulling heavy loads?

Place a heavy blanket, jacket, or winch dampener over the wire rope during heavy pulls. If the rope snaps, the cloth can help absorb energy and reduce dangerous backlash. Ensure the item is thick, secure, and placed midway along the taut rope. This simple step protects you and others nearby during tasks like vehicle recovery or heavy towing.

How can I provide a safe anchor point while winching?

Use a D-ring or bow shackle rated for your winch’s pulling capacity with a tree trunk protector or similar anchor strap. Select a sturdy anchor like a healthy tree or vehicle tow point. Wrap the protector around the anchor, attach the shackle, and connect the winch cable. Ensure all gear is rated for the load and check connections before winching. This prevents equipment failure or injury during tasks like vehicle recovery.

How can I double my winch pulling capacity?

You can double your winch’s pulling capacity by using a snatch block, which is a pulley system that redirects the winch cable. Here’s how it works: Attach the snatch block to the load or a secure anchor point, then run the winch cable through the pulley and back to a fixed point, like the tow hook on your vehicle. This setup effectively halves the load on the winch by distributing it across two cable lines, allowing it to pull twice as much weight.

How much pulling power do I need from my winch?

Choose a winch with a pulling capacity at least 1.5 times your vehicle’s gross weight to handle obstacles like mud, snow, sand, water, or steep hills. For example, a 6,000-pound vehicle needs a winch rated for at least 9,000 pounds. This ensures enough power for safe recovery in tough conditions without overloading the winch.

How do I secure a load with my winch?

Use ratchet straps or tie-downs to secure a load safely. Winches are not suitable for tying down loads, as constant movement or vibration can damage their gears. Choose high-quality ratchet straps rated for the load’s weight and attach them to secure anchor points on your vehicle or trailer. Check straps for wear and ensure they’re tight to prevent shifting during transport.

What maintenance is required on my winch?

Regular maintenance extends your winch’s life. Lubricate all grease points, tighten bolts, and inspect electrical connections, especially at the battery, for corrosion or loose fittings. Check the wire rope for wear, flat spots, or broken strands; replace if damaged. Refer to your winch manual for specific checks. Routine care prevents breakdowns and ensures safe operation during tasks like vehicle recovery.

How do I re-spool the wire rope onto my winch?

Always wear leather gloves when re-spooling wire rope to protect your hands. Never use bare hands, as the rope can cause cuts or burns. Keep a slight load on the rope to spool it evenly. Guide the rope with one gloved hand while using the remote control in the other to operate the winch. This ensures safe, tight spooling for effective winching.

What should I do about my vehicles wheels while winching?

Place wheel chocks or sturdy blocks under your vehicle’s wheels before winching. This prevents the vehicle from rolling forward or backward, keeping it stable and safe during the pull. Use solid materials like wood, rubber chocks, or stones, and position them snugly against the tires. This is especially important on slopes or loose terrain during tasks like vehicle recovery.

Can I increase the line speed of my worm gear winch?

Yes, but it reduces pulling power by about 50%. For electric winches, swapping gears can boost line speed up to 50%. For hydraulic winches, replacing the motor with one of different displacement can increase speed. Consult your winch manual or a professional for proper modifications to ensure safe operation and avoid damage during tasks like vehicle recovery.

Can I use a fuse to protect my winch and vehicle?

Yes, a fuse or circuit breaker is highly recommended to protect your winch and vehicle from electrical damage. A 400-amp circuit breaker is ideal, as it handles amperage spikes during winching and resets easily, unlike costly 400-amp fuses. Alternatively, a cut-off switch is a budget-friendly option to disconnect power during a short circuit, though it won’t prevent spikes. Always use properly rated devices for safety.

What is the weight limit of Pierce Hydarulic Hay Bale Spears?

PIERCE bale spears have a lifting capacity of 2,500 lbs. NOTE: Picking up bales wider than the rear opening of your truck bed may result in truck damage. Also, Lifting anything other than hay bales will void the warranty and most likely damage your system.

What is the difference between the Gooseneck Bale Spear (ABS1K) and the Bolt-in Bale Spear (ABS2K)?

The ABS1K hay spear installs directly over a gooseneck ball; in comparison, the ABS2K bolts into the truck bed so you can haul trailers while the spear is mounted. Both units come equipped with removable bale spears.

How long can I expect my PIERCE Hydraulic Bale Spear to last?

With proper maintenance, a 20-year life can reasonably be expected. We routinely see PIERCE bale spikes manufactured in the early 90s still working on ranches locally.

How long does the Hydraulic Bale Spear take to lift a bale typically?

With normal pressure and a standard bale you are looking at 15 to 20 seconds.

Where are PIERCE bale spikes made?

Our shop is located in Henrietta, Texas, United States, where we fabricate, weld, assemble, and service our bale spikes.

What maintenance is recommended for these Hydraulic Power Units?

Every 2-3 months, check electrical connections for corrosion and tightness from unit to battery. Check the fluid condition and level. Inspect the breather/filler cap as well for missing foam or dirt. Every year we recommend changing out your hydraulic fluid.

What fluid is recommended in this Hydraulic Power Unit?

We recommend ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) for almost every case. In very low temperatures (Below -20°F / -30°C) the ATF will thicken. In this cold weather, ensure the reservoir is filled to the recommended level and consider preheating the fluid or using a reservoir heater.

Can I use this hydraulic power unit to run my hydraulic winch?

Short answer: No. Long answer: Yes, but it will be a slow, sad, and disappointing experience. While the operating pressure is often correct, the 1.5 gpm (gallons per minute) vs the 15 gpm of a clutch or PTO pump is going to be a tenth of the performance you'd want at best.

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