10 Different Types of Winches in 2025

Winches are mechanical devices that are used for moving or lifting heavy objects. Its operation is comparable to that of a pulley system.

Winches are handy, especially when your heavy vehicle gets trapped in mud, sand or water.

People nowadays employ winches for a variety of purposes.

Investing in a winch is well worth the time, effort and money if you do the heavy lifting, off-loading, or employment that involves regular movement or lifting big goods.

Winches come in different types, and it’s a prerequisite you know most of the different types of winches in the market to choose the most suitable one for you.

The 10 Types of Winches

1. Electric Winch

An electric winch uses an electric motor and requires a power supply. The vehicle’s battery to which it is coupled and another battery that can run independently of the car battery power electrical winches.

It is a good alternative for you if you don’t have to work for lengthy periods and don’t have to lift big stuff.

These types of winches are small and simple to operate. Some electric winches come with a remote-control device to help with the winching procedure.

You can utilize this winch even if the engine is dead.

However, the motors can be damaged if this winch is submerged in water. But there’s the option of using waterproof electric winches. An electric winch is typically found on trucks, jeeps, ATVs, and UTVs.

2. Hydraulic Winch

A hydraulic winch is powered by a hydraulic motor and is connected to the vehicle’s engine via a hydraulic pump.

These winches have much power and can work whenever the engine runs, just like mechanical winches. 

This type of winch has the unique benefit of operating even when it is entirely submerged in water. Hydraulic winches have a longer lifespan and are less prone to overheating.

The disadvantage of hydraulic systems is that they cannot operate without engines.

3. Hand-Operated winch

Hand winches, also known as mechanical hand-operated winches, are manual and suitable for lighter-weight applications.

A handle is a lever arm, while the barrel axis is a fulcrum. Hand winches are often employed in the arbor business for work in damp circumstances and with no power outlets, like in woodland areas.

However, you should avoid using wooden winches on heavy objects.

4. Mechanical Drum Winch

Anchoring winches that maintain the rope on the drum are known as drum winches. The engine provides the power for these winch types.

Through the use of a turning shaft, the gears in the gearbox send energy to the winch. These winches have more pulling power than electrical winches and can work whether the equipment is engaged or not when the engine is running.

The term comes from the winch assembly’s form, which has the rope coiled around a spool-like holder.

The advantages of this type of winch include a quick load drop and retrieval. They’re simple to set up and may be used with nearly any rope or chain.

Mechanical drum-style winches are also helpful for anchoring purposes.

They are most commonly found on ships. Portable mechanical winches are self-contained and operate independently of the vehicle to which it is connected. You can use this winch in almost any place.

5. Lever winch

Lever winches differ from spool winches because they have self-gripping jaws rather than spools. They use self-gripping jaws to transport wire rope or cable through the winch.

The power behind lever winches comes from moving the handle back and forth. As a result, they enable a single person to carry several tons of materials.

6. Wake-skate winch

Water sports enthusiasts frequently employ wake-stake winches. A wake-skate winch consists of a spool, an engine, rope, handles, a frame, and other simple transmissions.

Using this winch, a person can swim or walk away. It can pull a person at speeds ranging from 15 to 25 miles per hour.

The winch can be mounted on the vehicle’s rear, staked into the ground, or tied to a tree. In cities, wake-skate winches are primarily utilized by snowboarders and skiers.

7. Snubbing Winch

It is a vertical spool winch with a ratchet mechanism, similar to a regular winch. However, it does not have a crank handle or any other drive form. Instead, the line is reeled and tightened with a tail line.

As a result, the winch takes the load with little tension after it’s entirely pulled in.

Regulated pressure relief is also included with the snubbing winch. A ratcheted spool is used to manage stress. It also aids in the reduction of tension.

This winch is commonly used to control sheets and other lines on dinghies and small sailing boats.

8. Air Winch

An air winch is an air hoist. It’s a winch powered by compressed air. Air-powered winches are more environmentally friendly and robust than other winches.

They are commonly used for the lifting and suspension of materials. Many winch businesses widely recommend air-powered winches because of their longevity, safety, and versatility.

Companies that work in development or large-scale construction rely significantly on air winches.

9. Hybrid Winch

Spare parts are used to construct hybrid winches. You can construct one by connecting your old winch to your car, and then drive it using a hydraulic pump and engine.

This style of winch is inexpensive, powerful, and effective. It’s like a self-made winch.

10. Glider Winch

A glider or plane is launched using a glider winch. This winch is usually attached to a big truck or a trailer. It is less expensive than aero towing and is widely utilized among European gliding clubs.

LPG, diesel, or petroleum are used to power glider winches. Glider winches with hydraulic or electric engines are also available but are not extensively used.

This winch can pull a wire cable attached to the glider between 1000 and 1600 meters long. After a challenging climb, you can release the line at 1,300 to 2,200 feet.

Final words

Different types of winches have their distinct capabilities, but they all have similar goals. You should know that not all winches can multitask.

Mechanical ones only work with vehicles and engines because they only work on turning gears and shafts.

Still, there are several available winches that are pretty versatile and work well with different applications. So, it is best you have this information to make the right choice.