Tirfor Winch & Manual Wire Rope Hoist
Within our array of lifting equipment, we offer our customers the complete range of Tractel Tirfors ™, also known as cable pullers or manual wire rope hoists. Several years ago, Columbus McKinnon Corporation introduced their Yaletrac winch, which has been a popular alternative for our customers on a tighter budget and not requiring the disengaging free rope pulling wire rope feature that the Tractel Tirfor ™ offers as standard.
Suitable for use in numerous configurations, Tirfor and Yaletrac cable pullers are the ideal solution for use in a wide range of industries, including heavy engineering, construction, civil engineering, powerline construction, ship building, oil refineries and forestry, to name a few.
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Equipment should be serviced and certified within the manufacturer's guidelines and local legislation.
We offer the complete range of Tractel tirfor winches and which include the following models:
500 Series - 800 kg, 1600 kg and 3200 kg Swl - Galvanised steel bodied construction
TU Series – The original tirfor - Heavy duty construction with a tried and tested design - 800 kg, 1600 kg and 3200 kg Swl capacities available
Jockey Series - Lightweight for ease of handling or movement between rigging applications - safe working loads of 300 kg and 800 kg.
Tractel have brought to the market a range of sheaving blocks to be used in conjunction with your hoist to increase capacities for those heavier loads.
Yaletrac Winch
The Yaletrac winch is available with an aluminium or steel-bodied construction. The steel-bodied unit is predominantly designed for use in mining applications where a heavier-duty construction is required.
- Yaletrac - Aluminium bodied
- Yaletrac-ST - Steel Bodied Construction - 500kg, 1000 kg, 1600 kg and 3200 kg Swl
These lifting equipment machines offer our customers a versatile tool for lifting, pulling, tensioning and securing loads over great distances.
If you require further details on this product, do not hesitate to contact our experienced sales team:
T. +44 (0) 8450 171 126
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Tirfor winch?
A Tirfor winch (also known as a pull lift or hand rope winch) is a portable manual wire rope hoist that can lift, pull or tension heavy loads using a simple lever action and steel wire rope.
How does a Tirfor winch work?
Tirfor winches use a lever and pawl mechanism that grips the wire rope and moves it incrementally with each stroke of the lever. This allows controlled lifting or pulling without the need for power.
What are the advantages of a Tirfor winch?
Tirfor winches are robust, compact, easy to operate, and do not require power. They are excellent for remote sites, uneven terrain, or where a portable solution is needed.
What can a Tirfor winch be used for?
Tirfor winches are commonly used for:
- Pulling vehicles or heavy equipment
- Lifting heavy loads vertically
- Tensioning cables or fences
- Construction site positioning tasks
- Forestry and off‑road recovery
What load capacities do Tirfor winches come in?
Tirfor winches typically range from around 500 kg up to several tonnes (e.g., 3,200 kg) depending on model and rope size, making them suitable for a variety of lifting and pulling tasks.
How do Tirfor winches differ from electric or hydraulic winches?
Tirfor winches are manually operated, lightweight, and portable, whereas electric or hydraulic winches require power and are typically larger, faster, and used for more continuous or heavy industrial applications.
Are Tirfor winches easy to use?
Yes, Tirfor winches are designed for straightforward manual operation. Using the lever control, the operator can control movement precisely, but users should always follow safety guidelines.
What safety precautions should I take when using a Tirfor winch?
Always ensure the winch and wire rope are rated for the load, secure anchor points are used, keep clear of the rope line under tension, and never exceed the rated working load limit.
How do I maintain a Tirfor winch?
Regular inspection of the wire rope, pawls, gears and lever mechanism is recommended. Keep moving parts lubricated and replace any worn components to ensure safe operation.
Can Tirfor winches be used for vertical lifting?
Yes, many Tirfor winches are capable of vertical lifting, though safe rigging practices and appropriate anchoring are essential for vertical applications.