
Case Study- Customized 8 Ton Hydraulic Tugger Winch to New Caledonia
Our clients in New Caledonia faced a critical need to replace their old, malfunctioning towing winch on a cargo ship. Aicrane was entrusted with providing a tailored solution to meet their specific requirements. The new hydraulic tugger winch for New Caledonia was meticulously designed to seamlessly integrate with their existing hydraulic pump station, ensuring a smooth transition.


Client’s Requirement and Solution
The client emphasized the need for a new tugger winch without a hydraulic pump station, as their existing station was still in working order. Aicrane’s engineering team took this into careful consideration during the design phase, ensuring compatibility with the original foundation. Detailed drawings were provided, and modifications were made to the winch base to align with the client’s unique specifications.
8 Ton Hydraulic Towing Winch | Technical Parameter |
---|---|
Working load: | 8T-10.8m/min (3rd layer), 4T-21.6m/min (3rd layer) |
Drum capacity: | 40mm*400m (total 7 layers) |
Holding load: | 90T (3rd layer, static) |
Belt brake: | pneumatic + manual operated |
Jaw clutch: | manual operated |
Warping load: | 9.6T-5.8m/min, 4.8T-11.6m/min |
Anti-Corrosion Measures for Marine Environment
Recognizing the harsh marine conditions the winch would face, Aicrane prioritized anti-corrosion measures. The winch’s base was fortified with a specially designed, corrosion-resistant baseplate. This proactive approach not only enhances the winch’s durability but also extends its service life, ensuring reliable performance in the challenging maritime environment.



Factory-Tested Reliability
Before shipment, the tugger winch underwent rigorous testing at Aicrane’s factory. The video footage showcases the seamless rotation of the winch drum, demonstrating its capability to effortlessly lift heavy metal blocks. This video, along with other production footage, was shared with the client as part of our commitment to transparency and quality assurance.
Aicrane’s customized 8 ton hydraulic towing winch not only met but exceeded the client’s expectations. By providing a solution that seamlessly integrated with their existing infrastructure and addressed specific operational challenges, Aicrane ensured our clients in New Caledonia could continue their cargo ship operations with enhanced efficiency and reliability.
Applications of Hydraulic Tugger Winch
Hydraulic tugger winches find widespread application in various maritime operations. They are a kind of marine winch which offer reliable and efficient solutions for a range of tasks. Here are some key applications of hydraulic tugger winches in maritime operations:
- Handling Towlines in Towage Operations: In towage operations, tugboats often use towlines to tow or assist other vessels. Hydraulic tugger winches are employed to handle and control these towlines, allowing for precise adjustments in tension and direction during towing maneuvers.
- Cargo Handling and Lifting: Tugger winches play a vital role in handling cargo on ships. They are employed to hoist heavy loads such as equipment, machinery, and supplies onto the vessel or from the ship’s hold to the deck. This capability is particularly crucial in facilitating efficient loading and unloading processes.
- Launch and Recovery of Small Craft: In maritime operations, smaller boats, lifeboats, or auxiliary vessels are often carried on board larger ships. Hydraulic tugger winches are employed to safely launch these smaller craft into the water and recover them back onto the mother vessel when necessary.
- Offshore Operations: In offshore environments, hydraulic towing winches are utilized for various tasks such as subsea operations, rig positioning, and platform maintenance. These winches facilitate the deployment and retrieval of equipment, including remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), subsea structures, and pipelines. Their robust construction and powerful pulling capabilities ensure efficient and safe operations in challenging offshore conditions.
- Salvage and Towage: During emergency situations, such as vessel groundings or accidents, hydraulic tugger winches are instrumental in salvage operations. They provide the required pulling power to recover stranded or distressed vessels and aid in towing them to safety. They provide the necessary force to pull stranded vessels free from shallow waters or hazardous conditions, helping to prevent further damage and ensuring the safety of both the vessel and crew.
- Deck Operations: Onboard ships and vessels, hydraulic tugger winches assist in various deck operations, including loading and unloading cargo, handling equipment, and securing heavy objects. These winches ensure controlled and safe movement of loads on the ship’s deck, enhancing operational efficiency and minimizing risks.
- Floating Docks and Dry Docks: Hydraulic tugger winches are employed in floating docks and dry docks to assist in docking and undocking vessels. They aid in controlling the movement of ships, adjusting their position, and maintaining stability during the docking process. Tugger winches ensure precise maneuvering and alignment of vessels for efficient maintenance, repairs, or outfitting.







Hydraulic tugger winches offer reliable and powerful solutions in maritime operations, enabling safe and efficient handling and securing of vessels and equipment. Their robust capabilities in pulling, lifting, and controlling heavy loads make them essential equipment for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and functionality of vessels in various maritime settings.
Advantages of Hydraulic Tugger Winch
- High pulling power: Hydraulic systems can provide significant pulling power, allowing hydraulic tugger winches to handle heavy loads efficiently. They are capable of generating high torque, making them suitable for demanding applications from hauling equipment to moving heavy machinery or materials.
- Precise control: Hydraulic winches offer precise control over the operation. The speed and direction of the winch can be easily adjusted using hydraulic valves, allowing for smooth and accurate movements during pulling or lifting tasks. This level of control is particularly useful when working with delicate or sensitive loads.
- Constant pulling force: Hydraulic systems can maintain a consistent pulling force throughout the entire hoisting process. Unlike electric winches that may experience performance degradation as the load increases, hydraulic tugger winches provide constant power regardless of the load, ensuring reliable and efficient operation.
- Overload protection: Hydraulic winches often have built-in overload protection mechanisms. Many models incorporate safety features such as emergency stop buttons or switches, overload protection mechanisms, and fail-safe brakes. These safety features can prevent damage to the winch and equipment by automatically stopping or limiting the pulling force when it exceeds a certain threshold. This helps safeguard the hydraulic winch and prevents accidents or equipment failures.
- Durability and reliability: Hydraulic tugger winches are known for their robust construction and durability. They are often constructed from durable materials such as steel or aluminum to ensure longevity and resistance to corrosion. They are designed to withstand harsh operating conditions and can handle heavy-duty applications over an extended period.
- Versatility: Hydraulic tugger winches can be easily integrated into existing hydraulic systems, making them adaptable to different types of machinery and equipment. They can be equipped with various accessories and attachments to enhance their functionality. For example, they can be fitted with different types of drums or gypsies to accommodate different line sizes, enabling them to handle diverse load requirements.
Hydraulic tugger winches offer several advantages over other types of winches:




Overall, hydraulic tugger winches offer powerful and precise pulling capabilities, ensuring efficient and safe handling of heavy loads in a wide range of industries and applications.
Main Component of Hydraulic Tugger Winch
A hydraulic tugger winch is a powerful device used for towing or pulling heavy loads. Its main components include:
- Hydraulic Motor: This is the primary power source of the winch. It converts hydraulic energy into mechanical energy to drive the winch drum.
- Winch Drum: The drum is a cylindrical spool onto which the wire rope or cable is wound. It provides the necessary traction for pulling or lifting loads.
- Wire Rope or Cable: This is the load-bearing component that wraps around the winch drum. It provides the necessary strength and durability for heavy-duty pulling tasks.
- Brake System: The brake is a crucial safety feature that allows the winch to hold a load in place or control its descent. It ensures controlled operation and prevents runaway loads.
- Gearbox: The gearbox contains a set of gears that control the speed and torque of the winch. It allows for varying power outputs based on the requirements of the task.
- Control Valve: The control valve regulates the flow of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic motor. It enables the operator to control the speed and direction of the winch.
- Hydraulic Pump: The pump is responsible for generating the hydraulic pressure required to power the winch. It takes mechanical energy and converts it into hydraulic energy.
- Reservoir and Hydraulic Fluid: The reservoir stores the hydraulic fluid, which is essential for maintaining proper lubrication and cooling within the hydraulic system.
- Frame or Mounting Structure: This provides the framework for the winch, allowing it to be securely mounted on a vessel, vehicle, or other equipment.
- Control Panel or Remote: This component allows the operator to control the winch from a safe distance. It typically includes buttons or levers for functions like raising, lowering, and stopping the load.








These components work together seamlessly to provide the necessary power and control for efficient towing and lifting operations using a hydraulic towing winch.
Our Service
At Aicrane, we are committed to delivering high-quality solutions that ensure efficiency, safety, and productivity in various industries. Here’s an overview of our tugger winch service:
- Customized Solutions: We understand that each customer may have unique requirements for their tugger winch. Our experienced team of engineers can work closely with you to design and manufacture customized solutions that perfectly fit your specific needs. From lifting capacities to operational controls, we tailor the winch to optimize its performance for your application.
- Safety and Durability: Safety is our top priority. Our tugger winches undergo rigorous testing and adhere to the highest industry standards to ensure safe and reliable operation in our factory. They feature advanced safety features such as overload protection mechanisms, emergency stop functions, and durable materials to withstand harsh environments.
- Expert Installation and Maintenance: We not only provide top-quality tugger winches but also offer professional installation and maintenance services. Our skilled technicians will ensure proper installation and conduct regular maintenance to keep your winch in optimal condition. This helps maximize its lifespan, minimize downtime, and ensure continued performance.
- Dedicated Customer Support: We take pride in delivering excellent customer service. Our knowledgeable support team is available to assist you throughout the entire process, from initial inquiries to after-sales support. We are here to answer your questions, provide technical guidance, and address any concerns you may have promptly and professionally.



At Aicrane, we strive to be your trusted partner for all your tugger winch needs. With our high-performance winches, customized solutions, expert support, and commitment to safety, we are confident in delivering the best value and ensuring your satisfaction. Contact us today to discuss how our tugger winch services can benefit your business.