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Recovery winches can come in a variety of powered forms, including electric and hydraulic. However, electric recovery winches can only pull so far until the motor overheats and requires a cool-down period. Hydraulic winches obtain its pressure from a vehicles existing power steering pump so there is no need for an expensive pump.

The hydraulic system of these recovery winches allow users to operate them continuously with no intermittent use as would normally be required in electric winches. You will no longer have to worry about battery drain or the slowing down of your motor as the motor draws power. Some hydraulic recovery winches even have reversible mounting and are completely sealed so they can be used underwater.

Safety Precautions with Recovery Winches and Cables
In order to minimize the risk of recoil during a recovery operation, always ensure that winch cable is the weakest link in the recovery equipment chain. This means that the vehicle recovery point, the shackles, etc. should have breaking strengths that are higher than the winch cable or rope. There have been recorded incidents of projectile objects flying dangerously through windshields and injuring innocent bystanders so it is important to learn how to use recovery equipment, such as winches, correctly.

It always helps to know the breaking strength of all the components you are using in your recovery effort. If you are working with a shackle or a piece of rigging gear that is only stamped with the Working Load Limit (WLL), you can safely assume the breaking strength is four times that amount. Also, carefully inspect the attachment point on the vehicles themselves and never hook to a tow hitch or bumper that is not reinforced.