2953AT

12 VOLT ELECTRIC WINCH OWNER’S MANUAL

 Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

SAVE THIS MANUAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 WIRING INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
INCLUDED ACCESSORIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 USING THE HAND CRANK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
PRODUCT FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
PULLING CAPACITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing a Master Lock® electric winch. We hope operation of your winch, it is extremely important that you read and
you will be pleased with the performance and reliability of your understand this Owner’s Manual prior to installing and operating
winch. Your winch was designed for non-industrial use. All other this winch. Make sure that anyone else who operates your winch
applications may void warranty. also reads and understands this manual.
As with any power tool, there is a potential for personal injury if
your winch is improperly installed or operated. To ensure safe

Save This Manual

You will need this manual for future reference. It is recommended that you keep your invoice for this winch inside the front
cover of this manual and keep both in a safe, clean and dry place for future reference.
Replacement parts and accessories are not available for your winch. Should this product not function or be missing any parts,
do not use it and return it to place of purchase. Always have a qualified technician perform all repairs on your winch, never
attempt to repair your winch yourself.

Performance Specifications

Capacity: 6000 lb. Rolling, 5000 lb. Marine, 2000 lb. Pulling Net Weight: 27 lbs.
Capacity
Max Boat Size: 18 ft.
Max Boat Weight 5000 lbs.
Line Speed: 6 Feet/Minute with Load
Duty Cycle:
Power Supply: 12 Volts
Fully Loaded @ 2000 lbs., 6 to 8 minutes operation. Allow 5
minutes to cool before resuming use. Stall Load: 2100 lbs.

Light Load @ 150 lbs., 6 to 8 minutes operation. Allow 1 minute Current Draw:
to cool before resuming use. @150 lbs.: 4 to 6 amps
Cable Length: 30 ft. (29 ft. working length) @2000 lbs.: 20 amps
Power Cord: 20' Remote Control Cord: 9'9" long
Mounting Plate: 8-3/4" x 4-15/16" x 5/32" Overall Dimensions: 9-1/2" x 7-1/2" x 10"

1
 Included Accessories

1. Power cord, fitted with water sealed plug for safe operation. 4. Mounting plate for trailer hitch.
2. Remote control with water sealed plug, for safe operation. 5. Hand crank and adjustable clutch.
3. 30' steel cable with attached hook.

20' Power Cord

Hand Crank Included

Remote Control

Mounting Plate
30' Steel Cable

Product Features

1. Convenient, portable power for pulling boats, stuck vehicles and 3. 12 volt powered for convenient use without extension cords or
other heavy items. small gas engines.
2. Powerful 2,000 lb. pulling power. 4. Portable, with built-in carrying handle and quick-attach
mounting plate.

Pulling Capacity

Your winch has a capacity of 2,000 lbs. Applying this measurement Maximum (Rolling) Weight Capacities on an Incline
to practical applications, you can use this winch to move the
following:
1. Move a load from a dead stop of up to 2,000 lbs. on level
ground.
2. Move a water bourne craft of up to 5,000 lbs.
3. Maintain movement of a wheeled vehicle of up to 6,000 lbs.
Pulling capacity is reduced as incline increases. For example,
rolling capacity is reduced from 6,000 lbs. on flat ground to
1,100 lbs. on a 45° incline. Please refer to the following chart for
Degree of Incline
estimated pulling capacity (rolling weight) on various inclines.

2
 General Safety Information

WARNING: FAILURE TO READ AND FOLLOW THE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS

OWNER’S MANUAL BEFORE INSTALLING OR USING YOUR ELECTRIC WINCH COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE
TO YOUR WINCH AND SERIOUS OR FATAL INJURY!!
WARNING: Never operate your winch when under the influence WARNING: Never apply a load to your winch with the cable fully
of drugs, alcohol or medication. extended. Keep at least three turns of cable on the winch drum.
WARNING: Never use your winch to lift or move human beings. The usable cable length is approximately 29 feet.
Do not use for scaffolding, elevators, or any other application in WARNING: Always keep the winching area free of all bystanders
which human beings could be positioned on or under the load at and clutter. Never stand between the load being pulled and your
any time. winch.
WARNING: Never use your winch in any vertical lifting or WARNING: Your 12 volt D.C. winch operates from a low voltage
lowering application. Your winch should not be used as an D.C. power source (e.g., a car or truck battery). Never connect
overhead hoist, or to suspend a load. your winch to a 120 volt A.C. power source.
WARNING: Your winch is a power tool that is capable of creating WARNING: Remove all jewelry, loose clothing, or anything that
high forces that can pose significant safety hazards. Never allow may get caught in the motor’s moving parts prior to connecting
children or anyone who is not familiar with this Owner’s Manual wiring to the battery.
to operate your winch. WARNING: Never use your winch to support a load when
WARNING: Your winch must be securely attached to a structural winching operation has been completed. Always secure the load
member or frame of a vehicle that is capable of sustaining loads properly, using tie down straps or chains.
in excess of the winch capacity. When attaching the winch to a WARNING: The hand crank provided with your winch is for
vehicle, make sure the mounting area is rigidly supported by the emergency use only (i.e., in case of a power failure). Never use
vehicle frame. the hand crank to assist your winch when it is running. Always
WARNING: Never modify or alter any part of your winch. remove the hand crank when your winch is not in use. Do not
Modifications and alterations may weaken the structural integrity operate your winch or allow the winch drum to free wheel with
of your winch and lead to failure of your winch. Modification or the hand crank installed.
alteration of your winch may also void your warranty, cause WARNING: Always wear safety glasses and heavy gloves when
winch damage, or serious personal injury. operating your winch. Keep hands and fingers clear of the winch
WARNING: Never install your winch with substituted hardware or drum and cable area during operation. Do not attempt to guide
components that are different from those supplied with your the cable by hand as it spools in or out or rewinds on the winch
winch. Substitutions of inferior equipment and/or hardware may drum.
void your warranty, or cause winch damage or serious personal WARNING: When releasing a load with the clutch, maintain
injury. control of the speed. Excess speed could result in winch damage
WARNING: Never exceed the maximum rated winch pulling and serious personal injury.
capacity of 2000 lbs. If overloaded, your winch has enough WARNING: Pull only on areas of the vehicle as specified by the
power to potentially snap loose or break the winch cable, vehicle manufacturer.
creating serious safety hazards. Avoid shock loads created by
WARNING: Only attachments and/or adapters supplied by the
turning your winch on and off intermittently to take up cable
manufacturer shall be used.
slack. Shock loads can momentarily far exceed the winch and
cable ratings.
WARNING: Your winch is equipped with a high-quality cable
capable of handling a load of 2000 lbs. Do not use vehicle pulling
power to increase the pulling capacity of your winch. When a
cable snaps loose or breaks under tension, the cable tends to
whip toward the winch area. It is recommended that a blanket or
rug be placed over the cable during winching operations to
minimize whipping action in case the cable slips or breaks.

3
 Mounting Instructions
Your winch is designed to be mounted permanently or temporarily. No Hardware Included.
Permanent Mounting 3. Attach the winch to the desired location using four bolts, nuts,
washers, and lock washers. Be sure that the winch is positioned
1. Select a mounting
so that the cable does not rub the front opening of the winch or
site on the bumper
across sharp edges, corners, or moving parts of the vehicle or
of your vehicle,
any other object.
truck bed, boat
trailer winch stand 4. If you are installing your winch on a boat trailer, the winch should
or other suitable be attached on the winch stand at the same height or slightly
location. Never higher than the trailer-bow stop and the bow of the boat when
install your winch the boat is fully loaded on the trailer. Be sure that the trailer-bow
in a location that stop is located far enough back so that the cable hook is not
obscures its drawn into the winch drum when the boat is fully loaded on the
warning and trailer.
instruction labels. Your winch can generate 2,000 lbs. of pulling
Temporary Mounting
force so be sure that the mounting site selected can withstand a
load well in excess of the 2000 lb. pulling force. 1. Index the heads of
WARNING: You may need to use steel reinforcement plates, or the plate stud bolts
weld on additional bracing on your vehicle, depending on the into the keyhole slots
mounting site you select. Do not mount the winch where there on the back of the
would be the possibility of it being submerged in water. The winch.
winch is weather resistant but not water proof. 2. Attach the winch
2. Align the winch with the adapter mounting plate attached in adapter mounting
desired location, and mark for drilling the locations of the four plate assembly to
holes on the mounting plate of the winch. your trailer hitch, by
inserting the trailer hitch ball through the shaped hole in the
WARNING: Prior to drilling, always verify that the marked
adapter mounting plate. Never install your winch in a way that
locations for drilling are clear of fuel lines, fuel tank, brake lines,
obscures its warning and instruction labels.
electrical wires, etc. Drill the four marked locations on your
vehicle.

Wiring Instructions
Your winch is designed to be wired temporarily.
Temporary Wiring
1. Plan a route for the wiring from the point of the vehicle where the winch is mounted. Route the wiring from the winch to the battery,
being careful to avoid contacting hot or sharp surfaces that may damage the wiring, tangle it in moving equipment, or cause a tripping
hazard.
2. Attach the black clamp to the frame of your vehicle, making sure to establish a clean and tight ground connection. Attach the red clamp
to the positive (+/red) terminal of your battery.
WARNING: Always wear eye protection when working around a battery. Do not lean over the battery while making connections. Remove
all jewelry, loose clothing, or anything that may get caught in the motor’s moving parts prior to connecting wiring to the battery.
WARNING: Be sure you are using a 12 volt automotive battery or equivalent, in good condition.
3. Open the plastic door, and plug the cord socket of the wiring into the wiring plug on the right side of the winch body.
WARNING: Always disconnect the remote control when your winch is not in use. Store the remote control unit and cord in your vehicle’s
truck or a similar dry and safe place when it is not in use. This prevents tampering, misuse, or damage to the remote control unit and
cord.

4
 Operating Instructions

The following operating instructions are intended to provide you with a basic understanding of your electric winch and to teach you the
basics of proper winching techniques. Users must understand that every winching situation has the potential for personal injury. In order to
minimize the risk to you and others in the area, it is important for you to read and understand this Owner’s Manual, familiarize yourself with
the operation of your winch prior to having to use it, carefully analyze each particular situation you are putting the winch to use, and
constantly be aware of the importance of safety.
Getting to Know the Components of Your Winch
¶ Motor

» Remote Control
º Clutch Knob

· Winch Drum
¸ Winch Cable

¹ Winch Hook
Your winch contains the following component parts:
¶ Motor: The winch motor is powered by your vehicle’s 12 volt D.C. battery. The winch motor provides power to the gear mechanism
which turns the winch drum and spools the winch cable in or out of the winch.
· Winch Drum: The winch drum is the cylinder onto which the winch cable is stored when the drum spools the cable in or out of the
winch. The winch drum is driven by the winch motor and gear drive train.
¸ Winch Cable: The winch cable is the metal cable that is wrapped around the winch drum. The winch hook is permanently attached to
the end of the winch cable.
¹ Winch Hook: The winch hook is used to attach the winch cable to the load to be pulled. The hook should be attached onto the load using
a pulling point, tow strap, or chain. Never wrap the winch cable around the object to be pulled and hook the winch hook onto the winch
cable itself.
º Clutch Knob: The clutch knob allows you to manually disengage the winch drum from the motor and gear mechanism, enabling the
winch drum to rotate freely (known as “free spooling”). Engaging the clutch, “locks” the winch drum back onto the motor and gear
mechanism.
» Remote Control: The remote control enables you to operate the winch drum while standing clear of the winching process. Specifically, it
allows you to start, stop, and change the direction of the rotation of the winch drum.

5
 Using Your Winch

1. Put on heavy gloves and safety glasses. Take your time, analyze 5. Pull the winch cable to the object to be pulled or moved. Be sure
your situation, and plan your pull carefully. to keep tension on the winch cable to prevent it from becoming
WARNING: Never operate or install a winch without reading and twisted or over-wrapped when slackened and potentially
understanding the operation manual. Practice using your winch damaged.
before having to use it in a real situation. A real situation is no WARNING: Always maintain at least three turns of the winch
time to be learning how to use your winch. cable on the winch drum to prevent the cable from pulling off the
WARNING: Always inspect winch installation and winch cable drum under load.
condition before performing a winching operation. Never operate WARNING: Never attach cable, rope, chains or other objects to
your winch if it is loose or damaged or when the winch cable is the winch hook to increase the length of a pull.
frayed, kinked, or damaged.
6. Hook the winch hook onto the object using a pulling point, tow
WARNING: Always remove jewelry, loose clothing, or anything strap, or chain. It is best to hook the winch hook on the object to
else that may get entangled in moving parts of winch. be winched as low as possible. It is also important to align the
WARNING: Always wear heavy gloves and keep hands clear of vehicle and winch in a straight line with the object to be pulled.
winch cable, winch hook, and winch drum during winching This allows the winch cable to wind tightly and evenly onto the
operation. winch drum when it is pulled into the winch. Neat, tight spooling
avoids cable binding. Never pull a load at extreme angles.
2. Be sure that all unnecessary bystanders and clutter do not
remain in the area during winching operations. WARNING: Never wrap the cable around the object and hook the
winch hook onto the cable itself. This can cause damage to the
3. Put your vehicle in neutral (never leave your vehicle in park or in object being pulled and kink, fray, or otherwise damage the
gear as this may damage it’s transmission) apply your vehicle’s winch cable.
emergency brake and block the wheels from rolling using wheel
WARNING: If the winch cable becomes bound on the winch drum
chocks. Leave your vehicle’s engine running on to ensure that it’s
(i.e., pinched between successive turns of the cable),
battery is not run down.
alternatively power the winch cable in and out a few inches.
4. To pull out the winch Never use your hands to attempt to free a bound cable under
cable, turn the clutch load.
knob counterclock-
7. When ready to begin winching, connect the remote control unit
wise. This will
and cable into the left side of the winch body with the clutch
disengage the winch
knob disengaged. Be careful not to let the remote control cable
clutch and allow the
dangle in front of the winch or create a trip hazard.
winch drum to free
wheel. Pull out the WARNING: Always keep remote control cord clear of the winch
amount of cable as drum, winch cable, and winch hook.
needed from the
freespooling winch

¶
drum using a winch hook strap or hand saver bar. Always leave
at least three turns of the cable on the winch drum to prevent the

¸
cable from pulling out of the winch.
WARNING: Always make sure that the clutch is fully disengaged.
WARNING: Winch clutch should be disengaged when the winch
motor is off. Never leave winch clutch engaged when winch is
not in use. Never engage or disengage the winch clutch if the
winch motor is on, winch is under load, or winch cable is under
tension.
·
WARNING: Never have remote control plugged into winch while
free spooling, attaching winch cable to object to be winched, or
sitting idle.

6
 Using Your Winch (continued)

8. Re-tighten the clutch knob by rotating it clockwise when winch is WARNING: Avoid shock loading the winch cable by using the
not operating. This will engage the winch and lock the winch remote control switch intermittently to take up cable slack. Shock
drum. loads can momentarily far exceed the winch and winch cable
WARNING: Always make sure clutch is fully engaged. load ratings. For extended winching, stop at reasonable intervals
WARNING: Never engage clutch with motor running. Winch to allow the winch motor to cool.
clutch should always be fully engaged when winch is in use. 13. The electric motor attached to your winch is designed for
intermittent use only and should not be used in constant duty
commercial or industrial applications. Extended use of your
winch without cooling off periods can cause overheating
damage to the motor. A maximum run time of six to eight
minutes is recommended.
14. If the motor becomes uncomfortably hot to the touch, stop and
let it cool for a few minutes. If your winch stalls due to overload,
disconnect it from the power supply.
15. Once the pull is complete and the object winched has been
secured with tie down straps or chains, use the remote control
to release the tension on the winch cable with the remote
control. Disconnect the remote control from the winch and
disconnect the winch cable and hook from the pulling point, tow
9. Using the winch remote control, slowly wind the winch cable until
strap or chain connected to the object which was winched.
there is no slack in the cable. Stop, unplug the remote control,
and make sure all winching connections are secure and properly 16. When you use your winch to trailer a boat, secure the boat onto
seated. the trailer with appropriate bow and transom tie down straps or
WARNING: Always remove the remote control before working chains. With the boat fully secured on the trailer, relieve the
around the winch cable or winch drum so that your winch cannot tension on the winch cable and respool to avoid damage to the
be turned on accidentally. winch and/or trailer due to high shock loads encountered when
traveling.
10. Always operate your winch with an unobstructed view of the
WARNING: A winch hook strap or hand saver bar should be used
winching operation. Prior to continuing the pull make sure that
to hold the winch hook when spooling the winch cable in or out.
everyone is well clear of the area and that you are standing in
A simple string or strap a few feet long can be tied onto the
an area with unobstructed access to, and clear view of the
winch hook for this purpose.
winch, its labels, and its controls. Once the winch cable is under
tension, stand to the side of the cable and well clear of it. Never 17. To respool the winch cable correctly, reconnect the remote
step over or under the winch cable when it is under tension. control and respool the winch cable. It is necessary to keep a
WARNING: It is recommended that a heavy blanket, rug, or chain slight load on the cable. This can be accomplished by holding
be placed over the midpoint of the winch cable prior to (while wearing gloves) the winch hook with a winch hook strap
continuing the winching procedure. This will allow energy to be or hand saver bar and applying a slight load on it while the
absorbed if the winch cable should snap loose or break. cable is respooled. This ensures that the cable is wound tightly
and evenly around the winch drum, and prevents the winch
11. Make sure that bystanders in the vicinity are at a safe distance cable from slipping or kinking.
and aware that you are going to start the pull.
18. Disconnect the remote control and cable from the winch when
12. With your vehicle’s engine on and light tension on the winch the respooling is complete.
cable, reconnect the remote control and begin winching slowly
WARNING: Always disconnect the remote control when your
and steadily. Be sure that the winch cable is winding evenly and
winch is not in use. Store the remote control unit in your vehicle’s
tightly around the winch drum.
truck or a similar dry, clean and safe place when it is not in use.
This prevents tampering, misuse, or damage to the remote
control unit and cord.

7
 Using the Hand Crank
1. The hand crank provided with your winch is for emergency use 4. Rotate the handle in a clockwise direction to retract the winch
only (i.e., in the event of a power failure). Always, remove the cable. Continue to turn until the cable has been completely
electrical power from the winch before using the hand crank. retracted.
WARNING: Do not use the hand crank to assist an electronically WARNING: If the clutch knob is placed in the free wheel position
operating winch. This may result in winch damage and severe for hand cranking (by turning the clutch knob counterclockwise),
personal injury. be sure to maintain a firm grip on the hand crank at all times.
Always remove the hand crank form the winch after use and
2. Turn the clutch knob clockwise until hand tight. Do not force it or
store it in a clean and dry place where it will not be misplaced.
over tighten.
5. Always remove the hand crank from the winch after use.
3. Place the end of the hand crank over the flattened end of the
threaded shaft located in the center of the clutch knob. WARNING: Store the hand crank in your vehicle’s trunk or a
similar clean, dry and safe place when it is not in use. This
prevents tampering, misuse, or damage to the hand crank.

· ¸ ¹
Maintenance Instructions
1. Always inspect winch installation and winch cable condition 3. Always keep your winch, winch cable, and remote control and
before performing a winching operation. Never operate your its cord free from dirt or other contamination. Use a clean towel
winch if it is loose or damaged or when the winch cable is to remove any dirt or debris. It may be necessary to unwind the
frayed, kinked, or damaged. Inspect the winch installation, winch cable (leaving a minimum of three wraps on the winch
mounting bolts and electrical connections on a regular basis. drum), wipe, clean, oil with light penetrating oil, and properly
Remove any dirt or corrosion that may have accumulated on rewind the winch cable.
the electrical connections, and ensure you have a clean, tight
4. Inspect your vehicle’s battery because operating a winch for
and secure electrical contact. Inspect the electrical wiring along
long periods of time places an extra burden on the battery. Be
its route and make sure that it is not damaged and is still
sure to check and maintain your battery and battery cables
secured with appropriate fasteners. Also make sure the
according to manufacturer guidelines. Inspect all electrical
electrical wiring is located in a location clear of hot or moving
connections on the winch to ensure they are clean and tight
parts, road debris or any possibility of being damaged by
fitting.
operation or maintenance of the vehicle.
WARNING: Always wear eye protection when working around a
WARNING: Always wear eye protection, heavy gloves and
battery. Do not lean over the battery while inspecting
remove all jewelry, loose clothing, or anything that may get
connections. Remove all jewelry, loose clothing, or anything that
caught in the vehicle’s moving parts prior to inspecting your
may get caught in the motor’s moving parts prior to inspecting
winch.
the battery.
2. Inspect the winch cable before and after each winching
5. Inspect the remote control and its cord for wear and/or
operation is performed. Make sure it is in good condition and is
damage. If the remote control is damaged do not use the
attached properly. If the cable has been kinked, frayed, or is
winch.
abnormally stiff, the winch should not be used. The winch cable
should be lubricated periodically with a light penetrating oil to 6. If damage or wear to any component of your winch is observed,
improve the life of the cable. Be sure to also inspect the winch do not use the winch and never attempt to repair it yourself.
hook for signs of wear or damage. If the winch hook is Always have a qualified technician perform all repairs on your
damaged do not use the winch. winch.
8
 1 Year Limited Warranty
Master Lock Company warrants to the original buyer (“you” or “your”) all component parts of your winch except the winch cable for a
period of one (1) year from the provable date of purchase. If your winch fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship during the 1
year warranty, Master Lock Company will replace it free of charge. Simply contact Master Lock Company at www.masterlock.com for
replacement information. This warranty does not cover products which have been abused, altered, damaged, misused, cut or worn.
This warranty is void if winch is used in commercial/industrial applications.
Limitation of Liability: The warranty set forth herein are exclusive, to the extent permitted by law, Master Lock Company disclaims all
other implied or express warranties including all warranties of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose. This warranty is
your sole remedy and Master Lock Company shall not be liable for any damages, whether direct, indirect, incidental, special,
consequential, exemplary, or otherwise, including lost revenues and lost profits, arising out of any theory of recovery, including
statutory, contract or tort. In no event will Master Lock Company’s entire liability exceed the purchase price of this product. Some states
and providences do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages so the above limitations or exclusions
may not apply to you. This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to
state and province to province.

Master Lock Company/Oak Creek, WI 53154 U.S.A./800-308-9244/www.masterlock.com

Master Lock Canada/Oakville, Ontario L6H 5S7 Canada/800-227-9599
57723 ©2004 Master Lock Company. All Rights Reserved. C.I. 12/04