30 kN Self-Contained Cable Hauling Recovery Winch
30 kN Self-Contained Cable Hauling Recovery Winch
A self-contained 30 kN cable hauling recovery winch built in Yatala with matching cable reel stands to change the ferry cables on the twelve Murray River crossings, hauling new cable across on the old and recovering it onto a 400 m drum.
Cable Hauling Winch Project Overview
A custom-built 30 kN diesel winch for cable change on river ferries
A self-contained 30 kN cable recovery winch, designed together with two cable reel stands, for changing the cables on the twelve cable ferry crossings of the Murray River. During a changeover the reel stands with the new cable are set up on one bank and the recovery winch on the other. The winch hauls the new cable across the river using the old cable as the messenger, then recovers the worn cable onto its own drum, where it is bound and cut into halves for disposal. The 400 m drum capacity covers the widest crossing, and the unit runs from its own diesel engine so it needs no shore power on either bank.
Key Project Highlights
Exceptional performance, precision and reliability
This 30 kN self-contained cable hauling recovery winch was built for river ferry cable changes where the whole job has to be done from the riverbank. Headline specifications:
30 kN
Rated Capacity
400 m
Rope Storage
Marine
Industry
Cable change
Application
Design & Manufacturing Considerations
Built for durability and efficiency in demanding environments
Specified with the ferry operator for twelve different crossings and assembled in-house at Yatala. Key design considerations:
Marine Grade
Coated Steel
Material Choice
Diesel
Self-contained
Power System
30 kN
Rated Line Pull
Drive System
Manual
Standard Control
Control / Brake
Operational & Technical Breakdown
An in-depth look at the 30 kN self-contained cable hauling recovery winch's performance and technical capabilities
The winch sits inside a fully guarded yellow frame with a lockable mesh door, a lifting spreader bar rated at 1,500 kg WLL and forklift pockets, so it can be trucked between crossings and lifted onto the bank without rigging. The drum holds 400 m of ferry cable and is driven through a gearbox with a fail-safe brake, and the rope path was arranged so the recovered cable spools evenly while it is still carrying tension from the river.
A diesel hydraulic power pack inside the frame drives the winch, with a radio remote and a wired pendant so the operator can control the haul from the water edge while watching the cable. The two matching reel stands carry the new cable on a braked spindle so pay-out speed stays under control as the winch pulls from the far bank. The complete set was load tested at Yatala before delivery.
Other Winch Applications
Versatile winching solutions across multiple industries.
Beyond marine, a self-contained recovery winch with reel stands suits any cable or rope changeover across rivers, gorges and roads where power is unavailable.
Cable and rope pulls across rivers, gullies and road corridors on civil projects – a self-contained diesel winch that sets up on whichever bank has access.
Pipeline pulls, cable recovery and equipment positioning on remote well sites – skid-mounted diesel-hydraulic power with the drum capacity for long runs.
Project Conclusion
The 30 kN cable hauling recovery winch turned a difficult river crossing job into a repeatable procedure for all twelve ferries. Designed, built and tested in Yatala by Australian Certified Winches.
Like every winch we build, it was designed to AS 1418, the Australian Standard for cranes, hoists and winches, and signed off by our RPEQ-registered engineers before load testing in Yatala.
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- 2/14 Freight Street, Yatala, QLD 4207
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about cable recovery winches and reel stands for ferry and river crossings.
How is a ferry cable changed with this winch?
The new cable on its reel stand is set up on one bank and the recovery winch on the other. The old cable is used to haul the new one across, and as the new cable arrives the old cable is wound onto the winch drum, bound and cut for disposal. One crew can complete the changeover without boats or shore power.
Why does the winch need 400 m of drum capacity?
The Murray River crossings vary in width, and the winch has to recover the full length of old cable from the widest one onto a single drum. The 400 m capacity gives that margin so the cable never has to be cut mid-recovery.
Why are the reel stands part of the package?
Cable pay-out has to be controlled or the new cable sags into the river and snags. The two reel stands carry the new cable on a braked spindle, and because ACW designed them with the winch the frame, spindle and brake all suit the same cable sizes.
How is the winch moved between crossings?
The guarded frame has forklift pockets and a certified 1,500 kg lifting spreader bar, so the unit is trucked between sites on a tray or trailer and lifted straight onto the riverbank. The diesel power pack means no generator or mains connection is needed.
Can the recovery winch be used for other cable pulls?
Yes. The same self-contained winch suits cable and rope changeovers on flying foxes, aerial crossings and bridge works. ACW can supply different drum capacities and reel stands to match the cable size and span.
Cable Change Coming Up?
Tell us the span, the cable weight and the access on each bank. Our RPEQ engineers will size a certified recovery winch for it.