50 kN Electric Hoisting Winch
50 kN Electric Hoisting Winch
A custom-built 50 kN electric hoisting winch engineered in Yatala for pumped hydro construction at Snowy Hydro, with 200 m of rope storage and fail-safe braking for heavy-duty lifting.
Electric Winch Project Overview
A custom-built 50 kN electric winch for pumped hydro construction
A 50 kN electric hoisting winch used in the construction of the Snowy Hydro pumped hydro scheme, one of the largest renewable energy projects in Australia. Construction of the tunnels, shafts and powerhouse called for a certified hoisting winch that could lift equipment and materials reliably in a remote alpine site, and the client chose a heavy-duty ACW build with a large drum for 200 m of rope, a yellow guard over the drum and a vertical three-phase motor and gearbox. Engineered, manufactured and load tested at our Yatala, Queensland workshop before dispatch to the project.
Key Project Highlights
Exceptional performance, precision and reliability
This 50 kN electric hoisting winch was built for construction lifting on a major pumped hydro project. Headline specifications:
50 kN
Rated Capacity
200 m
Rope Storage
Construction
Industry
Pumped Hydro
Application
Design & Manufacturing Considerations
Built for durability and efficiency in demanding environments
Specified to project lifting standards for a remote alpine construction site and assembled in-house at Yatala. Key design considerations:
Heavy-Duty
Steel Frame
Material Choice
Electric
3-phase
Power System
50 kN
Rated Line Pull
Drive System
Manual
Standard Control
Control / Brake
Operational & Technical Breakdown
An in-depth look at the 50 kN electric hoisting winch's performance and technical capabilities
The winch is a heavy fabricated steel frame with a large-diameter grooved drum for 200 m of rope at 50 kN, driven through a planetary gearbox by a vertical three-phase motor. Machined drum shafts run in substantial bearings, the drum guard is a yellow steel cover, and the frame has a bolt pattern and lifting lugs for mounting to the project’s hoisting structure.
As a hoisting winch it carries a spring-applied brake rated above the working load that engages the instant the motor stops or power fails, with a second means of holding available through the gearbox. Controls were specified to the project’s electrical standards, the winch was load tested at Yatala to AS 1418 and delivered with certificates, and RPEQ sign-off so it could join the project’s lifting equipment register on arrival.
Other Winch Applications
Versatile winching solutions across multiple industries.
Beyond green energy, 50 kN electric hoisting winches suit construction shafts, dam works and infrastructure sites that need certified lifting from a fixed winch.
Shaft sinking, conveyor take-up and equipment hoisting in underground and open-cut operations – electric drive with VSD control for precise, repeatable positioning.
Plant hoisting, assembly-line positioning and heavy component handling – quiet, clean electric winches sized for factory duty cycles and compliance.
Project Conclusion
The 50 kN electric hoisting winch put certified ACW lifting capacity to work on Snowy Hydro, one of the country’s landmark renewable energy builds. 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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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about electric hoisting winches for major construction projects.
What makes a winch suitable for hoisting rather than hauling?
Hoisting winches carry the load in the air, so the brake, gearbox and drum are rated with higher safety factors, the brake engages automatically whenever the motor stops and the design is certified to AS 1418 for lifting. This winch was built and tested to that standard.
Why does it have 200 m of rope?
The project lifts ran over long distances in shafts and tunnels, so 200 m of rope on a large drum gave the reach needed without re-rigging. The drum diameter keeps the rope bend radius generous for long rope life.
Was the winch built to project specifications?
Yes. Controls, guarding and documentation followed the project’s electrical and lifting standards, and the winch was supplied with test certificates and RPEQ engineering sign-off so it could be registered on site without delay.
How is the load held if power fails?
A spring-applied brake on the drive train engages automatically when power is lost, holding the rated load without any operator action. The load stays where it is until power is restored and the operator moves it.
Can ACW supply similar winches for other infrastructure projects?
Yes. ACW builds electric hoisting winches from 10 kN upward for construction, dam and tunnel work, sized to the lift, rope length and control standard of each project and load tested at Yatala before delivery.
Planning a Heavy Lift?
Tell us the load, the lift height and the duty cycle. Our RPEQ engineers will size a certified electric hoisting winch for it.