Glossary/A. Hoists & Lifting Equipment
A. Hoists & Lifting Equipment

Motorized Winch

motorized winch, stage winch, electric winch

What is a Motorized Winch?

A motorized winch is a hauling device that uses a motor-driven drum to pull rope, cable, or chain. In stage applications, motorized winches are used for horizontal movement (wagons, revolve drives) as well as vertical lifting. Unlike hoists designed primarily for vertical lifting, winches can handle pulling at various angles.

How It Works

A motor drives a drum through a gearbox. The rope or cable wraps around the drum and is anchored at one end. As the drum rotates, the rope is pulled in or released, creating linear force. Line shaft winches use a common drive shaft to operate multiple drums simultaneously for synchronized curtain movement.

Key Specifications

ParameterTypical Range
Pulling Capacity500N – 50,000N
Line Speed2 – 20 m/min
Drum Diameter100mm – 500mm
Rope TypeSynthetic rope or wire rope
ControlVariable speed via VFD

Applications

  • Curtain tracks: Driving traveler curtains open and closed
  • Stage wagons: Horizontal movement of scenic elements
  • Revolves: Rotating stage platforms
  • Special effects: Pulling flying wires and stunt systems