I like to keep my Brano and extension wire ropes in old worn out trail bike tyres. Drill the odd hole in the sidewalls to poke through the tapered end of the wire rope and guide the remainder of the rope all into the tyre. Three or four tree ties or cable ties will ensure the rope stays inside.

Maintenance

The Brano is lubricated with general purpose grease on all pivot points on assembly. From time to time I usually squirt a little duck oil (WD40) in through the top to kill any rust that make try and form (why is it nearly always raining when you are carrying out a recovery?) Also this helps to make the unit run more smoothly as the oil lubricates all the smaller pivot points.

Once a year, or sooner if you use the unit a lot, I recommend you remove the ring bolts on the casing, split the unit sides, lift out the whole mechanism in one, wash it off in degreaser, rinse off, dry and regrease all pivot points. Leave a light coating of duck oil over all the mechanism. Do not attempt to take the mechanism to pieces!

Try not to use the Brano actually in the mud for fear of it entering the unit through the slot where the lowering lever protrudes. Should this happen, strip the unit as above when back home, before your next off-road session.

Never oil the wire rope as it will not be very nice to handle. The oiled surface will attract dust and dirt and the jaws will not grip so well!

Never drag a rope under load over sharp rocks, as you could easily damage the rope by either breaking some of the wires that make up the strands or, just as bad, squash the rope flat so it cannot go through the 'jaws'.

In finishing, always look after your Brano Rope Hoist and it will always look after you.

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(c)Goodwinch Limited 2006