Abstract: A winch has a plurality of forward drives and a reverse to its drum, all engageable from a single drive input. Respective drives are engaged by reversal of the direction of rotation of the drive input. Upon one such reversal, therefore, the reverse is automatically engaged. A preselector is provided to permit, after actuation of the preselector, the drives and the reverse to be automatically engaged in succession by successive reversals of the drive input. Locking of the drum against unwanted run back upon cessation of drive input is assured by a lost motion drive and unidirectional drive means in the reverse.

Abstract: In a multi-speed winch which has automatic uncoupling of a first drive ratio when drive input is reversed, an actuator can have an uncoupling position or one in which the first drive ratio is engaged. The actuator is resiliently urged towards the latter position so that when released from a detent which holds it in the uncoupling position it is driven to adopt the engagement position. The operator of the winch therefore does not move the actuator to the engagement position but merely is provided with means for releasing it. Reversal of the drive input when the actuator is in the engagement position causes return of the actuator to the uncoupling position, against its resilient urging. The first drive ratio is usually a 1:1 drive.