Abstract: In a universal motor particularly adapted for operating a compact winch, triggering the dynamic braking, as may be required in an overhauling load condition by applying a pulse of current through the field winding as to produce a magnetic field to assuredly cause the armature to start generating a current which is directed through the field winding and load resistance, the pulse of current being supplied from a condenser connected in shunt with the field winding or the condenser may be connected in series with the field winding and in shunt with the switch by which the field winding is connected to the supply line; a time delayed switching shorting the dynamic braking resistance to increase the generated current and produce renewed or a second dynamic braking effect to reduce the speed of the motor sufficiently to allow the worm and worm gear speed reduction to lock against further rotation under influence of the winch drum; and low speed braking being increased to produce stopping of the motor and winch drum