Abstract: A linear hydraulic winch is provided comprising a frame to which are fixed symmetrically two hydraulic double-acting jacks, enclosing two self-clamping jaws for alternately clamping the axial cable to the end of which the load is fixed, aligned along the axis of symmetry of said winch, one of them being interlocked in translation, along said axis, with the cylinders of these jacks and the other with the pistons thereof. These self-clamping jaws are formed by wedges comprising cylinders inserted between the corresponding oblique faces of their outer and inner elements, said cylinders being truncated through two parallel planes, symmetrical with respect to their axes, and perpendicular to said oblique faces.