Heavy Equipment

Iron Insights

Static Winches: Head-to-Head for Power, Control, and Durability

When raw pulling power and holding strength matter most, static winches shine. Unlike dynamic winches built for speed and quick cycling, static winches are all about maximum holding force and load stability—often the go-to choice for anchoring and precision lowering in rugged environments.

In this post, we’ll compare three standout static winch options, weighing what matters most to equipment operators: pulling capacity, build quality, control systems, and reliability in the field.

Braden CH Series

Overview:
Braden’s CH Series has become a staple in the utility and heavy haul world for its rock-solid frame and heavy-duty clutch. Built for long-duty cycles and minimal maintenance, it's often paired with digger derricks, cranes, and large forestry rigs.

Key Specs:

Line Pull: Up to 60,000 lbs
Rope Capacity: Varies by drum
Clutch: Air-activated with fail-safe brake
Winch Weight: ~1,100–1,500 lbs

Pros:

Legendary durability
Smooth operation under full load
Easy integration with PTO-driven systems

Cons:

Bulky and heavy

Less customization compared to newer models

Tulsa Winch DP Series

Overview:
Tulsa’s DP (Drum Planetary) winches blend classic planetary power with static-strength braking. These are built to hold loads in place, not just move them. Known for their compact footprint, they're great for truck-mounted and off-road carrier rigs.

Key Specs:

Line Pull: 30,000–50,000 lbs
Planetary Gear Drive
Spring-applied, hydraulically released brake
Modular design for custom builds

Pros:

Excellent torque handling
Small footprint relative to power
Lower maintenance planetary gearing

Cons:

Requires hydraulic system tuning for optimal braking

Can get pricey with custom configurations

Ramsey RPH Series

Overview:
The Ramsey RPH series combines classic static winch behavior with more modern control compatibility. It's a favorite in oilfield and recovery applications, where controlled payout and load holding is non-negotiable.

Key Specs:

Line Pull: Up to 50,000 lbs
Torque Limiting Optional
Air or Hydraulic Brake Control
Weight: ~1,200–1,400 lbs

Pros:

Built-in torque limiter options
Brake feedback systems available
Strong aftermarket support

Cons:

Not ideal for high-speed cycles
May require retrofitting for older trucks

Which One Wins?

Model	Best For	Strength	Limitation
Braden CH	Utility	Reliability under extreme stress	Weight, bulk
Tulsa DP	Custom rigs/off-road trucks	Compact power	Pricey with mods
Ramsey RPH	Oilfield	Brake control precision	Less suited for speed

Operator Takeaways:

If your winch spends more time holding than hauling, go Braden.
Need a custom install on a modern chassis? Go Tulsa.
Want advanced control options? Ramsey's your answer.