A modular reel drive assembly comprises two reel drive tower modules (12, 14), a reel hub adapter (54) and a reel hub adapter support module (22, 24). The hub adapter support module (22, 24) comprises at least one support pin which is configured to be movable between a storage position in which the at least one support pin is not aligned with at least one aperture (38, 39, 40, 41) on the hub adapter support module (22, 24) and an operational position in which the support pin is aligned with at least one aperture (38, 39, 40, 41) on the hub adapter support module (22, 24).

The present invention provides methods and mechanisms to selectively fix or free a planetary carrier of a epicyclic gearbox, thereby allowing dual modal operation of the gearbox and facilitating selective operation of a device, such as a winch, having capacity to safely and efficiently operate in a high load heavy lifting utility mode and a low load light lifting personnel mode.

The present invention provides methods and mechanisms to selectively fix or free a planetary carrier of a epicyclic gearbox, thereby allowing dual modal operation of the gearbox and facilitating selective operation of a device, such as a winch, having capacity to safely and efficiently operate in a high load heavy lifting utility mode and a low load light lifting personnel mode.

A winch includes a motor having a motor housing including a motor case and an integrated first drum support attached to the motor case for closing an end of the motor case. A gear reduction unit is drivingly attached to the motor and has a gear housing including a gear case and second drum support attached to the gear case. A tie plate is connected to the first and second drum supports. A control unit is removably mounted to the tie plate. A rotatable drum is supported by the first and second drum supports.

A winch includes a motor having a motor housing including a motor case and an integrated first drum support attached to the motor case for closing an end of the motor case. A gear reduction unit is drivingly attached to the motor and has a gear housing including a gear case and second drum support attached to the gear case. A tie plate is connected to the first and second drum supports. A control unit is removably mounted to the tie plate. A rotatable drum is supported by the first and second drum supports.

A winch includes a motor having a motor housing including a motor case and an integrated first drum support attached to the motor case for closing an end of the motor case. A gear reduction unit is drivingly attached to the motor and has a gear housing including a gear case and second drum support attached to the gear case. A tie plate is connected to the first and second drum supports. A control unit is removably mounted to the tie plate. A rotatable drum is supported by the first and second drum supports.

A winch includes a motor having a motor housing including a motor case and an integrated first drum support attached to the motor case for closing an end of the motor case. A gear reduction unit is drivingly attached to the motor and has a gear housing including a gear case and second drum support attached to the gear case. A tie plate is connected to the first and second drum supports. A control unit is removably mounted to the tie plate. A rotatable drum is supported by the first and second drum supports.

A gear reduction assembly may include a main input shaft, a carrier coupled to the main input shaft, and at least one carrier shaft coupled to the carrier and spaced from the main input shaft. The gear reduction assembly may also include at least one spur gear pair including a first spur gear coupled to the carrier shaft, and a second spur gear, wherein the first and second spur gears are coupled to one another such that they rotate together. The gear reduction assembly also includes a first internal gear engaged with the first spur gear, a second internal gear engaged with the second spur gear, and a hub associated with the first internal gear. The first internal gear has a first number of teeth, the second internal gear has a second number of teeth, and the first and second numbers of teeth differ by from one to five teeth.

A gear reduction assembly may include a main input shaft, a carrier coupled to the main input shaft, and at least one carrier shaft coupled to the carrier and spaced from the main input shaft. The gear reduction assembly may also include at least one spur gear pair including a first spur gear coupled to the carrier shaft, and a second spur gear, wherein the first and second spur gears are coupled to one another such that they rotate together. The gear reduction assembly also includes a first internal gear engaged with the first spur gear, a second internal gear engaged with the second spur gear, and a hub associated with the first internal gear. The first internal gear has a first number of teeth, the second internal gear has a second number of teeth, and the first and second numbers of teeth differ by from one to five teeth.

A telescopic column includes at least two telescopic elements movable with respect to one another between two end positions and at least one damper that is configured such that, prior to reaching at least one of the end positions, a force slowing the relative movement of the telescopic elements is exerted on at least one of the telescopic elements.