Normally electrical hoists are steered via reversing contactors "forward" and, "backwards". With winches with inserted drum free-wheel one has the possibility by hand of taking the wire rope off with individual rope speed with small energy expenditure from the drum. Here the drum is separate in the force river from the engine. This takes place via swivelling the switchover lever. Thereby 2 gear wheels are shifted against each other. If the desired rope length is unwound, the actuated connection between engine and winch must be restored by tilting the switchover lever back. With drum free-wheel the engine is automatically electrically locked.
