Pfaff-Silberblau SW-K GAMMA Console-Mounted Aluminium Wire Rope Winch

Model SW-K GAMMA | Capacity 200 kg – 800 kg | Console-Mounted Aluminium Housing | Integrated Safety Spring Brake | Removable Crank | Lifting and Pulling | CE & UKCA Marked | Made in Germany

The Pfaff-Silberblau SW-K GAMMA is a rugged console-mounted aluminium wire rope winch for outdoor and harsh-environment lifting and pulling. Three capacity grades — 200 kg, 500 kg and 800 kg — share a compact aluminium housing with enclosed sprocket-wheel drive, integrated safety spring brake system and removable crank, operable from either side of the winch. Galvanised wire rope is pre-fitted — 4 mm with 40 m on the 200 kg up to 7 mm with 78 m on the 800 kg, which uniquely adds a dual-ratio gearbox.

Key Features

• Integrated safety spring brake system: Self-acting brake holds the load in any position when the crank is released — no separate locking action required. Provides smooth controlled descent during lowering.
• Compact aluminium housing: Lightweight corrosion-resistant alloy housing suited to outdoor and damp environments where steel housings would corrode quickly.
• Enclosed sprocket-wheel drive: Drive components fully enclosed within the housing — protected against dirt ingress, weather exposure, and accidental contact.
• Removable crank: The crank handle detaches for storage or transport, preventing accidental rotation and unauthorised use when the winch is unattended.
• Operates from either side: The wide rope drum and symmetrical housing layout allow the crank to be fitted on either side of the winch — useful for installations where the operator needs to stand in a specific position.
• Speed-increasing ratio: Gears can be set to fast-lifting mode for loads below the rated capacity, allowing quick rope deployment and retrieval when full lifting force is not required.
• Two rope drum attachment points: Provides flexibility in rope termination and allows two-line rigging configurations.
• Low-friction shaft sliding bearings: Maintenance-free bearing design reduces operator crank force and extends service life.

Technical Specifications

The dual-ratio gearbox on the 800 kg model gives 36 mm/rev under load (high-force lifting) and 280 mm/rev in the speed-increasing setting (for fast positioning under light load). Replacement cranks are available as accessories: the universal crank for GAMMA 200 and 800 (article 39000153) and the full aluminium crank for the 500 kg model (article 40033612).

More About This Product

The Pfaff-Silberblau SW-K GAMMA is the rugged console-mounted aluminium wire rope winch built for outdoor and harsh-environment lifting and pulling applications. Three capacity grades — 200 kg, 500 kg, and 800 kg — share a compact aluminium housing with enclosed sprocket-wheel drive, integrated safety spring brake system, removable crank, and low-friction shaft sliding bearings. The GAMMA is designed to be operated from either side of the winch, with a wide rope drum carrying two attachment points and a speed-increasing ratio that delivers fast lifting under loads below the rated capacity. Galvanised wire rope is pre-fitted: 4 mm diameter on the 200 kg with 40 m drum length, 6 mm diameter on the 500 kg with 50 m, and 7 mm diameter on the 800 kg with 78 m of rope. The 800 kg model is uniquely fitted with a dual-ratio gearbox (36 mm/rev under load, 280 mm/rev speed-mode).

Suitable Applications

The Pfaff-Silberblau SW-K GAMMA is the standard rugged-environment manual winch across outdoor installations, agricultural use, marine and dockside lifting, sailing club hoists, construction site fixed-position lifting, and forestry equipment. The aluminium housing makes it the preferred choice for any application where a galvanised steel winch would corrode prematurely. Typical uses include sailing centre boat hoists, lifeboat handling stations, agricultural hatch and gate operation, equipment hoists in outdoor maintenance bays, construction site material handling at fixed lifting points, and access platform / cradle deployment. The GAMMA 200 suits light-duty agricultural and marine applications; the GAMMA 500 is the mid-range workhorse for sailing clubs and equipment workshops; the GAMMA 800 dual-ratio model is specified where a single winch must handle both heavy lifts and rapid line deployment. For lifting-only applications at 300 kg in a single or dual-line configuration on the same aluminium platform, see the Pfaff-Silberblau SW-K LAMBDA range.

How to Use the Pfaff-Silberblau SW-K GAMMA

1. Verify the mounting: Confirm the console mounting is secure and the bolts torqued. The mounting must support the rated capacity plus an appropriate safety factor.
2. Fit the crank: Insert the removable crank into the shaft on the chosen operating side and lock in place per the OEM manual.
3. Inspect the rope: Visually check the full working length for kinks, broken strands, or surface damage. Remove from service if any defect is found.
4. Verify the brake: Attach a light test load, raise it a short distance, then release the crank. The load should hold without back-driving.
5. Set the gear ratio (GAMMA 800 only): Choose load-mode (36 mm/rev, full force) or speed-mode (280 mm/rev, fast positioning) according to the load and lift task.
6. Attach the load: Connect the rope end to the load via a suitable rated hook, sling, or shackle. Ensure all connections are secure and safety latches engaged.
7. Lift or pull the load: Crank smoothly. The safety spring brake engages automatically each time the crank is released.
8. Lower the load: Crank in the reverse direction at a controlled rate. The brake provides smooth descent against load pressure.
9. Remove the crank when unattended: Detach the crank handle for storage or when leaving the winch installed but unused.

Warning:
Wire rope winches are lifting and pulling devices and must not be used to lift, lower, or transport personnel. Never exceed the rated capacity stamped on the winch body. Never use a winch with damaged rope, distorted housing, or a brake that does not hold smoothly.

Safety Information

• Verify the console mounting before each use — bolts torqued, mounting plate undamaged.
• Inspect the wire rope for the full working length each shift; remove from service at first sign of broken strands, kinks, or surface damage.
• Never exceed the rated capacity stamped on the winch body.
• Never use the winch to lift, lower, or transport personnel.
• Test brake operation with a light load before each lifting operation.
• On the GAMMA 800, ensure the gear ratio is set to load-mode (36 mm/rev) before applying full rated load — speed-mode is for light positioning only.
• Keep at least three turns of rope on the drum at full extension — never run the rope off the drum.
• Remove the crank handle when leaving the winch unattended.
• Workplace operators must establish a Thorough Examination regime under LOLER 1998 / PUWER 1998 at intervals not exceeding 12 months.

Inspection and Maintenance

The SW-K GAMMA is designed for long service in harsh environments with minimal maintenance. The aluminium housing requires no specific corrosion protection. Before each use, inspect the wire rope, verify the brake holds correctly with a light test load, check the housing for impact damage, and confirm the removable crank fits cleanly and locks in place. The enclosed sprocket-wheel drive benefits from periodic light greasing per the OEM manual schedule. Low-friction shaft sliding bearings are maintenance-free under normal use. Replacement wire ropes and crank handles are available from CMCO; only manufacturer-specified rope assemblies should be fitted. WOLFF Onsite provides LOLER-certified Thorough Examination, spare parts, replacement rope sets, and full overhaul for the Pfaff-Silberblau GAMMA range.

Optional Accessories

• Replacement crank for GAMMA 200 and 800 (article 39000153): Direct-fit replacement crank handle for the 200 kg and 800 kg models.
• Full aluminium crank for GAMMA 500 (article 40033612): Direct-fit replacement crank handle for the 500 kg model.
• Replacement wire rope assemblies: Matched diameter and length, pre-terminated for each capacity in the GAMMA range.
• Wire rope pulley blocks (DSRB): Pfaff-Silberblau DSRB pulley blocks deflect the rope at 90° or 180° to reposition the working line or double the pulling capacity.
• Console mounting brackets: Reinforced mounting plates for non-standard wall structures.

Downloads

• Pfaff SW-K GAMMA Datasheet (EN, 2024) — full spec table and dimensional drawings (PDF)
• Pfaff SW-K GAMMA Operating Manual (EN / DE) — installation, operation, inspection, and spare parts reference (PDF)
• Pfaff Wire Rope Winches Catalogue (EN, 2024) — full Pfaff winch range overview (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions