Marine Single Chain Wheel Hydraulic Windlass: Redefines Efficiency for Workboats and Commercial Vessels

With the continuous advancement of the global maritime industry and the increasing demand for safe, efficient, and stable anchoring operations, the marine single chain wheel hydraulic windlass has become a core component of deck machinery for commercial vessels, offshore engineering ships, mega yachts, and naval vessels. Integrating hydraulic drive technology, rigorous structural design, and intelligent control systems, the latest generation of this equipment delivers exceptional load-bearing capacity, precise operation, and strong adaptability to harsh marine environments, empowering vessels to achieve reliable anchoring in diverse sea conditions.

Unlike dual-wheel configurations often found on larger merchant vessels, the single-chain-wheel (single-gypsy) hydraulic windlass offers a simplified, purpose-built approach to anchor handling. By integrating a dedicated chain wheel for a single anchor line, these units reduce mechanical complexity while maintaining exceptional pulling power and operational safety.

Precision Engineering for Demanding Operations

The modern single-wheel hydraulic anchor windlass is engineered to withstand the rigors of continuous duty cycles. Constructed from high-grade marine steel with corrosion-resistant coatings, these units are designed for both new build installations and retrofitting projects where deck space is at a premium.

The hydraulic drive system provides several distinct advantages over traditional electric or manual windlasses:

*Infinite Speed Control: Operators can precisely regulate anchor deployment and retrieval speed, allowing for smooth, controlled operations even in challenging sea conditions.

*Overload Protection: Built-in hydraulic pressure relief valves prevent damage to the windlass and deck structure when encountering unexpected loads or fouled anchors.

*Reliability in Harsh Environments: Hydraulic systems are inherently sealed against moisture and saltwater intrusion, ensuring consistent performance in offshore environments where electrical systems may face corrosion risks.

The core advantages of the single chain wheel hydraulic windlass lie in its advanced hydraulic drive system and optimized structural design. Equipped with high-performance hydraulic motors and precision deceleration mechanisms, it achieves stepless speed regulation, allowing operators to adjust the anchoring speed smoothly according to sea conditions—ranging from 9m/min to 15m/min—to avoid impact on the vessel and anchor chain. The hydraulic system features a maximum working pressure of up to 234.5 bar (3400 psi), delivering strong pulling force while ensuring stable operation even under heavy load conditions. Additionally, the integration of manual and electric control modes supports both bridge remote operation and on-site manual control, enhancing operational flexibility and providing double guarantees for emergency scenarios.

φ20.5 Hydraulic Driven Single Gypsy Anchor Winch（225xh-φ20.5-00）

1. General

1.1 This manual is applicable to φ 20.5 Hydraulic single gypsy windlass.

1.2 This windlass is installed at the bow and stern of the ship for lifting and anchoring purposes.

1.3 This hydraulic windlass complies with the relevant regulations and requirements of "Seagoing Ship Windlass and Anchor Winch".

2. Main technical parameters

2.1 Chain diameter (AM2) : φ20.5 mm

2.2 Working load : 17.9 kN

2.3 Overload tensile force : 26.9 kN

2.4 Support load of : 110 kN

2.5 Anchor lifting speed : ≥9 m/min

2.6 Maximum anchoring depth : 82.5 m

2.7 Hydraulic motor model : INM2-600B

2.8 System working pressure : 16MPa

2.9 System working flow rate : 19.2L/min

3. Structure Introduction

This windlass is hydraulically driven. The sprocket shaft is respectively equipped with an anchor chain wheel and a large gear. The main structure and principle of the mechanical part are briefly described as follows.

3.1 Mechanical part

The mechanical part mainly consists of chain wheel axle device, wall frame device, base, clutch device, brake device, drive device, etc. Each part is installed on the base.

1) Chain wheel axle device

The sprocket shaft device mainly consists of a large gear, sprocket shaft, anchor chain wheel, anchor chain wheel clutch, anchor chain wheel brake, bushing, etc. The sprocket shaft device is installed on the wall frame, and the large gear meshes with the small gear installed on the output shaft of the oil motor. The anchor chain wheel slides onto the sprocket shaft, and the clutch and sprocket shaft are connected in a hexagonal shape.

2) Base and wall frame

The base and wall frame are used to support the sprocket shaft device and clutch device, and are fixed on the hull. The base is composed of welded steel plates, and is welded with components such as brake base and shovel chain rod. The wall frame is composed of the wall frame body, bearing seat, and bushing, etc.

3) Clutch device

This control mechanism adopts a handle pin type and is supported on a wall frame. The handle is welded with a cylindrical pin, which is inserted into the annular groove of the toothed clutch. When the handle is turned, the clutch moves, causing the teeth on the clutch to clutch with the teeth on the anchor chain wheel. To prevent displacement of the clutch, a positioning pin is inserted on the handle.

4) Braking device

This hydraulic anchor winch adopts a common belt brake mechanism, which mainly consists of a brake band, trapezoidal screw, handle, rocker arm, pull plate, pin shaft, etc. The brake band is riveted from steel strip and composite brake band, with joints welded at both ends. A joint supporting a trapezoidal screw is welded on the brake band, which contains a trapezoidal nut. One end of the thread of the trapezoidal screw is screwed into the trapezoidal nut, and the other end is supported in the rocker stop. The end is equipped with a brake handle. Turning the handle clockwise to brake, and turning it counterclockwise to release the brake. When the anchor machine is not working, the brake band should be tightened.

5) Drive device

It consists of a hydraulic motor, motor bracket, pinion, etc. The hydraulic motor is installed on a bracket. The pinion is installed on the pinion shaft at the output end of the hydraulic motor. The small gear meshes with the large gear on the sprocket shaft device to output power. Install a one-way balance valve on the hydraulic motor. A one-way balance valve is used to prevent excessive speed when heavy objects are lowered under external loads, and also has a buffering effect on impact loads.

3.2 Control valve

The manual proportional composite directional valve is installed near the machine for easy operation. Used to operate the starting, stopping, reversing, and speed regulation of the combination machine. The directional valve has good directional speed regulation performance. The flow rate of the valve is proportional to the operating angle of the handle, which can achieve stepless speed regulation. The operator pushes the handle angle according to the required speed to achieve this.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1 Precautions before work

Before each operation of the anchor machine, the following checks should be carried out to ensure that there are no faults before proceeding with the work.

a. Check the lubrication of bearings and open gears to ensure that all moving parts have good lubrication conditions.

b. Check the oil level in the fuel tank, and the oil level should reach the specified level.

c. Check for any obstacles near the windlass.

d. Check if each clutch is in the correct position.

e. Check the safety and reliability of the braking device.

f. Check if the fixing bolts of each component of the anchor machine are loose.

4.2 Operation of hydraulic anchor machine

1) Anchor lifting

a. Tighten the anchor chain wheel brake.

b. Release the chain stopper.

c. Start the hydraulic pump station (with the proportional directional valve handle in the middle position).

d. Close a chain wheel clutch and release its chain wheel brake. e. Manipulate the proportional directional valve handle for anchoring.

2) After anchoring

a. The handle of the proportional directional valve is in the middle position.

b. Operate the brake handle to brake the anchor chain wheel tightly.

c. Lower the chain stopper and stop the anchor chain. d. Turn off the motor.

3) Power anchoring

a. Tighten the anchor chain wheel brake.

b. Release the chain stopper.

c. Start the hydraulic pump station (with the proportional directional valve handle in the middle position)

d. Close the anchor chain wheel clutch.

e. Release the anchor wheel brake.

f. Operate the proportional directional valve handle to the anchoring position for anchoring. At this point, attention should be paid to the temperature of the hydraulic oil, and when the oil temperature reaches At 55 ℃, the power anchoring should be stopped.

4) Free anchoring

a. Tighten the anchor chain wheel brake.

b. Operate the sprocket clutch handle to disengage the clutch.

c. Release the chain stopper.

d. Operate the brake handle, release the brake, and anchor under the weight of the anchor and anchor chain. To ensure safe anchoring, brakes should be used to limit the anchoring speed. Generally, brakes should be applied every 15-20 meters after releasing the anchor chain, and the brakes should be released after the speed decreases.

5. Maintenance and upkeep

5.1 Hydraulic windlass should operate under good lubrication conditions to reduce the wear of friction surfaces of various moving parts and extend the service life of the machine. Therefore,the important content of maintenance is to regularly check the lubrication condition of the machine.

a. Each oil cup should be filled with grease, and regular refueling should be applied to each friction surface. After refueling, the vehicle should run empty for a moment to evenly distribute the grease on each friction surface.

b. The contact surface of open gears should be regularly coated with grease.

c. All non machined surfaces of hydraulic windlasses should be kept clean, and exposed surfaces should be regularly painted to prevent rusting.

d. Regularly check for damage to all components and looseness of fixing bolts.

5.2 Maintenance of control valves

a. When the control valve is not in use, a protective cover should be used to cover the control console.

b. The inner and outer surfaces of the control valve should be frequently coated with paint to prevent rusting.

5.3 During the overhaul period of the ship, if the hydraulic anchor is removed from the ship, the oil pump, oil motor, and valve should be filled with oil to avoid rusting of the parts. The interface should be blocked with plastic or metal plugs, and rust prone surfaces should be coated with anti rust oil. All components should be stored in a dry room.

6. Disassembly and assembly

6.1 Disassembly Procedure of Hydraulic Windlass

a. Drain the hydraulic oil from the fuel tank and pipelines.

b. Remove all hydraulic pipelines.

c. Remove the anchor chain.

d. Remove the gear cover.

e. Remove the drive unit.

f. Remove the clutch mechanism. g. Remove the brake mechanism. h. Remove the control console.

i. Remove the bearing cover from the wall frame and remove the spindle device.

j. Remove the hydraulic pump station unit.

If necessary, continue to disassemble other components.

6.2 Installation

The installation procedure is the reverse of the disassembly procedure. Attention: The hydraulic pump station unit must be placed in the cabin before being sealed.

7. Adjustments

When the hydraulic anchor machine leaves the factory, the relevant components have been adjusted according to the requirements, and after installation, it can generally be used. If it is necessary to readjust due to ship repair or for some reason, follow the following steps. 7.1 Adjustment of safety valve Adjust the safety valve in the proportional directional valve of the control console to 1.5 times the required maximum working pressure. Observe the speed of the anchor chain wheel of the hydraulic anchor machine when the manual proportional valve handle is in different positions, and check the stepless speed regulation.

8.Common faults and troubleshooting methods (see table below)