KISTERS’ Barossa winch is a hand-operated double drum winch capable of handling gauging weights up to 70 kg (154 lb). The design shows two main advantages: Firstly, it enables the operator to change from sounding mode to traversing mode very quickly by engaging the drive gears on each drum. Secondly, the double drum concept eases traversing, as the forces exerted by the gauging weight are largely cancelled out. The winch can be used on small travellerways up to 60 m (200 ft) span.

The winch is designed for ease of operation and serviceability in the field and operated easily and safely by one person.

Special attention is paid to safety: An automatic Weston Brake locks the drum if the handle is released. This holds the load in any position – for safe and smooth sounding operation.

The unit is equipped with a breakaway kit rated @ 272 kg for the safety of the user during operation. Attention: Failure to use this device may cause severe injury or death.

Use with current meter

Some elaborate features support current metering: A silver-plated slip ring conducts the signal from the sounding drum to the current meter counter. The counter can be connected to terminals provided on the winch itself. The single layer of the amergraph signal cable on the drum prevents damage of the internal conductor and premature replacement.

• Type: double drum winch (single drum version available on request)
• Safety: Weston brake, breakaway kit (standard)
• Adjustable manual drum handle
• Portable (a sturdy metal carry case is available as an accessory item)
• Low-maintenance
• Counters housed within the frames, protected from external damage

The Barossa winch is used for the deployment of mechanical current meters with gauging weights, sediment samplers and other suitable hydrometric equipment for:

• Water Quality Analysis
• Sediment Sampling
• Stream Discharge Measurement