The PSHDH30000 is the standard 30,000 lb hydraulic recovery winch — the workhorse spec for medium- and heavy-duty wreckers. Long drum for extended cable reach, air-spool clutch for cab-controlled free-spool, and cast (not die-cast) housings for the heavier loading the 30K class sees.
Why does the 30K class get cast housings instead of die-cast?
The shock loads of 30,000 lb pulls — and the bigger wire rope they require (⅝ in instead of ½ in) — push beyond what aluminum die-cast can handle reliably over a long service life. Cast housings handle the impact loads during recovery while keeping the rest of the winch’s weight in line.
- 30,000 lb rated pulling capacity
- Hydraulic, 9.5 in³ in/rev motor
- 2,540 PSI operational pressure, 15.9 GPM max oil flow
- 2-stage planetary gear, 41:1 ratio
- 16 fpm max line speed
- Output-shaft disengaged clutch — air-spool, cab-controlled
- Long drum for extended cable reach
- Multidisc brake
- Cast housings with steel drum
- Recommended wire rope: ⅝ in × 250 ft (1,960 N/mm² grade, 179 kN minimum breaking strength)
- Mounting bolt pattern: 7.5 in × 18 in or 10.5 in × 18 in
- Pierce SKU PSHDH30000 — built to order
For the narrow-drum version (compact mount, same air clutch), see the 30,000 lb Hydraulic Recovery Winch (Narrow Drum, Air). For the manual-clutch variants (no air supply needed), see Long Drum, Manual or Narrow Drum, Manual. Stepping up to the top of the line: 50,000 lb Hydraulic Recovery Winch.
⚠️ Never use a winch for lifting or moving people. Pulling and recovery use only.
