Electric winch catapults trebuchet into spotlight

UK-based construction and engineering company Hoist & Winch supplied a Hadef electric wire rope winch, as well as supporting frame and foundations, to provide tensioning for the UK’s largest working siege machine.

The display at Warwick Castle is an authentic recreation of a military machine. (Photo: Hoist & Winch)

The machine forms part of a new show, the Legend of the Trebuchet, which is being held at Warwick Castle and will feature live action and special effects.

Winch design

The Hadef 400 V three-phase 50 Hz electric winch delivers a safe working load of 1.5 tonnes from its 25 metre rope length.

The three-phase 50 Hz electric winch delivers a 1.5 tonne pulling force from its 25 metre rope length. (Photo: Hoist & Winch)

Control comes from a low-voltage radio remote with back-up plug-in pendant.

Features of note include a pressure roller for the wire rope drum, four-position top/bottom geared limit switches, a galvanised steel mounting frame for the winch, and IP66 rated electrical enclosures.

After an initial site survey to discuss the requirements for this unusual project, as well as specifying the winch design features, Hoist & Winch returned to oversee a test fire of the trebuchet and measure its pulling force with a load cell and site tractor.

Hoist & Winch also took care of customer handover training and the LOLER thorough examination report.

What is a trebuchet?

The trebuchet at Warwick Castle is an authentic recreation of one of the biggest military machines.

Utilising a long rotating arm and the principles of leverage to launch projectiles from a sling, a trebuchet is a large catapult. It was powerful enough to hurl huge rocks that could breach castle walls.

Sometimes it would launch manure and dead animals into besieged castles to spread disease. It remained a common warfare weapon until the 15th century, when gunpowder and cannons came to the fore.

The trebuchet will be on display at Warwick Castle until 4 November 2024.

A Hadef electric winch has been supplied to Warwick Castle for its Legend of the Trebuchet show. (Photo: Hoist & Winch)