National Distributor of Hand Winches Bear Equipment
Product Range, Expertise, and Custom Solutions
Bear Equipment has established itself as a leading national distributor of hand winches, serving industries that require reliable manual pulling and lifting solutions. With over 40 years of precision manufacturing experience, the company provides equipment designed for demanding applications in agriculture, energy, mining, construction, and government sectors. Their comprehensive approach combines ready-to-ship inventory with custom engineering capabilities.
Hand winches offer a practical solution when electrical or hydraulic power sources are unavailable or impractical. These hand-crank operated devices use internal gear systems to wind cables or ropes for pulling and lifting loads across various work environments. Bear Equipment stocks multiple series of hand winches with working load limits ranging from 175 to 11,000 pounds, utilizing different drive mechanisms, materials, and mounting configurations to match specific application requirements.
The company’s engineering staff evaluates customer applications to recommend appropriate equipment specifications. Beyond standard hand winch models, Bear Equipment manufactures sheaves and pulleys that complement their winching systems. This combination of distribution reach and manufacturing expertise allows them to serve both immediate equipment needs and specialized projects requiring custom-designed solutions.
Overview of Bear Equipment as a National Distributor
Bear Equipment operates as a manufacturer and distributor with over 40 years of precision manufacturing experience in hand winches and rope sheaves. The company expanded its distribution capabilities following a 2023 acquisition that combined decades of engineering expertise with enhanced manufacturing capacity.
Company Background and History
Bear Equipment built its reputation over four decades by focusing on precision-machined products for industrial applications. The company specializes in manufacturing rope sheaves, hand winches, and blocks for industries including agriculture, energy, mining, construction, and government sectors.
Bear Equipment maintains an inventory system designed for quick customer turnaround on standard products. The company also stocks sheaves based on specific customer requirements to meet varied application needs. Their distribution network supports rapid shipping capabilities across the country.
The company’s engineering staff provides technical support to help customers select appropriate equipment for their specific applications. This combination of manufacturing expertise and distribution infrastructure positioned Bear Equipment as a reliable supplier for material handling and lifting equipment needs.
Acquisition by Jeamar Winches
In 2023, Jeamar Winches acquired Bear Equipment, creating a combined entity with over 90 years of sheave design and manufacturing expertise. This acquisition expanded Bear Equipment’s product line to include Jeamar’s established directional blocks and hand winches, which have over 50 years of proven reliability in the market.
The merger brought together complementary capabilities in engineering and production. Bear Equipment gained access to Jeamar’s proven designs and product testing standards. The acquisition allowed the company to offer a wider range of hand winches with various styles and load capacities to meet diverse customer requirements.
This business combination strengthened Bear Equipment’s position as a national distributor by adding established product lines to their existing manufacturing capabilities.
State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Facility
Bear Equipment operates a manufacturing facility equipped with CNC machining capabilities for components up to 36 inches in diameter. The facility processes a wide range of materials and offers post-machining services including flame hardening and powder coating.
The manufacturing operation includes comprehensive machining, welding, and assembly services. Following the acquisition, the facility’s capabilities expanded beyond traditional sheave production to include custom fabrication projects. The engineering team works directly with customers to transform concepts into finished products.
The facility’s increased machining capacity enables Bear Equipment to handle both standard inventory items and custom-engineered solutions. This manufacturing infrastructure supports the company’s distribution model by ensuring product availability and quick fulfillment times for customers.
Hand Winch Product Range and Capabilities
Bear Equipment provides hand winches for manual pulling and lifting across multiple series, each designed with specific drive mechanisms, load ratings, and construction materials. The product line includes options ranging from 175 to 11,000 pounds capacity with various mounting configurations and brake systems.
Manual Pulling and Lifting Applications
Hand winches serve critical functions in industrial environments where powered equipment is impractical or unavailable. These devices enable operators to control loads during lifting, lowering, and horizontal pulling operations through mechanical advantage. The gear ratios in these winches reduce the effort needed to move heavy objects.
Applications span construction sites, marine environments, and manufacturing facilities. Workers use them to position equipment, secure loads, and perform maintenance tasks. The self-locking brake mechanisms reduce the skill level required for safe operation, making them suitable for various operators.
Types of Hand Winches Offered
Bear Equipment stocks seven distinct series of hand winches. The GW series handles the highest capacities from 550 to 11,000 pounds using worm or spur drive systems. The CMG/CMS series offers 330 to 3,000 pound capacity in steel or stainless steel construction.
The WMA series provides lighter-duty aluminum construction for 175 to 275 pound loads. The GS series features steel construction with painted finish for 275 to 2,200 pound applications. The WMG series uses spur gear drive for 660 to 2,200 pound capacity with galvanized finish.
The CMA series incorporates chain drive mechanisms for 440 to 1,760 pound loads in aluminum construction. The GC series rounds out the lineup with 1,500 pound capacity and spur gear drive.
Load Capacities and Material Options
The product range spans working load limits from 175 pounds in the WMA series to 11,000 pounds in the GW series. Material selection varies by series to balance strength, weight, and corrosion resistance requirements. Steel construction appears in the GW, GS, WMG, and GC series.
Aluminum materials reduce weight in the WMA and CMA series for applications where portability matters. Stainless steel options in the CMG/CMS series provide corrosion resistance for harsh environments. Finish options include painted, galvanized, and uncoated surfaces depending on the operating conditions and protection needs.
Comparison of Drive Mechanisms
| Drive Type | Series | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Worm/Spur | GW | High capacity, two-speed option |
| Spur | CMG/CMS, GS, WMG, GC | Direct power transfer |
| Direct | WMA | Simple operation |
| Chain | CMA | Compact design, two-speed option |
Worm gear hand winches provide high gear reduction ratios for moving heavy loads with less handle effort. Spur gear hand winches offer faster line speed with moderate gear reduction. Direct drive systems eliminate gear components for simpler maintenance requirements.
The brake systems vary between load pressure with ratchet and spring-applied mechanisms. Handles come in adjustable, fixed, and removable configurations. Mounting options include wall mount, console mount, or combination designs depending on the installation requirements.
Custom Engineered Solutions and Design Expertise
Bear Equipment combines decades of manufacturing experience with modern engineering tools to create custom solutions for specialized applications. The company offers comprehensive design services alongside standard products, with streamlined processes for requesting quotes and technical specifications.
Engineering Capabilities and Machining Capacity
Bear Equipment’s engineering team works directly with customers to transform concept drawings into finished products. The acquisition by Jeamar Winches in 2023 expanded the company’s technical resources significantly.
The facility operates CNC machining equipment that handles materials up to 36 inches in diameter. This machining capacity allows the company to produce large-scale components for industrial applications. Engineers can work with various materials depending on application requirements and environmental conditions.
After machining, the company provides additional finishing options. Flame hardening increases surface durability for components that experience high wear. Powder coating offers corrosion protection and extends product life in harsh environments.
The team reviews application details including load requirements, operating conditions, and installation constraints. This information helps engineers select appropriate materials and design specifications. Staff can recommend modifications to improve performance or reduce costs while maintaining safety standards.
Precision-Machined Solutions
The company manufactures custom sheaves and blocks using precision machining processes. Each component undergoes quality checks to verify dimensions meet specifications. Tolerances remain consistent across production runs.
Custom sheave designs accommodate specific rope diameters, load capacities, and mounting configurations. Engineers calculate groove profiles based on rope type and expected loads. The manufacturing process maintains these specifications throughout production.
In-house fabrication capabilities include welding and assembly services. This allows the company to deliver complete assemblies rather than individual components. Customers receive products ready for installation without additional fabrication work.
The facility produces components for cable routing systems, lifting equipment, and material handling applications. Manufacturing expertise extends beyond standard catalog items to specialized industrial equipment.
Custom Quotes and Fast Turnaround
The company provides same-day quotes for many custom projects. Engineers review specifications and generate pricing within hours of receiving requests. This quick response time helps customers maintain project schedules.
Customers can submit detailed specifications through multiple channels. Technical drawings, material requirements, and quantity needs guide the quoting process. The more complete the initial information, the faster the quote generation.
Lead times vary based on project complexity and current production schedules. Standard modifications to catalog items typically ship faster than completely custom designs. The company maintains inventory of common components to reduce wait times.
Pricing reflects material costs, machining time, and any post-processing requirements. Volume orders may qualify for reduced per-unit costs. Engineers can suggest design alternatives if budget constraints exist.
RFQ Cart and Contact Process
The new website at bearequipment.com features an RFQ cart system for submitting requests. Customers add items or specifications to the cart and submit all requirements at once. This streamlines the quote request process for multiple items.
A PDF quote form allows customers to provide detailed specifications offline. Users download the form, complete technical requirements, and upload it through the website. This option works well for complex projects with extensive documentation.
The contact form provides direct access to engineering staff. Customers describe their application and receive guidance on appropriate solutions. Staff respond to inquiries and help clarify technical requirements before formal quotes.
All quote requests route to experienced personnel who understand application requirements. The team asks clarifying questions when needed to ensure quotes reflect actual needs. This reduces revisions and speeds up the approval process.
Related Products: Sheaves, Blocks, and Pulleys
Bear Equipment provides precision-machined sheaves in both standard and custom configurations, along with directional blocks for cable routing and comprehensive pulley solutions. These components work together in lifting, rigging, and material handling systems across industrial applications.
Standard Sheaves and Custom Sheaves
Bear Equipment maintains inventory of roll formed sheaves and select standard options for quick delivery. These ready-to-ship products reduce wait times for common applications. The company also stocks sheaves based on specific customer requirements.
Custom sheave design requires engineering expertise and advanced manufacturing capabilities. Bear Equipment offers CNC machining up to 36 inches in diameter using various materials. Post-machining options include flame hardening for increased wear resistance and powder coating for corrosion protection.
The manufacturing process transforms sheave applications from initial concept to finished product. Engineering teams evaluate load requirements, rope diameter, and operating conditions. This ensures the final sheave meets performance specifications for the intended use.
Blocks for Cable Routing Applications
Directional blocks guide cables through routing systems in industrial settings. Bear Equipment stocks standard Jeamar blocks that provide over 50 years of proven reliability. These assemblies consist of one or more pulleys mounted in a frame.
Some applications require specifications beyond what standard blocks provide. Bear Equipment designs and manufactures custom blocks in-house to meet unique requirements. This capability allows for faster turnaround compared to outsourcing specialized block production.
Blocks and pulleys function as simple machines for lifting or moving heavy objects. The grooved rims on pulley wheels guide ropes, belts, or cables through the system. Multiple blocks can combine in tackle configurations to increase mechanical advantage.
Rope Sheaves and Pulley Options
Rope sheaves feature precisely machined grooves that match specific rope diameters. Proper groove geometry prevents rope damage and extends service life. The relationship between sheave diameter and rope diameter affects bending stress and overall system efficiency.
Material selection for rope sheaves depends on load capacity, operating environment, and cost considerations. Common materials include steel, aluminum, and composite options. Each material offers different strength-to-weight ratios and corrosion resistance properties.
Sheave design expertise accumulated over decades informs product development and application recommendations. Engineering staff reviews pulling or lifting requirements to recommend appropriate equipment. This technical support helps match rope sheaves and pulley configurations to actual operating conditions.
Hand Winch Distributor Contact Information
Address: 1051 M & O Dr, Bossier City, LA 71111, United States
Phone: +1 318-459-7114
