Windlass Brakes - Deck Machinery and Hull Equipment

Windlass brakes control and hold the anchor chain and wildcat on marine anchor windlasses. They are normally mechanical band or disc assemblies operated manually, hydraulically, or pneumatically and matched to the windlass and chain load.

ProShipWorks provides end-to-end support to source and supply Windlass Brakes for marine vessels, ship operators, industrial facilities, maintenance teams and procurement departments.

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Product Information

Product Name Windlass Brakes
Product Category Deck Machinery and Hull Equipment
Product Reference 391
Brands / Manufacturers MacGregor Pusnes, DMT Marine Equipment, Ibercisa Deck Machinery
Unit of Measure Piece or Set

Key Features

Key Feature
1.   High holding capacity for anchor-chain loads
2.   Fail-safe mechanical holding independent of the drive
3.   Replaceable friction linings
4.   Manual, hydraulic, or pneumatic actuation
5.   Marine-grade corrosion-resistant construction

Applications of Windlass Brakes

Application
1.  Holding the anchor and chain while secured
2.  Controlling anchor-chain speed during paying out
3.  Stopping the windlass wildcat in normal or emergency operation

Models & Manufacturers

Model Manufacturer
Manual screw-operated band brake Manufacturer-specific windlass design
Hydraulically operated band brake Manufacturer-specific windlass design
Hydraulic fail-safe disc brake Manufacturer-specific windlass design

Technical Specifications

Model Specification Value Unit
Windlass brake with chain stopper Minimum static holding load 45% of anchor-chain breaking strength —
Windlass brake without chain stopper Minimum static holding load 80% of anchor-chain breaking strength —
Manual screw-operated band brake Actuation Handwheel and screw mechanism —
Hydraulic fail-safe disc brake Operating principle Spring-applied, hydraulically released —

Standards, Certifications & Class Approval

Review the available standards and approval information relevant to the product. Actual certification, material traceability, inspection and classification requirements depend on the product type, intended application and purchasing specification.

Applicable Standards & Certification Common requirements include ISO 4568 for sea-going vessel windlasses and IACS UR A3 for anchor windlass design and testing. Materials, welding, machinery guarding, and hydraulic components may also be subject to applicable flag-state and class rules.
Class Approval Approval may be provided as part of the complete windlass system by DNV, ABS, Lloyd's Register, Bureau Veritas, ClassNK, RINA, or other vessel class societies. Acceptance depends on design calculations, holding-load tests, materials, and vessel-specific class requirements.

Installation, Maintenance & Safety Information

Installation Notes Use the OEM brake assembly, lining grade, fasteners, and clearances for the windlass model. Align the band or caliper evenly with the drum or disc, verify actuator travel, and conduct operational and holding-load tests after installation.
Maintenance Tips Inspect linings for wear, glazing, oil contamination, cracking, and uneven contact. Check pins, springs, linkages, handwheels, hydraulic seals, fasteners, and drum or disc condition. Adjust clearances only to OEM limits and renew contaminated linings.
Safety Notes Secure the anchor with the chain stopper and isolate windlass power before maintenance. Never rely solely on the brake while personnel work near the chain path. Keep clear of snap-back and pinch zones, and do not exceed the approved holding load.

Request a Quote for Windlass Brakes

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