Master-Pull
Supporting Sponsor
Maybe I'm wrong, but isn't the heat guard only needed if you're winching out? As long as you're winching in (not against the brake), it doesn't create huge amounts of heat (sure the motor does, but the drum doesn't). So I always unlock the drum manually before running out line.
I haven't had trouble with mine by doing it that way; but then again... my winch has only made a handful of heavy pulls.
Yes that is correct, most of the heat is generated when winching out under power, but I would rather be safe then sorry and keep the heat guard on there anyways.
-Alex