In 1924, Glenn T. Braden founded the Braden Steel Corporation in Tulsa, OK, and began to supply equipment for the booming oil industry. The original Reliable-Braden (R-B) Hub Winch was built into the back of the hub of a truck wheel. The capstan-style design found wide acceptance in both oilfield and utility use.
The first oil-soaked safety brake used in the winch industry was patented by BRADEN in 1927, setting the standard for worm gear hoisting winches. The company also introduced the first conventional horizontal winch for truck bed mounting in 1928.
The BRADEN PD Series was launched in 1967. Specifically engineered for use on mobile and offshore cranes for construction and marine applications, the PD hydraulic hoists were BRADEN’s first self-contained “power drum” units with gearing located inside the drum. The larger capacity BRADEN CH (Construction Hoist) Series followed in 1968.
In 1981, BRADEN solved an important problem in relation to energy absorption and dynamic braking, particularly for vertical lifts, by developing the BRADEN Brake Valve. Long-time BRADEN engineer Dave Johnson is credited for crafting the “brains of the winch.”
The patented BRADEN Brake Valve was hailed as a significant advancement in terms of efficiency by offering operators greater speed variability alongside smoother lifting and lowering capabilities and more reliable load control.
The BRADEN UCB12 Winch Bumper System is engineered for demanding utility and service applications. This rugged, all-steel winch and bumper system combines a highly efficient gear train with fast line speeds and continuous-duty operation. Its three-position manual clutch provides winch, freespool/neutral and capstan modes, while independent winch and capstan operation enhances safety and versatility. The customizable workspace can accommodate cone racks, tow hooks, tie-downs, storage, fleet branding and more.
