Tajfun EGV 35A – First-Time Setup
Buying a forestry winch is one thing. Setting it up correctly before the first pull is what determines how long it lasts and how safely it works.
In this multi-part video series, DC Forestry & Farming walks through the first-time setup of the Tajfun EGV 35A, following the same procedures outlined in the official manual – step by step, on a real tractor, in real conditions.
Below is a clear breakdown of the most important setup steps every new EGV 35A owner should complete before putting the winch to work.
1. PTO Shaft Length – Don’t Skip This
Before anything else, the PTO shaft must be cut to match your tractor.
The manual specifies a 20–30 mm (≈¾–1¼ in) clearance between the protective plastic and the shaft components. That gap allows for movement and prevents hard contact when the PTO is under load.
Key takeaways:
Measure first—every tractor is different
Cut equal length from both sides of the PTO shaft
Maintain proper overlap per the manual
Test fit before final assembly
A PTO that’s too long can cause serious drivetrain damage. Too short reduces strength. This step matters.
2. Proper Greasing & Lubrication
Before operation, lubrication is not optional.
What to grease:
PTO shaft
PTO U-joints & fittings
Rear winch grease points (yellow caps for easy identification)
Internal drive chain (under the protective grate)
Even if your winch arrives pre-greased, verify everything yourself before first use.
3. Inspect the Wire Rope Before Use
This is critical – and often overlooked.
The winch cable must be fully pulled out and inspected before first use. Once the cable is used, it is no longer covered under warranty.
What to check:
No kinks, flat spots, or shipping damage
Even winding on the drum
Correct termination
The EGV 35A comes with 70 m (≈230 ft) of high-quality wire rope designed to resist fraying – but inspection is still required.
4. Stretching & Re-Spooling the Cable
Before real work begins, the cable must be stretched and rewound under load.
Best practice shown in the video:
Anchor the cable to a solid tree
Pull the tractor back slowly
Leave at least 5 wraps on the drum at all times
Rewind under tension for tight, even layering
This prevents future cable damage and ensures smooth operation.
5. Choosing the Right Pulling Force
With compact and mid-size tractors, more pulling force isn’t always better.
At roughly 8,000 lb pulling force, the EGV 35A is well-matched to smaller tractors. In real use, traction and tractor weight often become the limiting factor long before winch capacity.
For most operators pulling single logs at a time, the 35A is right where it should be.
Final Thought
This setup process isn’t complicated – but skipping steps leads to problems.
What we appreciate about this video series is that it confirms what the manual already tells you, but shows it done in the real world. If this is your first forestry winch – or your first Tajfun – this is exactly how you want to start.