Flatbeds require a means to secure their loads, and winches that require less effort to tighten load straps always are in demand.

Ancra International has unveiled the EZ Torque Winch, a gear drive winch that replaces the standard 34-inch winch bar with a 6-inch handle, allowing truck-ers to secure loads with a smooth, simple rotational motion, according to the company. The EZ Torque Winch requires just one-third the amount of force needed to torque-tighten a load strap, Ancra says. The device will achieve the 1,500 pounds of tension on the webbing - the approximate tension needed to secure a load - with a few dozen rotations of its removable handle, after slack has been taken out of the straps. About 40 pounds of pressure is needed to achieve the 1,500 pounds of tension. The unit, made of zinc-plated steel, also facilitates faster load securement to save time, according to the company.

Ancra also teamed up with Traction Technologies Inc. to manufacture, market and distribute Cinch, an air-powered winch. Because Cinch allows operators to tighten loads with just a two-button operation, more drivers, regardless of size or strength, will be able to secure loads, the companies say.