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Winding engine
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<p>A winding engine is a <a href="/facts/Stationary_engine/pbwtW3hR">stationary engine</a> used to control a <a href="/facts/Wire_rope/9z4b9SYB">cable</a>, for example to power a <a href="/facts/Hoist_(mining)/nx74s2dv">mining hoist</a> at a <a href="/facts/Pit_head/BSxjt6Gw">pit head</a>. Electric <a href="/facts/Hoist_controller/AVVneFxT">hoist controllers</a> have replaced proper winding engines in modern <a href="/facts/Mining/g6uDIFab">mining</a>, but use <a href="/facts/Electric_motor/ArD7BGDa">electric motors</a> that are also traditionally referred to as <i>winding engines</i>. </p><p>Early winding engines were hand, or more usually <a href="/facts/Horse_engine/GWYHuCMe">horse powered</a>. </p> <p>The first powered winding engines were <a href="/facts/Stationary_steam_engine/l8HmqYSq">stationary steam engines</a>. The demand for winding engines was one factor that drove <a href="/facts/James_Watt/29KvGNW0">James Watt</a> to develop his <a href="/facts/Rotative_beam_engine/pwzXufl7">rotative beam engine</a>, with its ability continuously to turn a winding drum, rather than the early <a href="/facts/Reciprocating_engine/ItLAxmW3">reciprocating</a> <a href="/facts/Beam_engine/pwzXufl7">beam engines</a> that were only useful for working <a href="/facts/Pump/UtMn3Btt">pumps</a>. </p><p>They differ from most other stationary steam engines in that, like a <a href="/facts/Steam_locomotive/cXEQwhFk">steam locomotive</a>, they need to be able to stop frequently and also reverse. This requires more complex <a href="/facts/Valve_gear/gNVMxbwm">valve gear</a> and other controls than are needed on engines used in mills or to drive <a href="/facts/Pump/UtMn3Btt">pumps</a>. </p>