The part of the winch that actually propels the cable, rope, or chain is called a winch motor. The winch motor, which is typically electrical, air, or hydraulically powered, is in charge of the winch's pulling force as well as, fairly frequently, of powering the cable, rope, or chain out or off of the winch. The winch motor on big overhead winches used in factories may be the size of a small car and run on very high electric voltage. The motors used in vehicle-mounted winch applications are frequently driven by 12-volt, car battery-style batteries and resemble starting motors for automobile engines.The power of the winch motor often determines a winch's ability to pull and lift. The electric winch motor's frequently high speed is transformed to torque and pulling power by a series of reduction gears. This enables the
winch motor to operate without undue stress or strain, much as how a bicycle's gears enable a person to ascend a steep slope without growing tired or getting off the bike. Additionally, far smaller motors can be used than would otherwise be necessary to move the huge loads thanks to the gearbox.