Trekketrekke

Trekketrekke is a Norwegian term used to describe a pulling system or mechanism designed to apply a controlled pulling force to move or extract heavy loads along a line. It is most often encountered in rigging, lifting, and material handling, where a steady and adjustable tension is required.

The word is formed from trek (pull) and rekke (line or sequence) and is used in engineering and industrial contexts to refer to the act or device responsible for drawing a load along a path. In practice, trekketrekke can denote both the method of pulling and the hardware that enables it.

A typical trekketrekke consists of several core components: a drum or spool to wind the rope or cable, a motive power source (such as an electric motor or a hydraulic drive), gearing to adjust speed and torque, and a braking or locking system to control motion. The pulling line is usually a rope or steel cable with a hook or shackle for attaching loads. Control systems range from simple manual levers to sophisticated remote controls and integrated safety interlocks.

Common applications include forestry for skidding logs, construction for moving materials or equipment, and maritime or industrial settings where precise tensioning of lines is required. Safety considerations emphasize correct rigging, load rating, regular inspection of lines and hardware, and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment.

Historically, trekketrekke devices evolved from manual capstans and simple winches to powered systems in the late 19th and 20th centuries, enabling higher loads and greater control. See also winch, capstan, and rigging.