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The hand windlass was the earliest winding device. In the early 17^th century horse-driven gins came into use. Steam winders were invented in the 19^th century, these gave way to electric winders in the 20^th century around the time of nationalisation. The winding engines are the biggest power-consuming units at a colliery and share with the fan engine the responsibility of the lives of everyone underground. Apart from the safety aspect, the pit’s capacity to draw coal and earn money is dependent on them.

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