Definition(s)
Cathead, Automatic
A clutch operated metal mechanical device consisting of a wheel having a flanged or flat surfaced rim or a spool shaped drum mounted on a shaft to which the end of a wire or fiber rope or chain is attached. The rotating cathead imparts a pulling power to the line attached to it.
Source: Petroleum Safety Orders–Drilling and Production, Definitions, California Code of Regulations, 8 CCR § 6505, December 2012. Regulations