Synthetic winch cable?

[John Mc]

I was just reading a 10+ year old publication that mentioned testing out synthetic ropes (Spectra or Kevlar) in logging winch applications. I've seen synthetic rope used on 12V ATV winches, but never heard of it on a 3 point hitch logging winch. I would think it would wear out too quickly or get cut/frayed on rocks. Has anyone here actually used a synthetic cable on a tractor logging winch? If so, what did you think of it?

[Bruno of NH]

Woody's equipment uses it on their 3pt winch and winches on the log loaders.
They had a 3pt winch at the Northern Project this year.
I want one

[BargeMonkey]

It's awesome stuff, alot of spectra in the maritime industry. Abrasion and heat kill it quickly, I don't see how it would live long on a foresty winch if it ever touched the ground. 

[John Mc]

 I don't see how it would live long on a forestry winch if it ever touched the ground.

That was my concern as well

[BargeMonkey]

 It's amazing stuff but it's got to be kept clean, special wrap where it may rub, we used to sheathe the smaller stuff in old firehose. Biggest thing is it doesn't snap back like wire when you part it. On my last boat I want to say the set of push gear was 15-18k for the 2x pieces in thimbles. 

[Sanford mizer]

I use it on the winch on the jeep and love it but dont think i would use it for my skidding winch.On the jeep i have two nylon sleeves that slide on the winch line for any place where it will rub on the ground or any other obstacles. They dont like a lot of dirt ground in them either.

[John Mc]

I use it on the winch on the jeep and love it but dont think i would use it for my skidding winch.On the jeep i have two nylon sleeves that slide on the winch line for any place where it will rub on the ground or any other obstacles. They dont like a lot of dirt ground in them either.

Interesting. So you just slide the sleeves along the line and put them on the rock, or whatever might be scraping on the winch line?
While I'd love to be handling synthetic line rather than steel on my logging winch, I can't imagine it holding up well in that application

[DR Buck]

I replaced the steel cable on the winch mounted on my log trailer with synthetic a few months ago.   So far I'm  happy but you do have to watch abrasion areas .

Hydraulic Winch Replacement Cable in General Board

[Sanford mizer]

I use it on the winch on the jeep and love it but dont think i would use it for my skidding winch.On the jeep i have two nylon sleeves that slide on the winch line for any place where it will rub on the ground or any other obstacles. They dont like a lot of dirt ground in them either.

Interesting. So you just slide the sleeves along the line and put them on the rock, or whatever might be scraping on the winch line?
While I'd love to be handling synthetic line rather than steel on my logging winch, I can't imagine it holding up well in that application

Yes anywhere it will rub on something we use a sleeve,they make some that velcro on too.Mine just slide up and down the line.I dont think i would try it on my skidding winch tho.

[Crusarius]

With how easy it abrades when rubbing it on a rock I would never think of using it on a skidding winch. I would be surprised if you got 4 hours out of it before it broke.

Works great on jeep with limited ground contact and relatively clean but Definitely not something I would invest in for trees.

[sawguy21]

We used Spectra for helicopter long lines, it was light and easy to handle but stretched and abrasion was a real problem. I agree, it wouldn't last long as a winch line.

[longtime lurker]

 

 


Probably a bit different on a winch machine where its in continuous useage, but theres no way I'd ever go back to wire when I've got a grapple and the winch use is only occasional. Go drag 300' of ¾" wire rope up a hill and you'll soon figure out that theres a time cost to wire, and that time cost is a whole lot less when you're dragging  2¼" Plasma. And you can hold the stuff without it biting your hands.

It doesn't seem to abrade that much in use - same as wire you pick a clear line and put a block on any major bends - except on the terminal fitting where it pulls across the D shackle. When it lets go you just tie another knot in it, takes a whole 30 seconds.

My only complaint really is you can't carry as much length on the drum.

[John Mc]

I don't envy you. My winch has 230' of 3/8" (actually 10mm) cable, so it weighs about 25% of what a 3/4" cable of equal length would weigh. It's not all that tough to drag it around, especially since I rarely use the full length.