Author Topic: rope slipping on capstan winch (Read 3513 times)

Offthebeatenpath · « **on:** November 15, 2015, 03:04:49 PM »

Last week I finally bought a lightly used (supposedly less than a tank of gas through it) PCH5000 capstan winch. I used it this week dragging hemlock logs for a trail bridge. The logs were 21' long, 10-18" in diameter and milled on two or three sides. We hung spar blocks in trees to promote lifting/ decrease friction and sometimes used a power block on the logs to achieve a 2:1 advantage. We didn't hike the skidding cone out to the site, but used rock bars and peaveys to maneuver and lift up and over obstacles. Even when there was little friction, the rope in the winch kept slipping well before the engine ever bogged down.

I was not using the exact rope that is sold by the Portable Winch Company, but it was a 1/2" (12mm) static double braided polyester rope with the same strength and elongation, so I think it was pretty much the same. After a day of slipping, I bought a brand new 12 stand rigging rope (1/2" diameter) that is the same rope used in the Simpson capstan winches. It also slipped, but not quite as much.

I was able to keep it from slipping only by using five wraps, instead of the three or four that are recommended, but the rope was really mashed tightly on the capstan drum. It was raining most of the week, which may have contributed to the slipping.

Has anyone else run into this? Is there something that I can be doing better here?

grassfed · « **Reply #1 on:** November 15, 2015, 04:59:55 PM »

I am able to stall mine with four wraps. It has been a while since I have used mine but I can't remember being in a situation where it would keep slipping rather than stalling. I am not sure that I can get five wraps on the drum so maybe I count differently. The skidding cone helps a lot if the log end is digging any.

Quebecnewf · « **Reply #2 on:** November 15, 2015, 09:12:56 PM »

I use one of those winches for all my logging. Mostly smaller logs than 21' hemlock. I use 3/8 " twisted poly rope ( fishing rope). The braided stuff might be better but too expensive. We.use up two rope a season normally. I think 3/8 rope would be better it is more than strong enough to stall the winch. We use 3 and sometimes 4 wraps. Never more than that. Could be the rain was some of the problem along with 1/2" rope.

Try the 3/8 twisted poly rope. Not the crap rope sold at your local hardware store but real rope used in commercial fishing. Some brand names are Super Dan / poly steel/ poly pro/ ester pro/ easy haul .....

Quebecnewf

Offthebeatenpath · « **Reply #3 on:** November 15, 2015, 10:56:06 PM »

Thanks for the input. I haven't heard about rope slippage being an issue which why I was surprised when it happened.

Guess I should probably order a 3/8" rope, but I like having the strongest line I can get. The 1/2" ropes only have a breaking strength of 7000# or so before knots. With a 2200# pull on the winch, the safety factor is a bit less than I would ideally want. Unfortunately, the stronger the rope, the more slippery is often is.

beenthere · « **Reply #4 on:** November 15, 2015, 11:19:29 PM »

You probably already know to not get rope that stretches... they can be killers...

Quebecnewf · « **Reply #5 on:** November 16, 2015, 05:01:32 AM »

I see by your profile you are located in Maine . You should have easy access to good fishing rope for sure. As I said we use 3/8 fishing rope ( rope used on crab fishing gear) . I have only managed to break one piece over the years and that piece was getting worn. Normally this rope will stall the winch before breaking.

3/8" Superdan rope has a breaking strength of 3920 lbs.. If it is not badly worn you won,t break it . The winch will stall first....

Quebecnewf

sprucebunny · « **Reply #6 on:** November 16, 2015, 06:20:06 AM »

Maybe a Dacron covered rope ? On our sailboat,we used to get Dacron for jib sheets cause it worked in the winches better.

Polyester is part of UHMWPE which is very slippery stuff !

Quebecnewf · « **Reply #7 on:** November 16, 2015, 10:43:48 AM »

On our sailboat we used to use.....no,wait I don,t own a sailboat. I guess not a lot of sailboat owners on this " in the woods " crowd??"

How are those J5,s holding up for you in the woods?

Quebecnewf

sprucebunny · « **Reply #8 on:** November 16, 2015, 12:10:15 PM »

The J5 is doing well but doesn't get a lot of use. I put electronic points in it recently

I had another thought about the winch ( also related to boats

) How about non-skid tape on the capstan

LeeB · « **Reply #9 on:** November 16, 2015, 12:20:20 PM »

Don't think I would do that myself. You want to be able to slack the rope and stop pulling. The non skid wouldn't let you have any control. It would be only pull.

Quebecnewf · « **Reply #10 on:** November 16, 2015, 01:37:30 PM »

No you will not be able to use non skid tape . It will not stand and would make the winch dangerous in that you could not " slack off" like you need to sometimes.
Quebecnewf

Offthebeatenpath · « **Reply #11 on:** November 19, 2015, 08:40:08 PM »

Well, it stopped raining this week and the capstan worked much better. Today it started raining again and it slipped a bit. Seems like the rain plays a huge factor with the winch working effectively. I'm also learning how to use it more smoothly. All in all, it's a pretty sweet device.

Quebecnewf · « **Reply #12 on:** November 21, 2015, 04:55:27 PM »

The more you use it the more you will realize what a great device you have. I bought one 7 or 8 years ago and it's the best money I ever spent.

Just for information how good a deal did you get on it?

Quebecnewf

Offthebeatenpath · « **Reply #13 on:** November 22, 2015, 09:53:32 AM »

Yeah, I'm sure I'll find more and more uses for it. I have six other small "portable" type winches and they each have their niche.

I paid $1000 cash for the winch ($1450 retail before tax), the rugged carrying case ($240) and a skidding cone ($150). I believe the guy when he said it was only used twice- pulled out two moose. The only scratches on it are what I've done in the last two weeks. It's only had trufuel non ethanol gas through it.

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