Ironman winch

[powerguy]

Recently had an experience where I needed to use my Ironman 12000lb pull winch to extract myself from a water table. Ran the cable out and found it was wrapping over itself on the winch drum so pulled it all out to re-spool it only to have the end come out through the fairlead! It is secured by a bolt through the side of the drum and this bolt had fallen out. Luckily I was on a job so had a bolt kit with me and was able to extricate myself. Dealer that fitted the winch did not even bother to respond to my email about the experience and the suggestion they fit Loctite to these bolts.

I have since replaced the steel cable with Dynice synthetic rope, it spools on much more easily (not fighting the spring), no sprags and can fit more rope on the drum. I opted to keep it at 20m to have more clearance between rope on drum and bodywork.

[geeves]

Some of the cheaper winches only have a hook to attach the cable. It is only to locate the end you should not winch with less than 4 wraps on the drum. Also with steel rope you do need to pretension it by unwinding and rewinding with a small load applied a couple of times. Dynamica does not need this pretension but be careful. If your winch has a drum brake do not wind the cable out under load

[powerguy]

Thanks for the tips, I was aware of the spooling out. This winch has a manual release for the over-run brake for spooling out cable but with the steel it is a real pain as it tends to "spring" loose turns around the drum so basically you have to let it all out and then wind it back in taking care to get layers tight on the drum. Synthetic is much easier! Had used the winch a few times previously but the wire rope was still like fighting a coil spring. Next time around I will be bit more aware of the quality issues and will specify a better winch.