winches - plasma rope or wire cable?

Once saw a Series III shorty winch 9 other Land Rovers of all descriptions up a "green ice" meadow in Derbyshire using his capstan winch. Can't say H&S would be impressed with the operation, but a natural fibre rope of around an inch and a bit on the capstan and he rescued a whole day out.

Note for those unfamiliar with the term: Green Ice is used to describe wet grass on black clay topsoil as found in the British Midlands.

I'm personally a fan of synthetic, mostly for the weight saving on 30m of wire rope and the fairhead (the hawse is usually alloy or plastic) of around 11kg and secondly for the ease of handling it. I've used wire extensively over the years and I firmly believe in its merrits as described and no argument you guys who clearly work in the lifting and hoisting industries and prefer that to synthetic.

My only gripe as usual is the ludicrous price of prepared synthetic line here in Australia. 35m would cost you exactly double the price charged in the UK and without the weight of the hook, the delivery charge is negligible!

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Originally Posted by Blknight.aus

bet I can lay on a 12T pull using it as the only winching source.

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Yep. I carry snatch blocks too.

I also bought this.
4 ton breaking strain.

eBay Australia: Buy new & used fashion, electronics & home d

Keith

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Originally Posted by Yorkshire_Jon

Ok, so maybe I should have said its easier to spool back on than wire because it doesn't birds nest and kink, rather than say just let it pull itself on. On reflection not the best use of English:)

However, if some operator (should read muppet) allows a rope to get tangled in the workings of the winch then they don't deserve to own it.

Still stand by the basis of what I said though.

Sent using Forum Runner

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In one breath you say some muppet allows a rope to be damaged, yet you say that your wire rope is kinked, broken strands etc. seems you treat wire rope like **** then complain about the outcome. Try treating your plasma (whatever) rope the same way you have treated your wire rope and see how long it doesn't last, regards Frank.

Look it's like this. IMHO.

If you want something that will be there for use IF you get stuck, dyneema/plasma will be fine. But cover the winch drum with something to protect the rope from UV.

If you want to use the winch as a working winch - e.g. dragging logs, winching deer carcasses into trees, and so on then wire rope is a must.

Whatever you do and irrespective of which rope you have, ALWAYS pretend its heavily stressed wire rope and act accordingly. It's dangerous, not the plaything many seem to think. And just because dyneema/plasma is "safer" than wire rope does NOT make it 'safe".

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Originally Posted by 123rover50

Its a shame the Landy Capstan is only rated at 3000 pounds.

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That would be the SWL which is usually 1/5 of the guaranteed breaking strain, so 3,000lbs ain't bad, would do me, Regards Frank.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 123rover50

I also bought this.
4 ton breaking strain.

eBay Australia: Buy new & used fashion, electronics & home d

Keith

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The SWL is less than 1 Ton though, regards Frank.

I use synthetic but also carry at least one steel rope extension for dragging, or running across rocks etc. I had a set made years ago of 2 x each 5, 10 & 20m plus a 35m. was fine on the series wrapped around the bumper (also had steel on the PTO in that). Harder to wrap the D2 tube bar though, could look good, start redesign... now.

I'm attempting to budget in for a new rope, The guys in Girraween were great when it came to the steel years ago and have been my source for all lifting and pulling gear for 20+ years. When I asked them about dyneema they hadn't dealt with it previously but organised the rep to come out and do an info/training session for all their employees and allowed me to sit in to learn the ropes (sorry), and get training on splicing etc.

If anyone is interested check out the website for Samson ropes under winch ropes. It has a great deal of info on their ropes and constructions plus videos on tying and splicing.
Samson-The Strongest Name in Rope, Winch Lines

Thinking of changing my steel winch rope to dyneema / plasma purely to save weight over the front axle as its sitting a little low on the standard progressive springs.

I already tried heavier front springs but then the articulation is poor in comparison.

Dumb question, anyone know if the roller fairlead will work with synthetic rope or do I need a hawse fairlead. ( yes I realise it will save a few kilos too)

Roller fairleads are meant to be a risk with synthetic ropes, as the rope can get caught in a corner between rollers and damaged. Hence the vast majority use a solid hawse fairlead.