Winch Cable Jammed ??

[pdabrody]

I am relatively new to the forum but have been a visitor many times. I own a Norse 350 skidding winch that is realtively new. I attempted to pull a large log about 70 ft from the tractor and was unable to budge it. I put a fair amount of tension on the cable and then decided to cut the log. I was able to reel half the log in. I then walked back to the remaining portion of the log but was not able to reach the second half of the log because I was unable to pull out the cable past the 70 ft. It appears that the cable is stuck and I am not able to pull it out. I am not sure if it is tangled or wedged. It doesn't look like it is tangled. Should I try attaching the cable to a tree and give it a steady tug when it reaches the 70 ft where it appears to be jammed or are there other methods that I should be trying?

Thanks

 

[srs]

If you do decide on attaching the cable to a tree you might want to spray a generous amount of lubricating fluid on the cable first to let it soak in a little. Maybe that would be enough to help loosen it. Just a thought. Any pics?

 

[EMS503]

When the cable on our rescue truck became stuck in the winch we would hook up to a tree and back out slow and steady, This would free up the cable. When free make sure that portion of the cable is not damaged.

 

[Gordon Gould]

This cable jamming between other turns on the drum is pretty common when you suddenly put a lot of force on the cable that has not seen that much steady pressure in a while. Just hook it to a treee or stump or log and drive forward easily as suggested to free it. No fret, just part of woods work. If you feel it happens to often retightn the cable on the drum by stringing it all out and respool it under the tension of pulling your tractor. Avoid pulling the cable in w/o any tension on it.

After a you get some more experience with your winch you will 'know' that you probably just jammed the cable. You can test it by giving the cable a yank. If it is jammed sometimes the easiest thing to do is lift the winch right then and drive forward a little to free it.

 

[Gordon Gould]

BTW - Welcome to TBN :thumbsup:
I just noticed this was your first post. I hope you show us some of the stuff you do with your tractor.

 

[oosik]

Gordon's remarks are spot on. I've used a winch for over 40 years when 4-wheelin'. Your cable is simply caught between other wraps on the takeup spool. A couple of notes - 1) only use specific grease/lube on your cable, anything else will attract dirt and create greater cable wear. The cable comes from the factory pre-greased and under normal use should not need any additional lube. 2) always wear gloves - heavy leather - when handling the cable. The strands of the cable will, with use, wear and break. These broken ends going thru an ungloved hand will cut severely and can ruin an otherwise great day.

 

[pdabrody]

Gentlemen , thank you for the advice. I hooked the cable up to a tree and gave it what I think was a very slight pull with the tractor and it came free. Maybe I should eat more Wheaties given how easily it freed up. I was able to finish winching out the rest of the tree today. It was a large sugar maple with the main trunk length of about 50'. A 6' choker would not quite wrap around the trunk so I used two chains to hook up the cable and then made my pulls. No problems.

Thanks

 

[newbury]

It didn't happen unless you show us pictures!!

 

[PhysAssist]

It didn't happen unless you show us pictures!!

What Mr. NEWBury said is our mantra, plus many of us would like the opportunity to drool over your skidding winch.

And- Welcome to TBN!

Happy and safe tractoring!
Thomas

PS: If your winch cable ever bites the dust, think about a blue armor rope to replace it, I bought one for my truck winch and it is amazing-huge tensile strength without stretch or weight.

 

[msch2112]

A crow bar comes in handy but be very careful when dealing with winches.