Winch Accessory - Wallenstein LXT95 Operator's Manual

Service and Maintenance

7.6 Winch Accessory

CAUTION!
Avoid the risk of rope failure. Do not replace rope
with one that is not approved for use on this
winch. Rope properties may be unknown and
failure could result. Refer to the parts manual for
replacement rope type.
Synthetic Rope Use
If you winch a lot and find wire rope can be a problem, synthetic
can be a great option since it is lightweight and easy to handle.
It does not develop sharp burrs like steel rope. Synthetic rope
can require more maintenance, however. It is more prone to
abrasion. It should be regularly inspected for frays or other
damage caused by UV, chemicals, and general use.
WARNING!
Synthetic rope that fails under tension can snap
back with great force causing injury or death.
Avoid sudden jerks, quick starts or stops. Start
slowly and smoothly. Replace if kinked, badly
frayed, has knots, cuts, or broken strands.
Rope inspection
It is a good idea to check the entire rope for wear and re spool it
neatly after every use. Check the winch rope for any cut strands,
fraying parts, abrasion, or heat damage from the winch. After
use, all winch lines will get a little fuzzy from abrasion. This is
normal, but if an entire strand is cut the winch line needs to
be replaced or fixed. For the winch line to work properly and
maintain its strength, all strands must be intact.
Handling
Synthetic winch rope generally lies on the surface of mud or
water instead of becoming completely submerged like a steel
rope, making winching through these conditions easier.
Besides being the lightweight option for winch ropes, synthetic
rope has the added benefit of being extremely flexible. This
allows it to be handled much easier than a steel winch rope,
especially when free-spooling and hauling around. It also
prevents the synthetic line from kinking like the steel rope is
prone to if not handled properly.
Strength
Steel winch rope can stand more abrasion. It can be pulled over
obstacles and rough terrain without fear of damage to the rope
itself. If winching primarily in muddy, rocky, or sandy conditions
a steel rope may be a better fit.
A synthetic winch rope, while having more than enough strength
to pull the load without snapping, is very susceptible to damage
from rubbing up against or sliding along rugged surfaces.
W094
Weather
A steel winch rope is more resilient to different weather
conditions than a synthetic one. Inspect the rope from time to
time to ensure the steel strands have not rusted.
There are several environmental factors that adversely affect
synthetic rope—heat and direct sunlight being two of its worst
enemies. Both heat and UV exposure break down the fibers
of the synthetic rope weakening it and making it brittle over
time. Frequent use in mud, dirt and sandy conditions can also
damage a synthetic rope if it is not properly cleaned and cared
for.
Cleaning Synthetic Rope
When dirt and grit become lodged in between the strands of the
winch line they cause abrasion to the fibers when the winch line
is put under a load. Over time this can cause a breakdown in the
W095
integrity and strength of the rope.
Wash winch rope if it gets dirty by unspooling the entire line
from the winch and lay it on a clean surface. Once the line is
laid out, rinse it well with water from a hose.
To really get the strands free of dirt and grit, fill a bucket with
water and mild soap. Push together on the rope to open the
strands up and rinse in the water. Run the entire length of the
winch line through the water until it is cleaned.
54
LXT95 / LXT115
Log Trailer & Grapple