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You are here: Home / Equipment / Why This Winch Wire Is Dangerous

Why This Winch Wire Is Dangerous

Published May 4, 2015 By Mick Farmer

Warn Out

This vehicle turned up for a training session recently. It wasn’t part of a recovery course, thankfully.

We found the clutch in the free spool position which is probably the reason for the rats nest.  Lots of bumpy unsealed roads could do that to the wire.

So, a key point is to ensure the clutch is in the normal winch position, locked, when travelling.

Worn Out Winch Wire - Example
Winch clutch in the free spool position.
Winch Hook Set Up -Bad-Shape
Winch Wire in Bad Shape

What Could Have Gone Wrong

  • If the winch had been used as is, to recover, then the wire could easily have failed.
  • When this happens it flies around in the air, unwinding itself in the process. Life threatening for anyone in the danger zone.
  • Also, there was no winch kit with the vehicle; so no damper would have been used to prevent the above.

To Fix the Problem

  • The wire will need replacing.
  • Or take the winch off to stop anyone using it.

The vehicle was not being used in area where it was likely to get stuck if driven correctly. So, it worth considering, is a winch the correct / safest tool for the job?

Related

Filed Under: Equipment Tagged With: Equipment, recovery gear, winch

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About Mick Farmer

For the last 20 years, I have been the lead trainer /director for OnCourse. Have played a leading role in developing their courses into, probably, the best off road training courses, globally.

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