4.2 Winch Rope Maintenance Cleaning: • Use low pressure water to clean synthetic rope. Do not use any chemicals. • Do not direct high pressure water (pressure washers, car washes, etc.) directly between the drum support and drum flange or clutch lever. • Use low pressure water and a soapy rag or sponge to clean the winch. • Avoid using chemicals that may damage the finish. • Thoroughly clean salt residue from the winch as soon as possible to minimize corrosion. Rope Inspection: WARNING Always inspect winch rope, hook, and slings before operating winch. Frayed, kinked or damaged winch rope must be replaced immediately. Damaged components must be replaced before operation. Protect parts from damage. When rope is first used, the outer filaments of the rope will quickly fuzz up. This is the result of these filaments breaking and this roughened surface will actually protect the fibers underneath. The condition should stabilize, not progress. If the surface roughness increases, excessive abrasion is taking place and strength is being lost. Look closely at both the inner and outer fibers. When either is worn the rope is obviously weakened. Open the strands and look for powdered fiber—this is a sign of internal wear. Localized discolorations could potentially represent chemical attack by anything from gear oil to battery acid. When doubt exists, replace the rope. Maintenance: • Inspect the winch rope and heat sleeve before and after each winching operation. Frayed or damaged rope must be replaced immediately. See rope care and storage. • The rope must always spool onto the drum as indicated by the drum rotation decal on the winch. • Use winch cover to protect winch and synthetic rope when not in use. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays from sunlight can degrade synthetic rope strength over time. • Avoid using synthetic rope over any rough surfaces without abrasion protection. • Keep winch rope free of moisture, grease, dirt or other debris. If necessary, clean with a damp cloth.
Rope should be replaced when: • Rope bulk anywhere along the length is reduced by 10% or more by abrasion. • Two or more adjacent strands are cut. • Flat areas or lumps are found that are not eliminated by flexing rope. • Excessive fused or melted fibers are found. Any such areas will be stiff and the rope will have a glazed appearance.
• Rope with original bulk.
• Rope displaying 25% strand volume reduction from abrasion—rope should be replaced.
• Rope strand showing full volume.
• Rope strand reduced by 25% abrasion—rope should be replaced.
• Rope exhibits fiber-set from compression. A slight sheen is visible. This is not a permanent characteristic and can be eliminated by flexing the rope.
• Rope displays two adjacent cut strands—rope should be replaced.
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