STEEL CABLE V's SYNTHETIC ROPE
they both have their fors & againsts.
after being involved with winch comps for over 15 years either as a competitor (mainly) or sponcor I have seen alot of fors & againsts for both steel cable & synthetic rope.
STEEL good's
(1) strong & durable:- it can handle heat (winch that log over to the fire), can handle excessive drum heat when overloading any low mount winch the drum will heat up thus the 30/15 rule, 30 on 15 off.
(2) it can withstand ruff & abrasive surfaces (better than rope) Ie sharp rocks,sharp edges on bullbars, damaged fairleads.
(3) it can sit on the drum & be forgotten about,not being used for months & not having to be cleaned over that time.
(4) cable maintence is less labour intensive. (once a year, pull cable out under presure, mace sure it is free of mud, spray with oil based lubricant, re-winde again under pressure.)
SYNTHETIC good's
(1) light weight, floats on water, can freespool 5 to 10 mtrs & throw it to where you want with the weight of the hook, less weight on the front of the car.
(2) has no memory, :- can be put on freespool without the worry of birdnesting, you dont have to keep it under load as it wont re-coil.
(3) dosnt get those anoying sharp metal splinters like steel.
(4) less likley to decapitate someone if snaped under load.
(5) is the only style of winch cable thas can be used in any winch comp that is CCDA sanctioned.
(6) can tie it in a not if snapped & continue winching to get yourself out of trouble.
STEEL bad's
(1) has memory :- will re-coil if not under load, will bird nest on the drum if not under load. If cable is snapped it can come back that hard serious injeroury or vehicle damage could happen.
(2) heavier :- sinks in water & you have to drag it threw the mud, cant throw it up a hill or accross a creek & walk over & meet it.
(3) always gets small fractures that leave sharp splinters to get your fingers.
SYNTHETIC bad's
(1) hates sharp abrasive surfaces:- sharp rocks, sharp edges on bullbars, fairlead rollers (can pinch the rope)
(2) can jam in snatch blocks / pullies (if not a correct fit).
(3) hate heat.
(4) some brands are UV sensative.
(5) sand & grit can cut rope fibers from the inside-out.
(6) maintence is more labour intensive (once every 6 mnths take rope off drum wash it out very well,opening up the fibers as you go to make sure the grit is all removed, then re-wind. Winding under pressure is not nessesary). I used to take mine off & throw it in the wifes washing machine, & yes I used to get in the sh!t if caught.
Life span!! STEEL - SYNTHETIC
like anything, if you look after it you will have it along time, if you abuse it , it wont last. Steel is obviously more robust than synthetic, but because of its nature it is a little more awkard to use.
Ive seen some steel cables still working fine for over 20years on customers cars(they might only use it 2 or 3 times a year , but its still over 20 yrs old.)
with comps I used to do 4 major winch comps a year, this works out at about 25 uses per comp that equals to 200 used per year. The average person might only use their winch 10 times per year. I used to retire my comp ropes after 2 years of use, thats an average of 400 uses before retirement, thats about 40 years when you add up 10 uses per year.
At the end of the day , you put on your winch whatever you prefer, whatever you feel more comfortable & safe with. But what ever you use, if used safely & looked after, you will have it for a long time.
Just for "LIFTED TJ" & your anti TJM mates this isnt a TJM ADD.
Cheers Piggy
Ian McClenahan "piglet"
TJM 0411444897.
piglet@4x4megastore.com.au
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The Jeep
Trailhawk
