When there is lifting, pulling, or even the moving of great loads by machinery, the winch cable becomes quite an important cog in the wheel. For those inexperienced in specifying or buying the equipment, however, the numerous options and technical considerations can become bewildering. The aim of this guide is to explain the selection of winch cables and help in arriving at a suitable decision for your operations. And hopefully you will be more educated as a result.
What Makes a Good Winch Cable?
Wire rope remains the traditional choice across most industries. It’s built from a number of strands of wire wound together, typically around a core that may be either fibre or steel. This construction gives wire rope its characteristic strength and flexibility. The more strands and wires in the construction, generally the more flexible the cable becomes, though this can come at the cost of overall strength.
Key Considerations for Your Operation
The breaking strength is often the dominating factor in initial discussions about cable selection, and for good reason. It shouldn’t be your only concern though. Consider the working load limit that takes into account real-world factors such as wear, shock loading, and angles of operation your cable will see. Most operations should maintain at least a five-to-one safety factor between breaking strength and working load.
The environment in which your cable will work greatly impacts it. Coastal operations have to address salt spray and moisture that can rapidly corrode wire rope if not treated. Construction sites have cables exposed to abrasive materials, such as concrete dust or sand. Then there is the chemical plant that introduces its own unique challenges into the mix. Each of these has specific consideration during the selection process.
Making the Right Choice
First, get to know your application: What’s the average weight that will be handled, and what’s the most one will need to pull? How often will you use the winch, and in what conditions? Will the operators also handle the cable directly?
Consider suppliers who ask questions rather than simply offering products. A good supplier will seek to understand your operation and discuss factors you may not have considered. They should be able to provide certification and test documentation for their products.
Consider also the implications of failure in your particular application. In some applications, the failure of a cable would lead to minor delays. In other environments, this might be serious enough to threaten life or cause environmental damage. Consequences should inform quality requirements and safety margins:
The selection of winch cable doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does take some forethought. Take the time required to understand your application requirements, ask the proper questions, and select equipment suitable to meet those demands. A cable that serves you reliably for years is well worth the effort in getting it right the first time and can save a lot of strain and time for particular processes.