synthetic choices for an 8274

[RockDoc]

I have a new 8274-50 to install on my wagon, and would like to outfit it with a synthetic line.

After looking around a bit, I am 90% sure I want to go with no frills Amsteel Blue. After reading Bill Burke's write up on it, it seems like this is the best choice for use with a roller fairlead and snatch block. Durable, plus I can get it locally.

So my questions to those with more experience are:
Any reason I should consider another product?
Will the amsteel work with a fresh metal roller fairlead? Or do I really need to get synthetic rollers or an aluminum hause?
I am leaning towards 150' of 5/16", any reason I should consider the 3/8" a better choice?


Curtis.

 

[Jester]

I like the Amsteel Blue for the price, but I'd recommend 3/8 for an 8274. It is a STRONG 8K winch. I've seen a couple of guys break 5/16 Amsteel with 8274s, but the line had been abused.

 

[RockDoc]

Hmmm, so real world requires a thicker, stronger line to stand up to abrasion...?

How is this stuff for splicing/repairing? Is it a DIY repair?

 

[Blue77FJ40]

And I'd recommend going with an aluminum hause. The line can get pinched between the steel rollers. There are delrin-based roller fairleads, but the aluminum hause will be your best bet for synthetic line longevity.

 

[TroutRunner]

I like the Amsteel Blue for the price, but I'd recommend 3/8 for an 8274. It is a STRONG 8K winch. I've seen a couple of guys break 5/16 Amsteel with 8274s, but the line had been abused.

I toiled with the 3/8 vs 5/16 choice for a little bit. I went with the 5/16 Masterpull rated at 14.5K lbs.

I don't care how strong people think the 8274 is...is it stronger than 14.5K lbs.? Probably not.

Any line, whether it is 3/8 or 5/16, when abused, will break prematurely compared to a well taken care of intact rope.

TR

 

[RockDoc]

The way Bill Burke's artible reads, he has had 5/16" amsteel blue on a 9k (Ramsey I think) for 6 years, and it has held up well. So it sounds like this will do fine if you treat it well.

http://www.bb4wa.com/articles/amsteel2.htm

Hmm, maybe I'll do a bit more poking on his site and see if I can learn more (e.g. what he uses for a fairlead). As for pinching the line between the rollers of a roller fairlead, this would only happen with a sharp angle of pull, right?

 

[RockDoc]

One thing to hold in mind is the first layer must be wound on TIGHT! I used the same set screw as was on the wire-rope. I did tape the end of the rope before setting it into the retaining hole and set screw. In testing I found that I could get to about half the bare drum and the rope would hold tight to pull up the slack before actually winching. I would recommend you have at least most of the first layer wrapped before winching! You will definitely need to have a roller-fairlead on your winch as it will be a lot easier on the rope. The fraying (or anti-fraying) capabilities are very high, but why push it! In the long run, I will be testing it to see how it weathers while hanging out on my front winch. If they leave it on the deck of ocean vessels in all sorts of weather then I think it will do fine on my winch. I am going to order some 3/8" for my Defender 90 next! (1999

From another of Burke's articles on Amsteel Blue

http://www.bb4wa.com/articles/amsteel.htm

 

[cjetr]

I have an 8274 with dual battery setup, aluminum fairlead and 5/16" amsteel blue rope. The rope is almost new. I broke the amsteel at flat nasty during the TAC event . I only had about 30 feet out. Easy repair but makes me question the rating of the material. Next time I will be going to 3/8th and maybe something other than amsteel blue.

 

[RockDoc]

Hmmmm. Good to know. Was it clear why it broke where it did? Rubbing against a rock? or at the fairlead? or just a random spot freehanging in the air?

 

[hatman406080]

winchline by viking offroad WINCHLINE.COM

 

[RockDoc]

Thanks hatman, I've had a look through your thread that was running a little while back. Have you noticed any issues with the roller fairlead?

The viking is Amsteel isn't it? There is a local rope supplier that seems to have pretty competative pricing (judging by a quick conversation I had while there on other business) so I figure I'll through them my business once I have decided.

I am still thinking I'll have a look at it with the new roller fairlead before I go for a hause, but looks like it will be 3/8". Anyone have advice on how much fits nicely on an 8374? 125' seems to be the standard idea I've gotten elsewhere.

 

[TroutRunner]

Here's a conversion chart for different winches and line sizes.

http://www.masterpull.com/results.cfm?catid=959

TR

 

[RockDoc]

Here's a conversion chart for different winches and line sizes.

http://www.masterpull.com/results.cfm?catid=959

TR

Thanks.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

I am still thinking I'll have a look at it with the new roller fairlead before I go for a hause, but looks like it will be 3/8". Anyone have advice on how much fits nicely on an 8374? 125' seems to be the standard idea I've gotten elsewhere.

I have 125 feet of 3/8 on my 8274 and it's pretty full. Maybe it could take another 10-15 feet but I'm not sure.

 

[RockDoc]

Thanks for all the help guys, I'm gonna go with 135' of 3/8", and trim off any excess length (not like you're pulling with it all spooled anyway). Think I'll stick with the roller fairlead for now, and have a good ponder over the choice once it's all together and I can see how it behaves.

Now if I can only find the time to get across town and pick the stuff up!!

Curt.

 

[smtyblt]

Thanks for all the help guys, I'm gonna go with 135' of 3/8", and trim off any excess length (not like you're pulling with it all spooled anyway). Think I'll stick with the roller fairlead for now, and have a good ponder over the choice once it's all together and I can see how it behaves.

Now if I can only find the time to get across town and pick the stuff up!!

Curt.

Sounds like you made your decision already but, as Jester was saying, My 5/16 amsteel broke the first time the weekend after I put it on. It might have had a scuff on it but the 8274 broke it like it was a shoe string. so we just tied it back to gether and it broke again on the next pull. in a different spot. then three more times at GSMTR two months later. that was the end of that.

I ended up with 125' of Master-Pulls 3/8" line. No comparison much better line. Much higher quality of rope.. YOU Can see it and YOU can feel the difference.

Cam

GM Iron-Pig Offroad.

 

[RockDoc]

Hmmm, the purchase has been put off for now, as the local price wasn't as cheap as I thought it was going to be, and more important things to spend on right now (like rent ). So there is still time to think it over.

If the amsteel isn't standing up when new, then that doesn't look so hot......

For now, I am going to install winch with the wire rope, and get out with it.

Thanks for all the advice everyone.

 

[smtyblt]

If the amsteel isn't standing up when new, then that doesn't look so hot......

For now, I am going to install winch with the wire rope, and get out with it.

Thanks for all the advice everyone.

That is the best thing you can do! I do have the Master-Pull synthetic. I used my wire cable for a long time and in-between the two ropes I put on. It is more of a luxury than a neccessity.

The more you wheel and the more you use the winch the more you will want it.

The biggest advantage to the rope(to Me ) is not the safety it is the ease in wich you can use it.

ie. unspool wind up and throw, cant do that with cable / on long hard pulls nothing saves personal energy than the rope.

Cam

GM Iron-Pig Offroad

 

[RockDoc]

Maybe a good question to ask is: Do wire ropes in good condition fail often, or without warning? After all, you could replace the steel cable 5 or 10 times for the cost of a good synthetic line.

 

[smtyblt]

Maybe a good question to ask is: Do wire ropes in good condition fail often, or without warning? After all, you could replace the steel cable 5 or 10 times for the cost of a good synthetic line.

This is not fact but probably 1% wire cables (ever) break thats ever