Farmi winch clutch

[SolarAndWood]

I was out winching/skidding at my buddies farm yesterday. The winch wasn't pulling like it did last winter when I borrowed the winch. It acted like the clutch wasn't fully engaging. Is that how it performs when it is -5F or is there some maintenance that needs to be done? It is the 601 and engine speed made a difference while last year I did nothing but idle with the same tractor.

 

[JustWood]

If it sat for a while not being used it may have a little rust on the clutch. Just keep using it and it will wear off. Mine does it all the time.

 

[SolarAndWood]

Thanks, that is exactLEE what I hoped to hear.

 

[SolarAndWood]

It definitely worked better yesterday but still wasn't quite what I remember from last year. Maybe the difference is that I was sitting on top of a high embankment and this kept the butt end of the tree off the ground better. Either way, those winches rock and save a lot of labor and equipment wear and tear. There is no way we could have backed into the woods with that tractor and pulled out those size trees.

 

[leaddog]

If you have slipped the clutch alot it might need adj. You want it to just freewheel. If it is too tight it won't let you pull it out with pto running.
Yes they are great for pulling out logs. I have a lot of wet ground and it's alot easier to pull them out than carring them out piece by piece. This year it's not been too deep of snow so I've been skiding whole trees 1/2 mile up here to the wood shed and cutting them up here. one less handling and with snow on the ground they stay clean. It did take two trips for the 36in hemlock.
leaddog

 

[SolarAndWood]

By freewheel, it should be a relatively effortless pull out? It does have tough spots but I assumed they were just how the cable was wound. I'll give it a try with the pto off and see if it makes a difference. Thanks.