a Guide for the Application of Amsteelblue Rope in Logging and Forest Operations

Topic: Synthetic winchline  (Read 6823 times)

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Im just curious if anyone has any experience using synthetic winchline for skidding. I run a treefarmer C5 and am kicking around the idea of replacing my cable with Amsteel Blue (www.samsonrope.com/) or something similar. Price is a little scary but seems like it would be worth it if the synthetic holds up to the riggors of skidding. At 2-4 times the price of steel cable, i need to be sure that this stuff will last more than just a few months. Not too sure on how to attach chokers to the line either. Currently i use fsf chokers with micro-midget sliders. The end of my line has a knot(used to be a nubbin but has long since broke off). Any advice would be great.

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Treefarmer C5d cable, Husky 575's, Husky 357

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 I don't have one YET but when the cable on my taylor needs to be replaced it will be with Amsteel Blue. I've read up on the rope enough to make the change. I think SpruceBunny bought some already,pm her.

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Ed K

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While I was in the helicopter industry we switched to Spectra 12 synthetic from steel for long lines. It was a lot lighter so the payload was increased and easier to handle but it stretched which created problems attaching the electrical cable. Also, the loop around the thimble took quite a beating.
We also had problems with the splice coming apart. The initial one had the tail fed back into the core then out again. It depended on the pressure from the shrinkage to stay tight.The supplier switched to a 3-2-1 splice which worked much better.
Currently, we sell Samson rope to the arborists but it is not designed for use as a winch line. They may have something more suitable for heavy shock loads.

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old age and treachery will always overcome youth and enthusiasm

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I got synthetic line on my chipper winch. It�s works excellent.
One requirement: when you wining up you MUST to apply some tension. Other wise, it will get stock. I guess any winch you need to do it. But rope especially.

I will never come back to metal.

YOU: Not too sure on how to attach chokers to the line either
A: On the end I tight knot around �Cable Thimble� with �Chain Eye Grab�. I got different lengths of chains with Chain choke on the end. Here is how it�s works: I put chain around tree and lock it with choker. Then connecting Eye grab to chain.

Does it explain?

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  Do you have any photos of used line in use?

   Thanks

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If you google " synthetic winchline skidder" you'll get a bunch of pdf results of tests on the line and suggestions for end terminations.

I have it on my ATV and two 1/2" lines on larger winches. It's so easy to drag around and is much better behaved on the drum than steel

They sell nylon sleeves to put over it and protect it from abrasion. I put 20 feet of that on my newest set-up and will try the slides on top of that. I'm also thinking of coating the rope on the eye with that thick, plastic tool handle stuff.
If you usually work in very rocky areas, I don't think it's suitable.

I don't have much actual experience using it but between the ease of handleing and not having to unsnarl the mess on the winch drum, I think you will save a ton of time, body wear and frustration with the synthetic line. And even if it costs more, it will save you physically and you will likely get more accomplished.

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MS193, MS192 and an 026  Weeding and Thinning. Gilbert Champion sawmill

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I checked out the Amsteel too.  They told me that isn't made to use with chokers etc. on a line skidder because it won't stand up to your sliders and you have to use knots instead of ferrules etc..  Looked like a nice alternative to wickers in your palms.

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440B skidder, JD350 dozer, Husqvarnas from 335 to 394. All spruced up

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 Idea? If you used a grab hook on the end with sliders. Keep the sliders at the machine with their chokers, pull the grab out to the log and pull in,attach to 1st machine choker then go for next log till your machine chokers are filled and your off to the landing without the sliders wearing out your rope? Make any sense?

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Ed K

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Well i contacted Samson( the manufacturer of Amsteel Blue),  they have a logging manual for their rope. Supposedly shows applications for the use of their rope. After reading all the test data online I was actualy surprised more loggers werent using it. Most of the tests I read about were done 4-5 years ago. Im not giving up yet, still got time befor that 100lbs of 5/8 steel wears out!

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Treefarmer C5d cable, Husky 575's, Husky 357

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Ok, Contacted Samson again and they sent me their logging applications manual. Had it in three days. Lots of good info, looking real promising. According to the people at Samson and the literature, Amsteel is well suited for use in skidding operations. Of course it does have its limitations, i think the benefits may outweigh them. As far as end termination goes they show a picture using a pear ring on the end of the chokers and a toggle with about 5 links of chain, eyespliced into the mainline. They also say you can use traditional sliders with a "Bull" slider at the end of the line. Dont have any idea what a bull slider is...Any help?? Im thinking im going to go ahead and do it sometime soon, Will research a little more while i save a little more cash.

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Treefarmer C5d cable, Husky 575's, Husky 357

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 AKFALLER, any chance they offered a special on a new winch rope?

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Ed K

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AKFALLER, any chance they offered a special on a new winch rope?

No, they didn't offer any specials on the winch rope that I can find.  Still need to find a distributor that carries it, talked to Bailey's who used to carry it and all I could buy was a 600' reel......only need 150'!  Haven't found any distributors in Alaska, going to make some phone calls next week.

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Treefarmer C5d cable, Husky 575's, Husky 357

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It was Bailey's who told me about the line not holding up to sliders and not being able to use ferrules.  Occupational H & S don't allow knots at the terminal end in my neck of the woods.  Talked to about three guys at Bailey's before they found a fellow who knew much about line skidding.  Maybe that's why they don't sell it anymore???  Keep us posted, I like the idea of hauling out light rope that isn't barbed a lot more than 3/4 cable that is.

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440B skidder, JD350 dozer, Husqvarnas from 335 to 394. All spruced up

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Oh yeah,  I forgot.  I use fsf on my jd 350, with 5/8 mainline and I think the 'bull' slider is the last one out that has a smaller and more round i.d. than the others, so it won't jam up on whatever terminal end you are using.  It bears the weight of all of the other chokers in a turn hence the 'bull'.

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440B skidder, JD350 dozer, Husqvarnas from 335 to 394. All spruced up

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