Frequently Asked Questions

All models except the FX35 feature a transport lock. The transport lock is a dog-and-pawl arrangement. The dogs are teeth cut into the outer rim of one of the cable spool ends. Pulling the rope pivots the pawl to engage the dogs, pulling the rope again disengages the lock. The transport lock can be used to tow logs while driving, or to prevent the cable from freespooling if the clutch rope is let go while winching logs uphill. The frame includes tow hooks as well.

This is not recommended for two reasons. Excess cable, either in size or thickness can cause the cable to loop off the sides of the spool or not wrap properly, causing damage and possibly injury. Also, winch pulling capacity actually decreases with the number of cable wraps on the drum, or the thickness of those wraps. The drums and cable are sized to work together safely and efficiently.

This is not recommended. If the winch is smaller than recommended, damage to the frame and clutch components can occur. If the winch is larger than recommended, carrying problems with the 3-point hitch, tractor damage, or clutch slipping and burning can occur.

The FX35 features a hydraulic 2-speed winch. It requires 2–12 gpm hydraulic flow from the tractor instead of PTO power. It is operated by a valve mounted to the side of the winch frame. The engagement is by sliding gear and has 3 positions: High–Low–Neutral. Neutral is freewheel, so the winch does not power out. A friction pad riding on the outer rim of the cable spool prevents the drum from freespooling out too fast, which would cause tangling of the rope.  There is no transport lock, so the chain hooks in the frame must be used for towing logs.

Remote winch operation is identical to regular winch, except for engagement. A hydraulic cylinder is used to rotate the actuator. The cylinder is controlled by an electric solenoid valve. The valve is controlled by a remote receiver through a relay. The receiver is controlled by a key fob-sized transmitter. Two buttons must be pressed simultaneously to operate the system. The clutch is in Neutral (freewheel) unless both buttons are pressed and held.

The system is powered by the tractor. FX-R models require 1–2 gpm hydraulic flow and 12 V, 5 A electric power from the tractor. FX-R models come standard with hoses and Pioneer Ball-style couplers. The wiring harness requires a plug end so that it  can be wired in to match the specific tractor (white is positive, black is negative).

A bypass switch is included in case of emergency. It is a momentary (push and hold) toggle switch mounted to the outside of the wiring junction box. Activating it bypasses the transmitter, the receiver and the relay allowing the operator to reel the cable in. It still requires electrics and hydraulics to operate.

The winch clutch is a dry-disc design. PTO input power is transferred to the upper sprocket by chain. The face of the upper sprocket is machined and has the friction material bolted to this face. This acts as the drive plate. The cable spool end face is machined and acts as the driven plate.

The cable spool slides back and forth along the shaft on FiberGlide bearings. The two are kept apart by 3 cup springs. The clutch actuator is made of 2 steel blocks with 3 decreasing-depth ramps machined into the mating face of each one. Each ramp has a steel ball. One block is held stationary, the other rotates.

Pulling on the engagement rope rotates the inner actuator block. As it rotates, the balls riding in the ramps push it away from the stationary block. This pushes the cable spool along the shaft until it is pushed against the friction pads on the drive plate, which causes the drum to turn. Clutch slippage and burning will result from the rope not being pulled hard enough.

A brake pad riding on the outer rim of the cable spool prevents the drum from spooling out too fast, which would cause tangling of the cable.

Synthetic rope is much softer than steel cable and much easier to handle, particularly in winter. A longer length of rope compared to cable will fit on the winch drum. It wraps on the spool easier and does not have a tendency to kink. If happens to break, it does not have the tendency to recoil back towards the operator. Cut or broken rope strands do not puncture the skin. The keyhole sliders can be used with the synthetic rope.

The disadvantage of synthetic rope is that it abrades and can get cut more easily. This is a concern when pulling logs through dirt or over rock. It also means that the rope itself cannot be used as a choker; a separate choker strap must be used.

The drawbar is rated for 7,500 pounds.