In a message dated 3/17/2007 11:50:02 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
towertalk-request@contesting.com writes:
> Also keep in mind MOST other winches are designed/rated for pulling, not
lifting. Please don't think because a winch is rated for 1500 lbs pulling
it will lift that weight safely, it will not. The Fulton/Bulldog winches
are rated for pulling and lifting, that's why tower manufacturers supply
them with their towers. If you are careful not to get lube on the discs and
maintain it properly. I plan to replace the discs and pawl assembly every
few years.....probably whenever I replace the cable. May be a bit overkill,
but cheap insurance and peace of mind.
I guess I'm wondering when you'd decide to replace your cable. In my
experience, I've only seen one crank-up whose cables were so bad that they
actually needed replacing due to severe deterioration. Other than that, it's
kind
of a useless exercise.
Cables need replacing when: 1 - there is damage to the cable (e.g.
kinked or flattened); 2 - there are excessive broken strands (e.g. six or
more);
or 3 - excessive rust (not surface rust). Like I said, I've never seen a ham
tower whose cables were bad enough to warrant replacement. But if it'll make
you feel better, knock yourself out.
BTW the 3-year cable replacement policy of US Towers is a weasel clause;
that is, if something happens to your tower and you haven't replaced the
cables, UST can weasel out of any responsibility. It's got nothing to do with
any lifespan issues with the cables. And by cables I really mean wire rope. ;-)
Cheers,
Steve K7LXC
TOWER TECH -
Professional tower services for hams
Cell: 206-890-4188
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