Winch Question

LD48750 · Aug 21, 2017

I have just installed a cheap (HF) winch to use with a snowplow on my tractor.
There really is no place to attach the fairlead and I was wondering if it is REALLY needed?

Exactly what BAD things will happen if I don't put one on?

Knowing me, the winch will also see other uses as time goes by up until I find what it won't do.

Dave M7040 · Aug 21, 2017

Post a picture and then I can offer a comment.

Usually the fair-lead is needed when the direction of pull on the winch cable is not straight unto the drum.

Dave M7040

LD48750 · Aug 21, 2017

Dave M7040 said:
Post a picture and then I can offer a comment.

Usually the fair-lead is needed when the direction of pull on the winch cable is not straight unto the drum.

Dave M7040

Direction of pull will be straight up/down.

ch1ch2 · Aug 21, 2017

Looks like it will work for some stuff.
Generally the fairlead keep the cable from making a sharp turn on a "sharp edge". If you have straight pulls with light loads your good.
Some people do not realize the load on a winch. A winch should be rated at a minimum of 1.5 times what you need it for.
You need to be able to pull the full weight of the tractor plus all the dirt/mud it is stuck in, plus the loss of drum diameter pulling capacity. Remember the capacity is rated on the first wind.

LD48750 · Aug 21, 2017

ch1ch2 said:
Looks like it will work for some stuff.
Generally the fairlead keep the cable from making a sharp turn on a "sharp edge". If you have straight pulls with light loads your good.
Some people do not realize the load on a winch. A winch should be rated at a minimum of 1.5 times what you need it for.
You need to be able to pull the full weight of the tractor plus all the dirt/mud it is stuck in, plus the loss of drum diameter pulling capacity. Remember the capacity is rated on the first wind.

If the Ford gets stuck, the 12,000# winch on the MF50 will get it out.
This one is just to pick up the plow for now.