Page 30 - Moving the Earth_ The Workbook of Excavation

LAND CLEARING AND CONTROLS

1.30 THE WORK

FIGURE 1.21 Freeing winch cable.

be the best quality, in the largest size recommended by the winch manufacturer, if the tractor is to
be anchored or used for rocking; and it should be inspected frequently for weak spots.
Another danger inherent in the use of cable is cutting and tearing of the hands and clothing on
broken wires. Preformed cable gives minimum trouble of this kind and should be used when pos-
sible. Leather-palmed gloves are good protection for the hands.
Either hemp-center or wire-center cable may be used, according to preference or manufacturer’s
recommendation. Wire center is about 10 percent stronger, size for size, is stiffer, and is not as
easily deformed by crushing. It is more difficult to handle, and when kinked or crushed is much
harder to straighten. Standard 6 19 constructions are usually recommended.
It is good practice to work a winch at less than its maximum capacity, and to avoid anchoring
the tractor unless absolutely necessary. Moderate loads give long life to cables and winch parts,
and avoid severe catching on the drum. If the work is heavy, strain can be reduced by the use of
pulleys and multiple lines.
Broken cables can be repaired by splicing, but the length of cable used in the splice, and the labor
involved, may be too great to justify this method for the short cables ordinarily used in land clearing.