ATVPT

All Terrain Vehicle Product Tests ATV Technical Magazine

Winchline Accessories, Winch Lines, Fairlead, Tree Savers. All product used in this field test have been provided courtesy of Winchline.com.

We are really happy to include WinchLine in our joint Winch Install and Review here at ATVPT-ATVProductTests. They are kind enough to provide product to make this project happen successfully, and have also volunteered to do the splicing of the eyes, thimbles, and hooks on the Samson provided AmSteel Blue Synthetic Winch Line.

Viking ATV Trail Line

3/16" X 50' Viking ATV Trail Line

Made from the world's strongest fibers!

  • Made from AmSteel Blue / Dyneema Fiber
  • 5,400 Lb. Breaking Strength
  • Special Urethane Coating
  • Extremely Good Resistance to Flex-Fatique
  • Safe & Easy to Handle
  • Very low stretch

Viking Replacement Thermoplastic (Delrin) Fairlead, offered by WinchLine

The Viking thermoplastic fairleads supplied by WinchLine are designed to be used with synthetic winch lines, replacing the factory roller fairleads. the thermoplastic fairlead differs from others with wider guide slot, countersunk flat head stainless steel bolts and very light weight.the hawse fairleads are made from the same tough thermoplastic material as the rollers (similar to Delrin).they are 99% lighter than stock rollers (including housing or hardware): .32 Kg (12.2 oz / 0.71 lb)

  • Made from tough Thermoplastic Polymer (similar to Delrin)
  • Lightweight
  • High resistance to abrasion
  • Wider rope opening with curved edges front and back
  • High heat resistance: maintains serviceable life with intermittent use at 140.5 C (285°F.)
  • Melting point : 165 C (329° F)
  • Tensile strength at 73° F: 8,800 psi
  • Precision CNC Machined

Tree Saver

Our Tree Savers are made from the same material our winchlines are made from AmSteel Blue, 19,600 lb. breaking strength. To protect the light weight line, we use a 1/2" braided Polyster jacket, covered with a tight braided Nylon sleeve to keep splinters and sand from getting into the line. All three layers provide a cushion protecting the tree from damaging cuts.

When choosing a Tree Saver, a key safety factor is to utilize a line with minimal stretch characteristics, reducing the possibility of snap back in case the line breaks.   For example: If you use a 10 foot length of rope, the line can stretch as much as 3 feet, increasing the chance of serious damage if the line breaks. There is an advantage for using rope with high stretch characteristics for yanking, but not for winching.

One of the keys to safety in winching is to minimize any stretch between hitch points.   Utilizing a low stretch synthetic WinchLine and tree saver  minimizes stretch between these points, thus minimizing the risk of potential damage. 

Choose from 5' and 10' lengths, they can also be joined togeter for longer Tree Savers.

Fairlead Comparison

It is pretty obvious that the Viking OffRoad Fairlead takes up less realestate then the OEM Roller Fairlead. Not only is it a neater, cleaner package but there are no pinch points as well.

Notice the shackle on the front mount. This makes for a great anchor spot when you are winching a heavy load from the rear or front. just hook up your Winchline tree saver, and tow strap if needed.

Winch Line Comparison

The first thing I did was unreel the steel winch cable and replace it with the Amsteel Blue/Winchline synthetic winch line. It is a much safer cable because it doesn't recoil. Does not kink like steel cable. Has no memory like steel cable. Comes in 50' lengths. Lighter then steel cable. Extremely abrasion resistant. Includes a locking safety hook. Stainless steel eye connects hook to rope. The best thing is that it floats, unlike steel which will sink like a rock.

Synthetic Winch line Installation

It is really easy to unreel the old cable and install the new synthetic line.
 
After you unreel the steel line, thread your new line through the hole in the winch drum. I made it easy by tying a small knot in the end of the line so it will not pull through the drum.
 
Pull the knot into the drum as far as you can so it will be as flat as possible. I put a piece of duck tape across it to have a flat surface. This will allow the new line to lay flat as you spool it onto your winch drum.
 
Next step is to reel on your new line, making sure it as tight as possible. Try to feed it so it stacks neatly.
 
There you go, that's it, you are done.
 
Just make sure you keep your winch clean, so when you do go to use your winch it will be ready to get you unstuck when needed.

We are ready to get stuck. We might just find some other uses for our Winch too!

Here is the Ducks Unlimited/2500 lb Warn Winch with the installed Viking OffRoad Fairlead, Amsteel Blue/WinchLine Synthetic Winch Line, and Warn Winch Cover. We also have the WinchLine supplied tow strap, tree saver and spare cable to assist with this test.
 
To top it off, we have the Warn Winch Multi Mount waiting on the Kawasaki 700 Prairie. We are ready to test this set up.
 
Thanks go out to all of you that have made this special winch test happen.

My Impressions:

Pros:
Synthetic line has great strength, floats, and has no recoil memory.

Its light and will not tear into your hands like steel cable will.

The tree savers are handy for saving trees and other components that you want to protect while winching.

The delron fairlead is sturdy light and takes up less space then oem rollers do.

Cons:
None.

Bottom Line:
If you are ready to upgrade to a much superior line for your winch, or add other winching accessories to your goody bag, you need to give Winchline a call.
I have been using their products for over a year without any problems.

Contact Info:
 
Web site:
 
Toll free: 800 275-3809
Local ph:  360 366-4949
Fax:      360 366-9104
 
 
Address:
7049 Kickerville Rd
Ferndale, WA 98248
USA