Replacing steel winch with synthetic rope

[Harold]

Has anyone replaced there steel winch line with synthetic rope, I have a new 2022 Can-am Defender Max hd10 with steel cable I want to replace with synthetic, was wondering what size rope and how long , this unit is at my place in Another state so I can’t answer to many questions about what make winch etc

[DJLA]

Yep, replaced mine and a quite a few others with a synthetic rope. Use a 3/16” x 50’ rope for 3500 lb winches and a 1/4” x 50’ rope for 4500, 5000, and 6000 lb.

[Andystoy19]

I use synthetic line on my ATV's and it works well but is more susceptible to chafing. My neighbor uses synthetic on his 400 outlander and it breaks several times a winter but he pulls through a bit of line and reties a knot where the steel line broke as well but is harder to repair. It requires tools to remove and move the clamp etc.

The machine probably has the 4500 winch on it.🙂

[honda400ex2003]

it is relatively easy to replace them if you can get to the drum easy enough.  sometimes you can reach in and pull out the little lock pin thats in there and wrap it back on.  I have done one on my previous OG maverick but havent since.

i use cable still for plowing on my rancher, i still break that one at least once a winter but id imagine that i would break a synthetic even more than that.

steve

[Steelslinger]

An issue to be aware of with synthetic ropes, is it needs to be cleaned and fully dried often. It is recommended to pull it out, clean it, let it dry then rewind it on the drum. Otherwise the fibers can degrade quickly. 

I rarely use my winch aside from when I plow. For pulling people out I prefer tow straps or kinetic ropes (fast to deploy and stow). So, steel cable still works best.

[AspenThicket]

Also, if you use a plow, the synthetic will wear out quicker and break,

Ask me how I know...LOL