Horror stories/lessons learned

[chris vickery]

Originally Posted by Dparker

should have read the "F" ing manual- I got my M37 stuck up to the axles tried to tow out with 95 Bronco- not even close. decided to draw out 100' of winch cable and looped around base of good size tree- engaged winch and took up the slack and awaited the result of 10,000lbs of winch-then explosive snap! cable completely blows apart in all directions- good thing i was in the cab a buddy was well back ( he must have the sensible gene) im thinking those WWII winches dont have shearpins. tied broken ends of cable together, should have used gloves as metal is very sharp, but this time after being questioned by other survivor put the truck in first gear to help the winch a little and viola truck out of bog. I should read more

Winching can be one of the most dangerous operations done incorrectly. People die or are seriously injured.
Next time throw a chain over the taunt cable, it will act like an arrestor if the cable should snap. Also, shear pins are your friend.