[TowerTalk] winch handle free spin

[Joe]

Hi Luke,

First - you're right - you are NOT supposed to put grease on the 
friction plates....they're supposed to have "friction", not be greased, 
even accidentally, as you point out in your note.  That ensures they 
will hold, rather than freewheel.  I've had a Fulton K1550 for a decade, 
and had no problems with it.  I've recently replaced it with a K2550 on 
my US Tower TX-455, just to make it a bit easier to raise and lower with 
the extra mechanical advantage.  Both winches use the friction plate 
method, and both work very well.  I've heard the "rumor", but never seen 
any documented failure as you describe.  I'm certain you'll hear from 
others....

73

Joe
WDØM

http://www.wd0m.com

luke webber wrote:
> i've heard claims that a clutch pack, braking system, on a fulton K1550 winch can slip even when a person is trying to raise a tower.   
>
> is this possible?  what could cause this to happen?  could it be out of adjustment, perhaps grease on the friction discs, or the pawl being out of alignment?
>
> thanks