Yale Ultrex 3/8 in Winch Line with Chook

Yale Ultrex winch line in 3/8 in, supplied with a Chook end fitting, is a synthetic replacement for steel winch cable that is ready to put on the drum. Synthetic line is light, floats, and does not kink or leave broken wire strands to catch your hands.

Why switch from steel to synthetic

Steel winch cable is heavy, kinks, and frays into sharp wire ends that cut through gloves. A synthetic winch line like Ultrex is a fraction of the weight, flexes easily around the drum, and is far nicer to drag out to a log or a stuck truck. Crews use it on truck and chipper winches, skid steers, and log arches.

This 3/8 in version comes with a Chook end, so it is ready to attach to the drum and go to work. Check that the size matches your winch's specification and fairlead. Other rigging rope and winch line options are in the same category.

Fitting, use, and inspection

Synthetic line works best with a smooth hawse fairlead rather than worn rollers that can pinch it. Spool it on under some tension so the wraps do not bury themselves under load, and keep it away from hot exhaust and sharp edges.

A lighter line also helps the groundie. Pulling out to a log or a hung-up top over rough ground is much easier with synthetic, and it does not spring back with stored energy the way a kinked steel cable can. It also coils neatly on the truck without leaving sharp burrs in your gloves.

Inspect synthetic winch line for cuts, abrasion, melted or fused fibers, and heavy discoloration, and replace it if the line is damaged. Keep everyone out of the line of pull while winching, and use the winch and line only within their rated capacity and the manufacturer's instructions.