450Cwinch

[yellowdog5]

Today I changed the drumline on the winch on my logging equipped 450C. The line has been hard to pull recently, and when I removed the old line, the drum started turning as if it were winding in. I can stop it with my hand, but with no resistance, it winds even though it is in the free spool position. Does anyone know the answer to this problem?

[jdemaris]

Today I changed the drumline on the winch on my logging equipped 450C. The line has been hard to pull recently, and when I removed the old line, the drum started turning as if it were winding in. I can stop it with my hand, but with no resistance, it winds even though it is in the free spool position. Does anyone know the answer to this problem?

It's got to be clutch-drag from one thing or another. Those winches ought to get a "check-up" once in awhile since they have several chronic problems (especially on early 450Cs). The clutches either have oil on them - or they are getting pressurized.

The winches often get oil leaks that go undetected for a long time - unless you pull the drain-plug out of the dry side and check once in awhile. Worst leak spot is the free-spool piston and cylinder.

Also, if by chance you still have the older rotary control valve (bolted on the back of the winch) - they are prone to putting some pressure to the clutches when in free-spool position. Deere finally gave up on those valves and offered change-over kits to a remote-mounted spool-valve.

What ever your problem is - it will be easy to see once you pull the side-cover off and look inside.