Gearmatic 9A Winch Brake on TDC5 Skidder

[Gwinnibarge]

The band brake on my gearmatic 9a winch is apparently frozen so i cannont spool out any cable. I tried attaching to a tree and letting the tractor do some pulling, but that didn't work (I didn't really think it would). I may have to break down the winch to free up the brake, but before I do that, I was wondering if there are other ideas that I could try. You collective insight is much appreciated. By the way, the winch does reel in, but I am about as reeled in as I dare go (there's a few feet left of cable before the cable starts sucking in the cable collars. Thanks again, all.

Regards.

POG

[junkdude]

Can you remove the hook from the end of the cable and just let it reel in for awhile untill it frees up?

[Rawleigh99]

Here is the service and parts manual for the Gearmatic 9 winch. It doesn't look that hard to open it up and service it right. if you break something or wear out the brake parts it will only cost more to fix.

http://www.paccarwinch.com/pdf/j-152c.pdf

[rocko59]

Hi Gwinnibarge

These are quite simple winches but they don't like sitting for long. Sounds like the brake cylinder is not releasing the brake bands. There is a narrow primary band that activates the wider secondary band, pulling out on the drum wraps them tighter. The brake cylinder is on top of the winch case & may just need to be bled or could need a kit put in, they are basically automotive wheel cylinder brake parts available at any auto parts store. I've seen some with a Tee installed on top of the cylinder with a bleeder screw on the opposite horzontal leg to the hose or you can bleed the air by cracking the fitting. Good news is that it holds meaning linings & mechanism & drum aren't worn too much, also clutch still works. It would be a good idea to reseal the clutch cylinder too so it doesn't leak & foul the bands. Good luck & how about a couple of newer pics, I may have missed the other ones you posted. Russell