Servicing the Can-Car 20 Logging Winch on Tree Farmer Skidders

[MikePhua]

The Can-Car 20 and Its Role in Logging Equipment
The Can-Car 20 winch is a robust, hydraulically actuated logging winch commonly found on Tree Farmer C-5 skidders and similar forestry machines. Manufactured by Canadian Car and Foundry (Can-Car), a company with deep roots in industrial fabrication and railcar production, the winch was designed to withstand the rigors of timber skidding in cold, wet, and uneven terrain. Its design shares similarities with the Gearmatic 19 and 119 winches, which were also widely used in North American logging operations.
The Can-Car 20 features a drum-and-band braking system, hydraulic actuation, and a cable spool designed for high-tension pulls. Its reliability in harsh conditions made it a favorite among loggers, but like all mechanical systems, it requires periodic maintenance—especially when symptoms of brake band failure or cable resistance begin to appear.
Terminology Annotation
- Brake Band: A friction material wrapped around the winch drum that controls cable tension and prevents free spooling.
- Free Spool: A mode where the winch drum rotates freely, allowing the cable to be pulled out manually without resistance.
- Swivel Fitting: A hydraulic connector that allows fluid to pass into rotating components without leakage.
- Master Cylinder: A hydraulic pump actuated by the operator to engage or release the winch brake.
- Contamination: The presence of oil, brake fluid, or debris on friction surfaces, reducing effectiveness.
Symptoms of Brake Band Failure and Cable Resistance
Operators have reported difficulty pulling out the winch cable, requiring them to anchor the cable to a tree and drive forward to release it. This is a clear sign that the brake band is not fully disengaging. In some cases, the cable also pulls out unintentionally during skidding, suggesting that the brake band cannot hold tension under load.
These issues often stem from:

• Brake band contamination with oil or hydraulic fluid
  
• Cold weather causing tacky adhesion between drum and band
  
• Worn or hardened friction material
  
• Hydraulic actuation failure due to master cylinder or fluid leaks
  

Inspection and Replacement Strategy
Servicing the Can-Car 20 winch is not overly complex, especially on Tree Farmer skidders where the winch is mounted high and accessible. The process involves:

• Removing the domed cover to access the brake bands and swivel fitting
  
• Inspecting both the small and large brake bands for wear, contamination, or delamination
  
• Replacing the small band first, as it typically wears faster and helps control the larger band
  
• Cleaning the drum surface and checking for scoring or fluid residue
  
• Inspecting the swivel fitting (#17 in parts diagrams), which can cost upwards of $300 if damaged
  
• Verifying hydraulic actuation through the master cylinder and ensuring no leaks or air intrusion
  

Brake bands can cost around $200 for a full set, though prices vary by supplier. Some operators opt to replace only the small band if the large band remains intact and uncontaminated.
Hydraulic vs Mechanical Actuation Differences
Some skidders use onboard hydraulic systems to control the winch, while others rely on a separate brake fluid master cylinder. The hydraulic systems tend to be more responsive and easier to maintain, while brake fluid systems are prone to leaks and require careful bleeding.
When servicing the winch:

• Identify the actuation method before ordering parts
  
• Use compatible fluid types and avoid mixing hydraulic oil with brake fluid
  
• Replace seals and fittings during band replacement to prevent future leaks
  

Field Anecdote and Practical Advice
In Thunder Bay, Ontario, a logger working with Timberjack skidders noted that Gearmatic 19 winches—nearly identical in design to the Can-Car 20—exhibited similar symptoms when bands were contaminated. After replacing the small band and cleaning the drum, the winch returned to normal function. He emphasized the importance of inspecting the drum for fluid residue and ensuring the bands are not glazed from overheating.
Another operator recalled damaging the swivel fitting during disassembly, leading to a costly replacement. He recommended using proper tools and avoiding excessive force when removing hydraulic components.
Suggested Tools and Parts Sources

• Brake band kits (small and large)
  
• Swivel fitting replacement (#17)
  
• Hydraulic fluid or brake fluid, depending on system
  
• Drum cleaning solvent
  
• Torque wrench and seal drivers
  
• Service manual or parts diagram for reference
  

Suppliers in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and online vendors specializing in Gearmatic and Can-Car winches often provide parts and technical support. Some offer downloadable manuals and troubleshooting guides.
Conclusion
The Can-Car 20 winch remains a dependable tool in the logging industry, but its brake band system requires attention when cable resistance or load slippage occurs. By inspecting and replacing worn bands, cleaning the drum, and verifying hydraulic actuation, operators can restore full functionality and avoid costly downtime. With accessible mounting and straightforward design, the winch is serviceable in the field—provided care is taken with hydraulic fittings and contamination is addressed early. For loggers working in cold climates and heavy timber, a well-maintained winch is not just a convenience—it’s a necessity.