Franklin Winch Problems

[MikePhua]

Winch System Overview
Franklin skidders use heavy-duty winch models (like the 32 Series) designed to pull heavy loads of logs. Key components of a winch system include:

• Brake band / brake band cylinder: The mechanism that holds the load when the winch is not active. Usually, a spring holds it engaged, and hydraulic pressure disengages it.
  
• Clutch / clutches: Engages the drive to pull cable in (winching in) or allow the spool to free spool or pay out.
  
• Hydraulic lines and valves: Provide hydraulic pressure for both the brake band cylinder and clutch engagement.
  
• Control lever / valves: Operator input to shift between pulling in, free spooling, or locking.
  
• Winch drive shaft: Transfers power from drivetrain or separate power source to the winch drum.
  

Failures in any of those parts can lead to symptoms like inability to pull in, winch “acting like it is loose,” or only free-spooling or pulling off when anchored.

Reported Symptoms

• A 1998 Franklin with a 32 Series winch “quit pulling as if the winch was loose.” Then it stopped winching entirely and only pulls off when tied to a standing tree.
  
• Prior inspections (by the user) showed things “looked good” inside the winch, but the problem remains.
  

Likely Causes
Based on common issues in winches of this type and the reported symptoms, the following are plausible failure causes:

• Brake band not being released: If the hydraulic cylinder or the valve that actuates the brake band fails to get pressure, the brake will remain engaged, preventing pulling in.
  
• Clutch not engaging: Even if the brake is released, if the clutch mechanism (or clutch bands, or the clutch engagement hydraulics) fails, the winch can’t pull in.
  
• Hydraulic pressure loss: Low hydraulic pressure from pump failure, leaks, or blocked lines can mean insufficient pressure to disengage brake or engage clutch properly.
  
• Valve issues: Internal valves (control valves or directional valves) may be sticking, worn or blocked – not allowing correct pressure to the required circuits.
  
• Spring or band damage: The brake band’s spring mechanism that normally holds the brake on when no hydraulic pressure is present may be broken or weak—this can lead to unreliable holding or slipping.
  
• Mechanical wear: Clutch plates, friction surfaces, drum wear, misalignment in the drive shaft or bearings can degrade performance.
  

Similar Cases / Extra Insights

• In other Franklin machines, users reported the brake band’s small hydraulic cylinder failing to release the brake band during “winch in.” That was diagnosed by removing covers and observing the cylinder not extending under hydraulic command.
  
• Problems with hydraulic pressure being insufficient to both release brake and engage clutch (two separate functions) are common. Often one circuit gets pressure, but due to leaks or loss, the other doesn’t.
  
• Controls or levers may look visually intact but internal linkage, or hydraulic connection (hoses, seals), may have deteriorated.
  

Troubleshooting Steps
To track down the root of “winch not pulling in” problems:

1. Check hydraulic pressure at both brake‐band cylinder and clutch actuation lines under load. Compare to manufacturer specs.
   
2. Inspect brake band cylinder for movement: does it retract / release when commanded? If it doesn’t, the leak or hydraulic line to it may be failing.
   
3. Check clutch function: With brake released, does clutch engage? If not, see if clutch bands or friction plates are worn or if the hydraulic circuit feeding the clutch is blocked/ leaking.
   
4. Look for internal damage / wear: Drum, friction surfaces, springs, clutch bands; inspect for cracks, glazing, uneven wear.
   
5. Examine control valves / levers: Make sure the hydraulic control valve that directs pressure works properly; check for sticking, contamination, mis‐adjusted or failed linkages.
   
6. Test free spool behavior: If free spool works in one direction but “winching in” does not, that suggests the issue is in the pull‐in side (clutch/brake/clutch pressure) rather than the spool or drum.
   
7. Check hydraulic fluid quality & leaks: Low fluid level, contaminated fluid, collapsed hoses, or leaking fittings will all reduce pressure and reliability.
   

Suggested Repairs & Solutions

• Replace or rebuild brake band cylinder if it fails to release under pressure.
  
• Rebuild clutch assembly: fresh friction material or bands, check alignment, new seals in hydraulic circuit.
  
• Replace leaking or damaged hydraulic hoses, ensure all connections are tight and clean.
  
• Clean or replace valves in control circuits — sometimes valves get clogged with debris, or seals wear out, causing internal bypass or loss of pressure.
  
• Restore or replace springs in brake band or other return springs that help default the system (if springs are broken, the system may mis default).
  
• Lubricate and adjust linkages so that operator input through lever or pedal properly moves internal valves or pistons.
  

Preventative Measures

• Regular inspections of hydraulic hoses, valves, springs and friction parts. Preventative maintenance ratings every 250-500 hours depending on usage.
  
• Keep hydraulic fluid clean and at proper levels; avoid introducing dirt or water into the system.
  
• Avoid overloading the winch; constant heavy loads can accelerate wear on clutch bands, brake band springs, and hydraulic components.
  
• Store or cover exposed hydraulic valves/levers to keep out contaminants (dust, mud), which may cause sticking.
  

Conclusion
When a Franklin skidder’s winch quits winching in and only behaves as though the cable is loose, likely culprits include: brake not releasing, clutch not engaging, or hydraulic pressure shortage. Even though internal components may “look good,” wear, leaks, or failed springs or valves can render them nonfunctional. Systematic diagnosis by checking hydraulic pressure, inspecting mechanical parts, and verifying control valves is essential. Repairing the relevant cylinders, replacing worn friction parts, and fixing leaks or faulty valves tends to restore reliable winch function.