10-16-2025, 09:58 PM
Understanding the Tulsa Winch Setup
Tulsa Winch, a division of Dover Corporation, has been producing industrial winches since the 1920s. Their hydraulic winch systems are widely used on cranes, utility trucks, and oilfield rigs. One common configuration involves a Tulsa winch mounted on a Terex TC2863 crane, often installed on Peterbilt chassis. These setups typically include a two-speed winch valve, a counterbalance valve, a brake housing, and a Commercial Intertech hydraulic motor.
The winch system relies on hydraulic pressure to release the brake and allow cable movement. When cabling down, oil is routed through the counterbalance valve to the brake chamber, unlocking the multi-disc brake and enabling drum rotation.
Symptoms of Cable Down Failure
Operators may encounter a situation where the winch cables down very slowly or not at all, even when the high-speed setting is engaged. Additional symptoms include:
Root Cause and Mechanical Diagnosis
In one documented case, the issue was traced to a rusted centering spring inside the Husco 6000 series spool valve. This spring limits the throw of the spool, preventing full hydraulic flow to the brake chamber. Without sufficient pressure, the brake remains partially engaged, slowing cable down operation.
Key diagnostic steps included:
Hydraulic System Behavior and Brake Function
The Tulsa winch brake is designed to release only during cable down. It uses a roller clutch that allows free rotation in one direction. Hydraulic pressure from the counterbalance valve activates the brake release piston. If pressure is insufficient or blocked, the brake remains engaged.
Potential issues include:
Parts Sourcing and Valve Rebuild Strategy
Finding replacement parts for older Husco valves can be challenging. The original Husco part numbers often cross to Caterpillar components used in machines like the IT18F loader. Key parts include:
Operator Notes and Practical Advice
One operator completed the repair while recovering from a broken leg, emphasizing the importance of planning and part research. He noted that the valve could be inspected without full removal by accessing the bottom cap. This shortcut may help others avoid unnecessary disassembly.
Another technician suggested checking the control lever spool for sticking or partial engagement, which can mimic hydraulic faults.
Conclusion
Slow cable down on a Tulsa winch system is often caused by mechanical restriction in the spool valve, particularly a rusted centering spring. By inspecting the Husco 6000 series valve, replacing worn components, and verifying hydraulic pressure, operators can restore full winch functionality. This case highlights the value of detailed diagnostics, part cross-referencing, and persistence in solving complex hydraulic issues.
Tulsa Winch, a division of Dover Corporation, has been producing industrial winches since the 1920s. Their hydraulic winch systems are widely used on cranes, utility trucks, and oilfield rigs. One common configuration involves a Tulsa winch mounted on a Terex TC2863 crane, often installed on Peterbilt chassis. These setups typically include a two-speed winch valve, a counterbalance valve, a brake housing, and a Commercial Intertech hydraulic motor.
The winch system relies on hydraulic pressure to release the brake and allow cable movement. When cabling down, oil is routed through the counterbalance valve to the brake chamber, unlocking the multi-disc brake and enabling drum rotation.
Symptoms of Cable Down Failure
Operators may encounter a situation where the winch cables down very slowly or not at all, even when the high-speed setting is engaged. Additional symptoms include:
- Oil venting from the brake housing
- Resistance in the control lever when transitioning from cable up to cable down
- Audible solenoid clicks confirming speed change, but no performance improvement
- Smooth lever movement after initial resistance
Root Cause and Mechanical Diagnosis
In one documented case, the issue was traced to a rusted centering spring inside the Husco 6000 series spool valve. This spring limits the throw of the spool, preventing full hydraulic flow to the brake chamber. Without sufficient pressure, the brake remains partially engaged, slowing cable down operation.
Key diagnostic steps included:
- Removing and inspecting the spool valve
- Identifying the Husco D10-200 end mechanism
- Replacing the spring, seats, bolt, and seals
- Verifying full spool travel after reassembly
Hydraulic System Behavior and Brake Function
The Tulsa winch brake is designed to release only during cable down. It uses a roller clutch that allows free rotation in one direction. Hydraulic pressure from the counterbalance valve activates the brake release piston. If pressure is insufficient or blocked, the brake remains engaged.
Potential issues include:
- Internal leakage in the brake release fitting
- Blocked metering hole in the counterbalance valve
- Crimped or collapsed hydraulic hoses
- Faulty spool valve components
Parts Sourcing and Valve Rebuild Strategy
Finding replacement parts for older Husco valves can be challenging. The original Husco part numbers often cross to Caterpillar components used in machines like the IT18F loader. Key parts include:
- Spring: Cat 6E-5375
- Spring seat: Cat 005-8144
- Sealplate: Cat 005-8143
- Zero leak seals: Cat 6E-2572 and 6E-2573
Operator Notes and Practical Advice
One operator completed the repair while recovering from a broken leg, emphasizing the importance of planning and part research. He noted that the valve could be inspected without full removal by accessing the bottom cap. This shortcut may help others avoid unnecessary disassembly.
Another technician suggested checking the control lever spool for sticking or partial engagement, which can mimic hydraulic faults.
Conclusion
Slow cable down on a Tulsa winch system is often caused by mechanical restriction in the spool valve, particularly a rusted centering spring. By inspecting the Husco 6000 series valve, replacing worn components, and verifying hydraulic pressure, operators can restore full winch functionality. This case highlights the value of detailed diagnostics, part cross-referencing, and persistence in solving complex hydraulic issues.
