Sherpa 4x4 Synthetic Winch Ropes – 5.5mm to 12mm
Description
Sherpa 4x4 Synthetic Winch Ropes provide a lightweight, high-strength alternative to traditional steel winch cable. Available in multiple diameters, lengths and breaking strengths, the range includes options for 4WD recovery winches, compatible electric winches and selected boat trailer winches.
Synthetic winch rope is significantly lighter than steel cable, easier to handle and eliminates the sharp wire strands and kinking associated with steel cable. Select the correct rope diameter, length and Minimum Breaking Strain (MBS) for your winch and intended application.
Sherpa 4x4 Synthetic Winch Ropes – Black
Sherpa synthetic winch ropes are available in a range of sizes to suit different winches and recovery applications. Depending on the selected model, ropes are supplied with appropriate drum attachment hardware and a thimble or hook arrangement at the working end.
Key Features
- High-strength synthetic winch rope
- Available in multiple diameters, lengths and breaking strengths
- Lightweight compared with traditional steel winch cable
- Flexible and easy to handle during recoveries
- No sharp wire strands or splinters
- Does not kink in the same manner as steel cable
- Floats on water
- Suitable for Sherpa winches and other compatible winches
- Drum attachment fitted to the rope end according to model
- Multiple rope configurations available for different applications
Why Choose Synthetic Winch Rope?
Synthetic rope has become a popular alternative to steel winch cable for 4WD and recovery applications due to its combination of high strength and low weight.
- Significantly lighter than comparable steel cable
- Easier to carry and handle
- No sharp wire strands
- Does not develop steel cable-style kinks
- Floats on water
- High strength relative to rope diameter
As with all winching and recovery equipment, the correct rope specification must be selected for the winch, vehicle and intended application.
Standard Synthetic Winch Rope Ratings
| Rope Diameter | Minimum Breaking Strain (MBS) |
|---|---|
| 5.5mm | 6,000lb |
| 7mm | 9,480lb |
| 9mm | 18,700lb |
| 10mm | 23,760lb |
| 12mm | 31,000lb |
Important: The figures above are Minimum Breaking Strain (MBS) values. MBS is not the same as a Working Load Limit (WLL) and should not be interpreted as the allowable working load of a recovery system.
Attaching Synthetic Rope to the Winch Drum
Sherpa synthetic winch ropes are available with different drum-end attachment styles depending on the rope model. Sherpa winch drums are designed to accept the rope-end attachment types used across the applicable Sherpa synthetic rope range.
Models SWR28MB & SWR30MB
These synthetic winch ropes use the following style of crimp for attachment to a compatible winch drum.
Models SBTWR12, SDB10X28, SWR35MB & SWR45MB
These rope models use the following screw-on style drum connection. This group includes the 12m x 7mm boat winch rope, double-braided Spectra rope and selected Sherpa 12mm ropes.
Always confirm that the rope attachment method is compatible with the winch drum before installation.
Double-Braided 100% Spectra Winch Rope
A premium 100% USA Spectra fibre rope is also available with double-braided construction. The outer braid provides an additional protective layer while maintaining a high strength-to-diameter ratio.
This version has an overall diameter of 10mm and is fitted with a thimble at the working end.
| Rope Diameter | Minimum Breaking Strain (MBS) |
|---|---|
| 10mm | 17,600lb |
Grunter Boat Winch Synthetic Rope Alternative
A 12m x 7mm synthetic rope is also available as an alternative to 50mm webbing on compatible boat trailer winches.
This version is supplied with a drilled lug at the drum end for straightforward installation and a marine-grade stainless steel hook at the opposite end.
The supplied hook is stamped with a Working Load Limit (WLL) of 1,000kg.
Note: The 1,000kg WLL relates specifically to the supplied hook and should not be interpreted as the Working Load Limit of the complete rope, winch or recovery system.
Synthetic Winch Rope Installation & Safety
Correct installation and use are essential when using synthetic winch rope. Ensure the selected rope is suitable for the winch and intended application, and inspect the rope regularly for abrasion, cuts, heat damage or other deterioration.
- Select a rope with an appropriate diameter and rating for the winch and application
- Confirm compatibility between the rope attachment and winch drum
- Ensure the winch drum and fairlead are free from burrs, sharp edges or damage that could cut or abrade the rope
- Follow the winch manufacturer's instructions for attaching and correctly spooling the rope
- Inspect the rope before recovery or winching operations
- Replace rope showing significant abrasion, cuts, heat damage or other deterioration
- Keep clear of the rope and recovery system while under load
Winch Dampener: Sherpa 4x4 recommends using an appropriate winch dampener during vehicle recovery operations.
Brake-in-Drum Winches
Particular care should be taken when fitting synthetic rope to older winches that use a brake-in-drum design. These braking systems can generate significant heat within the winch drum.
Excessive drum temperature can damage synthetic rope and reduce its strength. If converting a brake-in-drum winch from steel cable to synthetic rope, confirm that the winch is suitable for synthetic rope and consider appropriate protection from drum heat before use.
Never rely on rope MBS alone when selecting recovery equipment. The capacity of the complete recovery system is affected by the ratings and condition of the winch, rope, hooks, shackles, recovery points and all other components used.