Warning: I tried a new synthetic rope on my 80-ton lattice boom and it slipped on the drum.

I was setting up for a bridge beam lift in Toledo and decided to test a new brand of 1-inch synthetic rope they said was rated for our work. After the first pick, maybe 30 tons, I noticed the load was creeping down. The rope had flattened and wasn't spooling tight on the drum like steel cable does. My spotter saw it too and we set it down fast. I learned you can't just swap synthetics in without checking the drum grooves and maybe changing the wrap pattern. Has anyone else run into this with newer rope types on older gear?

2 comments

2 Comments

gavinlopez3d ago

We had a similar scare with a new synthetic sling on a rough terrain crane. The supplier swore it was fine for the old hooks, but the surface finish just didn't grip the same.

samjohnson2d ago

That's a supplier problem, not a gear problem. They should know their product's limits with old hardware. Sounds like they were just trying to make a sale.