Winch line on Vermeer BC1500

[GreenMntnBoy410]

My boss purchased a used BC1500 this previous summer. It's an awesome chipper and a much improved upgrade. We use the winch line a lot and it's really boosted efficiency. The thing is, it can be a real pain in the arse to unspool. It's not impossible to pull the line out by yourself, but it's not as easy as it should be. I've actually used this same chipper with a different company before, and I remember literally running with the winch line. If I tried to run with ours, it'd take me off my feet. We regularly grease the two points on either side of the drum. Despite that it still has a lot resistance. Is there a grease point I'm not seeing or some other issue?

 

[brendonv]

On my bandit there is a brake of a sorts, thst rubs on the drum so it doesnt free spool and make a birds nest. I would look to see if there is something like that on the vermeer.

 

[craneguy1]

But it's a vermeer...isn't that how all their chippers work? Barely Chipping 1500. Sorry but that's funny right there...

 

[grappleyarder]

The winch on our Morbark is driven directly off a hydraulic motor. When freewheeling you could run with the line in your teeth.

Friends winch is a planetary drive style. Lots of moving parts bathed in gear oil. You practically have to drive the line off in reverse.

Could be the style of winch?

 

[TimberJack]

BC1500 have a brake to provide resistance when free spooling. It is easily adjustable with the turn of a couple of wrenches.

 

[GreenMntnBoy410]

Cool, thanks for the info. Do you know whereabouts said brake is located?