Looking to replace the cable on my Dozer winch. Was wondering the footage of cable I should install. The cable on it is short been broke & cut many times. Mainly used for small logging operation.
You should be able to look up or calculate the maximum capacity. That doesn't mean you want to install the max though. You have more pull and less speed when the cable is on the first layer than when it's full. It also depends on how far you think you need to reach the cable out, and how much you want to break off and still use what's left.
To be honest I do not think we ever filled a drum with cable even as they could take a lot more than we hung to them. Pans only needed around 100' on the roll to allow for swing or eventual breakage cutbacks for a few weeks, would turn the too short remnants into double eye tug or basket loops so did not go to waste. As far as a winch to drag one's self out or attach to another machine again 150' is ample enough even to double line pull thru a sheave as you really don't want to be too far out or have to drag that much cable out.
For a cable used for logging it often get messed up on the drum. For longer life pull it off the drum ocassionally, cut a couple feet off, and reinstall it. That will change the wear points to new spots.