winch cable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "winch cable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a cable that is used with a winch for lifting or pulling heavy objects. Example: "The winch cable snapped under the heavy load, causing the equipment to fall."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The tension force on the winch cable was a percentage of the maximum force, Fmax that could be applied.

New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science

To obtain a water sample, an open Niskin was attached to the winch cable, lowered into the water, and fired with the messenger.

Environmental Systems Research

The procedures used in the previous tests were repeated, but this time the winch cable snagged, and the test samples had to be retrieved by a jeep, exposing its crew to more radiation.

Wikipedia

Then the tractor operator opens the skidtrail to the logs and moves towards the logs until the helper can easily hook the log with the winch cable.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

On the whole, counting all operations with a gang composed of a mechanic, a bulldozer operator and someone to pull out the winch cable, 15 to 20 large stumps can be extracted in a day.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

The assistants' principal function, however, is to cut down the creepers obstructing the operator, pull off branches which get caught in the radiator or round the tracks and more particularly to cut back the roots protruding from the earth and to slip the winch cable over the stumps.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The balloon can be towed by trucks, ships or helicopters, as well as a stationary winch-cable device.

MIT Technology Review

To minimize damage to the ocean floor, it said, trawlers should be required to modify some of the strong winches, cables and engines that can reach depths of 3,000 feet or more.

The New York Times

After salvaging the capsized USS Oklahoma with winching cables, the Navy unsuccessfully tried to recover the Utah using the same technique.

Wikipedia

Once up, the frame is pulled together and tightened with a tool called a "come along," a kind of hand winch or cable device with a lever.

The New York Times

Three metal beams are positioned pyramid-shape over the well and support the electric winch, whose cable runs down the shaft to the sandy floor below.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying the type of "winch cable", consider adding details such as material (steel, synthetic) or load capacity to provide clarity and precision. For example, use "steel winch cable" or "high-strength winch cable".

Common error

Avoid using "winch cable" as a blanket term for all winch lines. Differentiate between cables, ropes, and lines based on their material and construction for greater accuracy. A "winch cable" is usually made of steel.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "winch cable" functions primarily as a compound noun, specifying a type of cable designed for use with a winch. Ludwig provides examples where the phrase identifies a crucial component in various mechanical and operational contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

29%

Wiki

24%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "winch cable" refers to a specific type of cable designed for use with a winch, functioning as a compound noun in sentences. Ludwig shows that while the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, according to Ludwig AI, it is more frequently encountered in science, news, and wiki contexts. Related phrases include "winch rope" and "winch wire", offering variations that highlight the cable's material and function. When using "winch cable", ensure the context is clear by specifying its material or load capacity. Common errors involve over-generalization, and it's important to differentiate between cables, ropes, and lines accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

winch rope

Replaces 'cable' with 'rope', suggesting a similar but potentially less heavy-duty component.

winch wire

Substitutes 'cable' with 'wire', indicating a more specific type of cable often made of metal strands.

winch line

Replaces 'cable' with 'line', implying a flexible cord used with a winch system.

hoisting cable

Uses 'hoisting' to emphasize the lifting function, altering the initial word but maintaining overall meaning.

lifting cable

Similar to 'hoisting cable', this phrase directly specifies the cable's function as lifting.

tow cable

Specifies the use for towing, rather than general winching.

cable for winch

Reorders the phrase to emphasize the cable's purpose, changing the structure slightly.

winch mechanism cable

Broadens the description to include the winch mechanism, offering a more detailed but less concise term.

cable of the winch

Uses a prepositional phrase to indicate possession, slightly altering sentence structure.

cable used in winch

Emphasizes the cable's application, providing context but increasing wordiness.

FAQs

How is a "winch cable" used in forestry?

In forestry, a "winch cable" is often attached to a tractor to skid logs by hooking the cable to the log and pulling it along the ground. This helps in extracting timber from areas that are difficult to access directly with heavy machinery.

What are the safety considerations when using a "winch cable"?

Always inspect the "winch cable" for wear and tear before use. Ensure the cable is properly secured to both the winch and the load, and never exceed the cable's load capacity. Keep people clear of the cable's path during operation to avoid injury.

What materials are commonly used to make a "winch cable"?

Common materials include steel and synthetic fibers. Steel cables offer high strength and abrasion resistance but can be heavy. Synthetic cables, like those made from "Dyneema", are lighter and stronger for their weight but may be more susceptible to heat and abrasion.

Are "winch line" and "winch cable" the same thing?

While often used interchangeably, "winch cable" typically refers to a steel cable, whereas "winch line" can refer to any type of rope or cable used with a winch. A "winch rope" is often synthetic.