Gearmatic WinchDrum 8A Questions

dmlinton · Post by **dmlinton** » Tue Mar 24, 2015 7:03 am

I picked up a 1960 440IC crawler loader last Summer. It had sat a while and the engine was stuck a little. Got it free but not running yet -needs ignition system service.

This crawler has a Gearmatic Co. Ltd WinchDrum Model 8A SN 9382 winch on it that is missing the controls. I am a little nervous about what I might (or might not ) find when I take the winch apart as the bolts in the covers are appear to be several decades newer than the winch.

Would this winch have had hydraulic controls? Are they operated from tractor hydraulic system or from a self contained system? Would anyone have a parts and/or manual in digital format that they would share?

Thanks in advance.

Post by **Lavoy** » Tue Mar 24, 2015 7:56 am

They are hyd control, basically a dual opposing master cylinder setup, hard to find unfortunately.
Lavoy

Paul Buhler · Post by **Paul Buhler** » Sun Mar 29, 2015 9:41 am

Here's a link to my Photobucket account (Click on the picture) where there are other pictures of this controller that another member shared with me a few years ago. I'm sorry I don't remember who this was, but hopefully he can chime in and answer any questions that arise. I'm not a Photobucket wizard, so you'll get access to more pictures than you may want. I'll figure this out better later.

gregjo1948 · Post by **gregjo1948** » Mon Mar 30, 2015 4:50 am

I fabricated controls for an 8A winch but lost the pictures when I got my new computer. It's really quite easy to build the controller. 2 single reservoir master cylinders, 2 turn buckles, and some scrap steel I had, was all I needed. I spent around $100.00 for the cylinders, turn buckles,and some brake line. There is a place in Vermont, I believe, that might have the original controller or maybe some parts. I think Paul Buhler gave me the phone # but I lost that also. gregjo1948

Paul Buhler · Post by **Paul Buhler** » Mon Mar 30, 2015 6:04 am

I believe Lavoy has access to some of the original controller repair parts. I haven't found a consistent source that has used controls; as Lavoy said, they are hard to find. If someone finds one, it's worth picking up.

RacinJason · Post by **RacinJason** » Thu Apr 09, 2015 7:41 am

I have an 8A on my 420C, with no control. It has seen better days and has some massive welds on the top, to the mount. It runs in one direction when I engage to PTO, so I spooled a spare cable onto it. Unfortunately, it doesn't freespool very easily, so is very difficult to pull out by hand. I'm thinking of attaching the cable to a tree and pulling it out and rewinding a few times, to see if it will free up. Never know when it might come in handy, even if it only works one way.

Stan Disbrow · Post by **Stan Disbrow** » Thu Apr 09, 2015 8:49 am

Hi,

Sounds like the 'auto pull out of the mud' option, and that can be *really* handy!

Stan

Paul Buhler · Post by **Paul Buhler** » Thu Apr 09, 2015 2:14 pm

Jason look for an email with a winch manual - I forgot to fill in the subject line, so it may end up in your trash bin. Paul

notmeu · Post by **notmeu** » Thu Apr 09, 2015 6:10 pm

Paul Buhler wrote:Jason look for an email with a winch manual - I forgot to fill in the subject line, so it may end up in your trash bin. Paul

Thanks Paul for sending me your gearmatic winch manual! Tom

RacinJason · Post by **RacinJason** » Thu Apr 09, 2015 7:29 pm

Got the manual. Thanks Paul

gregjo1948 · Post by **gregjo1948** » Fri Apr 10, 2015 4:45 am

I have the aluminum controller housing. It is missing one of the end caps and there are no guts. Anyone want it just pay for shipping. gregjo1948

gregjo1948 · Post by **gregjo1948** » Sat Apr 11, 2015 4:20 am

gregjo1948 wrote:I have the aluminum controller housing. It is missing one of the end caps and there are no guts. Anyone want it just pay for shipping. gregjo1948

Please don't contact me about this controller housing. I am sending it to a JD Crawlers member. Thank you, gregjo1948

scottmi · Post by **scottmi** » Sun May 31, 2015 3:40 pm

I have a 1954 JD40C 4-roller with Holt blade and a gearmatic winch..but winch is not operating/needs overhaul. It's an upcoming project.

I'd appreciate a copy of that manual, too, if available.

thanks!

Paul Buhler · Post by **Paul Buhler** » Sun May 31, 2015 5:10 pm

Send me an email and I can send you a winch manual. Paul

scottmi · Post by **scottmi** » Mon Jun 01, 2015 4:55 pm

Paul, Thank you for sharing the 8A/8G manual. Using it, I was able to identify I have a Model 8A.

Now, does anyone know why the Paccar Gearmatic website, which lists all manner of Gearmatic Models, specifically excludes the Series 8 Winchdrums? Even their Gearmatic Performance Info for Older Style Winches skips over the Model 8s:

http://www.paccarwinch.com/pdf/LIT2354_8-2007.pdf

http://www.paccarwinch.com/manualsanddo ... ddocs.aspx

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