Replacement buffer springs for the Yale Mtrac endless wire rope winch. The buffer springs are wear components within the grip-wheel mechanism — sitting between the grip-wheel pressure plates, they provide the consistent radial force that keeps the rope engaged with the wheel surface under load, and over time (especially in heavy daily operation) they lose preload and need replacing to maintain rated holding force and lift speed. Order as a scheduled service item, or as a corrective replacement when grip-wheel slippage is observed during routine inspection.
Technical Specifications
| Article No. |
Description |
Compatible Models |
Use Case |
| 192037461 |
Buffer Springs (Mtrac grip-wheel) |
All YMT models |
Scheduled service replacement / corrective for grip-wheel slip |
Supplied as the OEM service item — pack quantity and exact specification confirmed at order against the parent winch serial number. Refer to the Mtrac OEM manual for replacement intervals and procedure.
Yale OEM Spare Parts | CE & UKCA Marked | Made in Germany
Yale is a registered trademark of Columbus McKinnon Industrial Products, the global leader in hoisting and lifting equipment. These buffer springs are factory-supplied OEM spare parts for the Yale Mtrac endless wire rope winch. Manufactured under EN ISO 9001 certified processes. Use of OEM spares is required to maintain the original winch certification under UK LOLER 1998 / PUWER 1998 inspection regimes.
More About This Product
Replacement buffer springs for the Yale Mtrac endless wire rope winch. The buffer springs are wear components within the grip-wheel mechanism — they sit between the grip-wheel pressure plates and provide the consistent radial force that keeps the rope engaged with the wheel surface under load. Over time, and especially under heavy-duty daily operation, the springs lose preload and require replacement to maintain the winch's rated holding force and lift speed. Order these as a scheduled service item or as a corrective replacement when grip-wheel slippage is observed during routine inspection.
When to Replace
- At scheduled service intervals: Per the Mtrac OEM manual's service schedule — typically replaced alongside rope inspection on heavy-duty daily-use installations.
- When grip-wheel slippage is observed: If the winch shows reduced lift speed, intermittent slip, or fails to hold rated load on the brake test, the buffer springs may have lost preload — replace as a first-line corrective action before more extensive service.
- Following LOLER Thorough Examination findings: Where the competent person flags reduced grip-wheel force.
- Alongside major rope replacement: Convenient time to refresh internal wear parts when the rope is already out of the unit.
How to Replace
- Power off: Disconnect the Mtrac from the 230 V mains supply.
- Remove the rope: Run the existing rope through to its end and detach from the winch.
- Access the grip-wheel mechanism: Per the OEM manual procedure — typically involves removing the housing cover.
- Replace the buffer springs: Swap the worn springs for the new OEM parts, matching position and orientation per the manual.
- Reassemble and test: Refit the housing, reinstall the rope, run a no-load test, then a light-load test to verify holding force.
- Schedule LOLER inspection: A Thorough Examination should be carried out following structural service work before returning to full-load duty.
Warning:
Buffer spring replacement is a workshop-grade service task and should be carried out by a competent service technician familiar with the Mtrac mechanism. Incorrect spring fitment may cause inadequate grip-wheel force and load slip under operation.
Service and Support
WOLFF Onsite holds stock of Mtrac buffer springs alongside the broader Yale lifting spares range. For sites running multiple Mtrac units, we recommend holding a small stock to support same-day replacement and minimise downtime. Combined service contracts including buffer spring renewal, rope inspection, LOLER Thorough Examination, and full overhaul are available — contact our spares team for site-specific service planning.
Related Products
- Yale Mtrac Endless Wire Rope Winch: The parent winch range — buffer springs fit all six YMT models.
- Yale Mtrac Wire Ropes: Replacement ropes (6.5 mm × 10 m – 150 m) with taper-and-hook termination.
- MTRAC Endless Winch Radio Remote Control: Wireless pendant accessory (article 192038496).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What do buffer springs actually do?
The Mtrac uses a grip-wheel mechanism — a pair of opposing pressure plates that squeeze the rope between them to drive it through the unit. The buffer springs provide the radial preload that keeps those plates pressed against the rope. If the springs lose preload, the grip-wheel can't apply enough force to drive the rope cleanly, leading to slip and reduced rated capacity.
Q: How often do they need replacing?
Depends on duty cycle. Light-use installations may go years without replacement; heavy-duty daily-use sites may need replacement annually as part of scheduled service. Replace at the service interval in the OEM manual or whenever grip-wheel slippage is observed during inspection.
Q: Can I fit these myself?
Buffer spring replacement requires partial disassembly of the grip-wheel mechanism, which is a workshop-grade service task. We strongly recommend the work is carried out by a competent service technician familiar with the Mtrac mechanism. WOLFF Onsite provides this service as part of our Mtrac maintenance contracts.
Q: Do I need a LOLER inspection after replacing the buffer springs?
Yes — buffer spring replacement is structural service work on a lifting machine, and a LOLER Thorough Examination by a competent person should be carried out before returning the winch to full-load duty.
