Yale Mtrac Endless Wire Rope Winch

Model YMT / YMTF | Capacity 66 – 500 kg Single Fall / 130 – 1,000 kg Double Fall | Endless Wire Rope with Patented Bi-Directional Actuator | 230 V or 400 V Electric Drive | Electromagnetic Brake | FEM/ISO 1 Bm/M3 | IP 55 | CE & UKCA Marked | German Engineered

The Yale Mtrac is the patented endless wire rope winch that revolutionises portable powered lifting. Instead of winding the rope onto a drum, the Mtrac uses a hardened steel drive sheave paired with a patented bi-directional actuator (German Patent DE 10 2012 100 099) that guides and securely holds a 6.5 mm wire rope as it passes through the unit. The rope is fed in one side, through the drive mechanism, and out the other side — meaning lift height is limited only by the rope length, not by drum capacity. The compact unit stays the same size whether you're lifting 10 m or 100 m. Six models cover single-fall capacities from 66 kg up to 500 kg (130 kg – 1,000 kg in two-fall reeving). Two models run on 230 V single-phase mains supply for portable site use; four models run on 400 V three-phase for industrial installations. All models share the same electromagnetic fail-safe brake, slip-clutch overload protection, 42 V low-voltage IP 65 control pendant, and FEM/ISO 1 Bm/M3 duty classification.

Technical Specifications

Model naming convention: YMT = Yale Mtrac standard motor speed. YMTF = Yale Mtrac Fast — higher-speed motor winding for applications prioritising lifting speed over capacity. The two-figure model designation indicates single-fall capacity in 100 kg units and single-fall speed in m/min — for example "YMT 3-5" = 300 kg @ 5 m/min single fall. Standard wire rope is 10 m of 6.5 mm galvanised, high-density steel rope with a safety hook on the working end and a rounded plastic-coated tip on the loose end. Optional power and control cable lengths, stainless rope, and frequency converters for variable speed are available on request.

Key Features

• Patented endless rope mechanism (DE 10 2012 100 099): A bi-directional actuator works alongside a hardened-steel drive sheave to guide and securely hold the 6.5 mm wire rope as it passes through the unit. Rope is fed in one side and out the other — no drum capacity limit on lift height.
• Electromagnetic fail-safe brake: Holds the load safely in any position when power is removed. Power-off applied design ensures the load is held safely even in the event of a power failure.
• Slip clutch outside the load path: Overload protection that engages without affecting the load-holding system — added safety against operator error or rigging mistakes.
• Hardened-steel drive sheave: The drive sheave is made of specially hardened steel designed to ensure long service life under daily duty.
• 42 V low-voltage control pendant: Standard pendant control with IP 65 enclosure rating, connected to the winch via control cable. Optional radio remote available for extended operation range.
• IP 55 winch body / IP 65 pendant: Protected against dust ingress and water jets in normal operation. Suitable for outdoor and damp-environment installation under appropriate enclosure.
• Spring buffers with limit switches: Two spring buffers with adjusting rings attach to the wire rope, setting the upper and lower limit-switch trip points. Limit switches ensure safe cut-out for the upper and lower hook positions.
• Two voltage options: 230 V single-phase 50 Hz for portable site work (YMT 1-15, YMT 3-5) or 400 V three-phase 50 Hz for industrial installations (YMT 3-10, YMTF 0,6-30, YMTF 2-10, YMT 5-5). Standard CE plug supplied; special voltages available on request.
• Ergonomic carrying handle: Integral plastic-grip carrying handle for portable site use — the winch can be lifted by hand and re-positioned between work areas.
• Integral mounting feet: Mounting feet fixed on the housing for simple surface/console installation alongside the portable carrying option.
• FEM/ISO 1 Bm/M3 classification: Duty-cycle classification appropriate to regular industrial use across the rated load spectrum.
• Two-fall reeving doubles capacity: An optional two-part reeving configuration doubles the working load capacity (up to 1,000 kg on the YMT 5-5) at half the lift speed.

Suitable Applications

The Yale Mtrac is specified across virtually any application requiring a powered hoist with variable or substantial lift height. Application areas listed by Yale include construction sites, maintenance and assembly work, wind turbine installation and servicing, power supply infrastructure, water and utility sector projects, and overhead line maintenance. The Mtrac is the standard specification where a conventional drum winch would be impractical because the rope length must vary by site or because the lift height exceeds typical drum reach. Typical UK construction applications include tall-building façade access (lifting tools and materials up scaffold runs without a drum that grows with cable length), telecom mast and wind turbine maintenance lifts, theatre and event production rigging where the same winch supports different fly heights between venues, multi-storey material handling on long construction projects, marine deck work, and any other site where the same winch needs to handle different rope lengths across different jobs. The light, fast YMTF 0,6-30 (66 kg @ 30 m/min) suits theatre and AV work; the YMT 3-5 / YMT 3-10 mid-range covers most construction and façade access; the YMT 5-5 (500 kg single-fall / 1,000 kg double-fall) handles heavy material lifts and industrial fitting. For replacement ropes in matched lengths, see the Yale Mtrac Replacement Wire Ropes range (6.5 mm × 10 m – 150 m).

How to Use the Yale Mtrac

1. Verify the supply: Confirm the available power supply matches the winch model — 230 V single-phase for YMT 1-15 / YMT 3-5, or 400 V three-phase for the four 400 V models. Connect through an appropriate RCD-protected feed.
2. Mount the unit: Use either the integral carrying handle (for portable use), the mounting feet (for surface/console installation), or a compatible trolley (for suspended traversing use). The mount must support the rated load plus appropriate safety factor — for two-fall configurations, plan for the full 2× rated load at the mount.
3. Verify the rope: Use only Yale OEM Mtrac wire rope (6.5 mm galvanised with safety hook and plastic-coated loose end). Inspect the full working length for kinks, broken strands, or surface damage before feeding through the unit.
4. Feed the rope through the unit: The rope enters the Mtrac on one side, passes through the patented bi-directional actuator and drive sheave, and exits the other side. Follow the OEM manual for the specific direction marking on your unit.
5. Set the limit switches: Attach the two spring buffers with adjusting rings to the wire rope at the required upper and lower trip positions. Adjust the rings to set the exact stopping points for both lift and lower directions.
6. Choose single-fall or double-fall: For single-fall lifting, the hook end attaches directly to the load. For two-fall (half-speed, double-capacity) operation, rig the rope through the optional two-part reeving block before terminating at the load.
7. Test under no-load: Run the unit briefly in both directions using the IP 65 control pendant, verifying smooth rope feed, electromagnetic brake hold, and limit-switch cut-out at both ends.
8. Attach the load: Connect the rope's safety-hook end to the load via a rated sling or shackle. Verify the rope enters the unit on the correct side per the OEM manual's direction marking.
9. Lift or lower the load: Press the appropriate pendant button. The unit maintains constant speed throughout the lift. Release the button to stop — the electromagnetic brake engages automatically. Limit switches trip the cut-out at the preset upper and lower positions.
10. Manage the trailing rope: The rope exits the opposite side of the unit during lifting. Ensure this trailing length has a clear path to fall or coil safely — do not let it tangle or contact the load.

Warning: The Mtrac is a powered lifting device and must not be used to lift, lower, or transport personnel. Never exceed the rated capacity for the rigging configuration in use — two-fall ratings apply only when correctly rigged with the matching two-fall block and additional hook kit. Always use Yale OEM 6.5 mm rope with the specified safety-hook and plastic-coated loose-end termination — third-party rope will not engage the bi-directional actuator correctly. The transport and carrying frames are protection-only and must not be used as load-bearing components.

Safety Information

• Verify the supply voltage matches the winch model before connection. 230 V models are NOT to be connected to 400 V supply or vice-versa.
• Connect to an RCD-protected supply per the local installation regulations.
• Verify the suspension anchor or mounting before each use — the mount must support the rated load plus an appropriate safety factor. Double-fall configurations apply 2× the load at the mount.
• Use only Yale OEM 6.5 mm Mtrac rope with the correct safety-hook and plastic-coated loose-end termination.
• Inspect the rope along its full working length each shift; remove from service at first sign of broken strands, kinks, or surface damage.
• Verify the spring buffer limit switches are correctly positioned and trip cleanly during the no-load test before applying load.
• Never exceed the rated capacity stamped on the unit for the rigging configuration in use.
• Never use the Mtrac to lift, lower, or transport personnel.
• Ensure the trailing rope (exiting the opposite side of the unit during lifting) has a clear path and cannot tangle or contact the load.
• The Mtrac is not ATEX-rated — do not operate in atmospheres requiring explosion-protected equipment. For ATEX applications, see the Pfaff-Silberblau OMEGA ATEX range.
• Transport and carrying frames protect the housing and are NOT load-bearing — do not suspend, mount, or sling the unit from any frame component.
• Workplace operators must establish a Thorough Examination regime under LOLER 1998 / PUWER 1998 at intervals not exceeding 12 months.

Inspection and Maintenance

The Mtrac is built for daily industrial duty with periodic inspection of the bi-directional actuator mechanism, the hardened-steel drive sheave, the wire rope, the electromagnetic brake, the slip clutch, the limit switches, and the electrical supply. The drive sheave is hardened for long service life but remains a wear-critical component — periodic OEM inspection and replacement is required per the published service interval. The rope is a wearing component; carry a stock of matched OEM ropes for site replacement. The electromagnetic brake holds the load automatically; if any back-driving is observed under load, take the unit out of service immediately. The slip clutch is located outside the load path and acts as an overload safeguard — confirm it has not been activated as part of routine inspection. The pendant cable, connector, and IP 65 enclosure should be inspected for damage and water ingress. WOLFF Onsite provides LOLER-certified Thorough Examination, spare ropes (full 10 m – 150 m range), buffer springs, radio remote controls, and full overhaul for the Yale Mtrac range.

Optional Accessories

• Yale Mtrac Wire Ropes (6.5 mm with safety hook): Replacement ropes in nine standard lengths from 10 m up to 150 m — all factory-terminated to the Mtrac specification.
• Additional hook kit for bi-directional lifting: Adds a hook to the loose-end of the rope, allowing the Mtrac to lift in both rope directions (rather than only at the standard working hook end).
• Two-part reeving configuration: Doubles the working load capacity (and halves the lift speed) — required to operate the Mtrac in double-fall mode.
• Manual and electric trolleys: For suspended traversing operation on overhead beam or rail. Both manual push and electrically-driven options available.
• Frequency converter: Provides variable-speed control and smooth-start operation — useful where load positioning needs to be precise or where high inrush current would trip the supply.
• Operating hours counter: Tracks total operating time and switching cycle count — provides remaining-service-life indication for scheduled service planning.
• Radio remote control: Wireless pendant with extended operation range — operator can stand clear of the lift area with full lift/lower control (see article 192038496).
• MTRAC Buffer Springs (article 192037461): Replacement spring buffers for the limit-switch system — wear part replaced as part of scheduled service.
• Transport and carrying frames: Housing protection frames for site transport — note these frames are protection-only and not load-bearing.
• Special voltages on request: Non-standard supply voltages available as factory options.
• Stainless steel wire ropes: Available for corrosion-prone environments — note shorter service life than the standard galvanised rope.
• Custom power and control cable lengths: Standard supply is 1.0 m on the power cable with CE / Schuko plug — alternative lengths available.

Downloads

• Yale Mtrac Endless Winch Brochure (EN) — full range overview, application case studies, and option list (PDF)
• Yale Mtrac Datasheet (EN) — full spec table, dimensions, electrical data, and capacity ratings (PDF)
• Yale Mtrac Operating Manual — multilingual installation, operation, inspection, and spare parts reference (EN, DE, FR, ES, IT, NL, HU, RO, SK, TR, PL, RU) (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions