Kinetic Energy Recovery Rope Sizing Guide

Vehicle Type and Size Diameter Minimum Break Strengths Recommended WLL
ATVs, Snowmobiles, Garden Tractors 1/4″ – 5/16″ 1,790 – 2,890 lbs 360 – 560 lbs
Cars: compact, full-sized, Minivans 3/8″ – 1/2″ 4,080 – 7,060 lbs 820 – 1,410 lbs
Light Trucks, SUVs, Vans 1/2″ – 5/8″ 7,060 – 12,920 lbs 1,410 – 2,580 lbs
Trucks, Cube Van, Motorhomes to 26′, Tractors 20-50hp 5/8″ – 3/4″ 12,920 – 16,240 lbs 2,580 – 3,250 lbs
 Medium Duty Trucks, Motorhomes over 26′, Tractors 50-80hp 3/4″ – 1″ 16,240 – 26,350 lbs 3,250 – 5,270 lbs
Trucks, Tractors 80-120hp, Railcar Pullers 1″ – 1-1/4″ 26,350 – 44,200 lbs 5,270 – 8,840 lbs
Logging  Trucks, Tractors 120-200hp 1-1/2″ – 2″ 61,200 – 100,300 lbs 12,240 – 20,060 lbs
 Mining Trucks, Tractors 200-400hp 2″ – 2-1/2″ 100,300 – 148,750 lbs 20,060 – 29,750 lbs

CAUTION
• Avoid all sharp edges.
• Use shackles of an appropriate strength for the rope and consider switching to soft shackles for increased safety.
• Always check the splice before and during attachment to each vehicle
• Test before use. Try light pulls to test attachment before pulling at maximum force
• Keep spectators out of the tow zone
• A Bowline knot is recommended if the rope must be knotted. This will undo most easily after use.
*A knot can reduce a rope’s strength by as much as half.*

This is only a guideline. Use common sense and ALWAYS KEEP SAFETY THE TOP PRIORITY and ensure your application is verified for proper sizing prior to use.  Remember knots in a rope or the use of a nylon rope while it is wet will have a negative impact on the rope’s strength. For more information on rope safety, read our Brief Note on Rope Usage & Safety