Badlands winch Jams

[tbodine88]

I have had a Badlands 2000 and then a badlands 2500.
I use it to raise and lower the mast on my sail boat.
After I have used the winch to lift or lower the mast, it will wrap the cable around this metal shield under the spool.



So I have taken that shield off. Should I put it back on? Why is it there?
Any good advice will be appreciated

[Sailmonkey]

That shield there is supposed to define the maximum stack height of the line on the spool.

If it’s getting above the drum flanges (the shield) you risk spilling off of the drum and having g mayhem ensue.

[Jammer]

Switch out your steel cable for Dyneema and the problem will go away