The Fuse Shackle is designed to used the same as the Core Shackle for joining, but with the added advantage of being the controlled failure point of the MAXTRAX Recovery System if the system becomes overloaded. It’s a brilliant idea. Like an electrical fuse it is designed to be strong enough for recovery loads but if something goes a miss, and the system is well overloaded, it's the recovery system’s planned weakest point.
The Fuse Shackle has a minimum breaking strength of 7,000kg.
Please note, this isn't adding an 'overly weak' shackle to the system. The Fuse Shackle is still rated well above what most recoveries will require.
In a typical snatch or winch recovery, it would usually be anyone’s guess what might break. For example, you may typically place my dampener in the middle of your recovery strap or winch rope, ensure everyone was clear and hope for the best.
With the Fuse Shackle, it’s possible to control this potential failure point to our advantage. For example:
In a Snatch Recovery, you could choose to connect the Fuse Shackle to the 4×4 being recovered and place the dampener at that point. In doing so, the rear of the recovering 4×4 is more protected with spare wheels, and ultimately a cargo barrier, while a windscreen is all that protects the driver of the 4×4 being recovered.
While overloading your system is an extremely unlikely scenario (especially if your following the correct recovery techniques), this makes it possible and just as easy to set your recovery up in the safest configuration possible.