I appreciate your input guys.
The only reason I want to use the 1/4" is because I have a 500' spool of it.
The Igland
http://www.novare.no/tmp.doc/mereo/ssb/PRJ-7008053/000044/Prod_1010494.htm winch uses 8mm which is close to 1/4"
The cable I have is very good quality aircraft wire rope with a breaking strength of nearly 5k lbs.
If it breaks on a regular basis I will buy something heavier.
Don't forget that I will be controlling the in feed with a brake on the opposing side, that should alleviate some of the breakage.
and the Farmi only uses 5/16" wire rope
As well as Fransgard.
Of course these are their smaller winches rated for between 17 and 40 hp