Removing Cable - Greenlee 2001 Instruction Manual

Removing Cable

Removing old cable involves the same principles as
installing new cable. However, there are some important
differences.
Pulling Force
It is difficult to predict the amount of pulling force neces-
sary to remove an old cable. The cable may be dam-
aged, and it may break with an unexpectedly low pulling
force.
The required pulling forces may be very high:
• The cable has probably "taken a set." Unlike the new
cable on a reel, cable in conduit has probably been in
the conduit for years, or perhaps decades. The cable
will resist bending and straightening as it is pulled
through the conduit.
• The pulling lubricant has probably hardened, increasing
pulling resistance.
• The insulation may be damaged and the cable may be
corroded.
• Dirt or other foreign matter may have entered the
conduit and may have cemented the cable in place.
Greenlee / A Textron Company
2001-Series Easy Tugger Cable Pullers
Puller Placement
Pulling out old cable is generally accomplished with the
puller located some distance away from the end of the
conduit. This allows the pulling crew to pull out a long
section of cable before turning off the puller, cutting off
the cable, and reattaching the grip(s). Mounting the
cable puller a distance away from the end of the conduit
increases the amount of exposed rope, which greatly
increases the amount of violent whipping action which
would occur if the rope or other components were
to break.
To isolate the operator from the rope path:
• Locate the puller so that you will stand behind an
obstruction, such as a wall. Set up the puller so that
you will be able to maintain control of the pull. You
need a clear view of the rope as it feeds onto the
capstan, including several feet of the rope in front of
the capstan. You must be able to turn off the puller
before the pulling grip, connector, or swivel contacts
the capstan.
• Use an additional pulling sheave to change the
direction of the tailing rope. Anchor the sheaveso that
you are close enough to maintain control of the pull.
You need a clear view of the rope as it feeds onto the
capstan, including several feet of the rope in front of
the capstan. You must be able to turn off the puller
before the pulling grip, connector, or swivel contacts
the capstan.
Note: Use the additional pulling sheave to change the
direction of the tailing rope (after the rope leaves the
capstan). Do not change the direction of the pulling
rope.
• Use a longer tailing rope than usual and stand
away from the puller. Stand as far from the puller as
possible, while maintaining control of the pull. You
need a clear view of the rope as it feeds onto the
capstan, including several feet of the rope in front of
the capstan. You must be able to turn off the puller
before the pulling grip, connector, or swivel contacts
the capstan.
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