There are a number of cable pullers available for virtually every application. One application, however, tends to be overlooked. “Because cable pullers can be big, bulky and over-kill when pulling secondary cable, it is often pulled by hand” said Product Manager Eric Cope of Condux International, Mankato, Minn. Pulling by hand can lead to back injuries; in order to offer a safer and more convenient alternative Condux International developed the Cableglider LW Cable Puller.
The lightweight design makes it perfect for light-duty inside or outside plant operations. The 7l lb. Cableglider LW comes with a canvas carrying bag, which is equipped with wheels for added mobility. The mobility along with the ease of set-up makes moving from jobsite to jobsite fast and simple.
The Cableglider LW is not only portable, but it is easy to use as well. Each of the available 1"-5" internal and external conduit adapters comes split for easy removal. “This allows the operator to remove the puller easily and get it out of the way of the pulling line,” said Cope. The highly durable, self-contained unit offers simple one-person operation. The foot switch provides convenience as well as operator safety.
Safety was integral in designing this puller, as operator safety was one of the main reasons for its development. Not only does it provide a method of light-duty cable pulling that can prevent back injuries, but there are safety features within the puller itself. The footswitch keeps the operator out of the line of the pulling rope. The user is also able to reverse the capstan, which allows him or her to release the tension if the pulling tape becomes knotted.
Along with ease-of-use and safety the Cableglider LW includes a number of other features to offer success in a variety of pulling situations. A one-speed motor and gearbox provides up to 3,000 lbs. of pulling force and a maximum pulling speed of 30 ft./min. The grooved cast aluminum capstan of the puller offers better rope gripping.
The extension range of 67"-87" can be increased with the available accessories. The Extension Frame is ideal for providing added reach when pulling in handholes and pull boxes. The Fork Extension allows users to install an extra six-inches of slack in a panel while the Cableglider LW Tripod pulls an additional five-ft. of slack.
Although 80 percent of the time the Cableglider LW is used for utilities, most often pulling small, secondary power cable, it is ideal for industrial and municipal use as well. It adapts to a variety of pulling applications from wall-mounted conduit, to handholes and manholes. The rotating fork accommodates both vertical and horizontal pulling applications. A pivoting arm allows the Cableglider LW to work with a range of jobsite conditions.
Sam Zicafoose, operations manager of Allegheny Power’s Fairlea Service Center, Fairlea, WV, has found the Cableglider LW to be very useful in pulling underground conductors for power utilities. The tool was recommended to him by a tool supplier and he has found it to be convenient in size and weight for many of the service center’s cable pulling needs. “The portability, ease of set-up and power of the unit is exceptionally good,” Zicafoose said.
Two characteristics of the Cableglider LW especially impressed him: the stability and versitlity. “I was pleasantly surprised by its ability to stay in place in a variety of areas. Once it is properly adjusted it keeps itself in place throughout the pull. It was also more versatile than I expected. The versatility lends itself to a lot of different applications,” he said.
During a particular project the Cableglider LW proved to be especially successful. He said, “We had a job that had a longer pull with multiple 90° angles and the unit performed well. We aren’t sure how we would have gotten it in if we didn’t have the unit.” He has found that the cable puller has also been helpful in preventing injuries in many of these types of jobs. “If we have longer, more maneuvered runs there is an opportunity for strains and pulls. The unit can prevent neck, back and shoulder injuries in these situations,” he said.
The Cableglider LW is the ideal solution for any secondary cable pulling job. It provides a powerful and consistent pull that gets the job done safely and successfully.
