Cable and Hose Carrier Installation

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Cable Carrier Handling Guidelines:

a) Unpack and position the track on machine or as close to the final location as possible.
b) Lay track flat for cable installation. The cables can either be fed through the end or the inner bars can be removed, and the cables can be laid into place. Be careful not to twist track when handling.

Improper handling of cable carriers.
Improper handling of cable carriers.
Proper handling of cable carriers.
Proper handling of cable carriers.

Installation of System

Mount the Cable Carrier

Special care and consideration should be taken while installing cables and hoses. The correct installation of cables and hoses is one of the most important aspects of the entire system. Proper installation will greatly affect the cable carrier system cycle life, as well as the cycle life of the cables and hoses. The following guidelines should be followed to maximize the life of the cables and cable carrier system.

Recommended cable/hose placement
The cables/hoses must not be twisted and should be free of kinks or other irregularities. When stacking cables/hoses, care should be taken to ensure enough slack has been provided to allow cables/hoses to travel freely on top of one another.

Diagram of an articulated cable carrier system

Ideal– Cable/hose down centerline of carrier (achieved by machined cross bars)
Potential Problems: – Cable/hose too close to outer or inner diameter

Correct:

Cross-section diagram of correct placement of cables inside a cable carrier

Incorrect:

Incorrect cable placement inside cable carrier

The stacking or direct side-by-side placement of cables and hoses with large cross-sectional differences is not recommended.

We recommend a minimal 10% clearance for each cable overall diameter and 20% clearance for each hose overall diameter. 60% total cavity fill is optimal.

Diagram illustrating clearances for cables and hoses in a holder, with labels for tight fit and optional separator.

Make certain that the cable/hoses are laid into the carrier “twist-free”.

Cables/hoses supplied in rolls or on roll reels should be unrolled, not pulled sideways or off the top of the coil.

Correct:

A black, coiled metal cable

Incorrect:

A incorrectly coiled cable

All cables and hoses* should be secured at both the fixed and moving ends. Please do not pinch the cables/hoses excessively while clamping the ends in place.

*Except in applications with high pressure hydraulic hoses, we recommend clamping at the moving end of the carrier only.

cable carrier installation bolt placement

Operation of the System

Installation Checklist

  • Make certain cables are not pulled tightly against inner radius bars. Adjust if needed.
  • Check that the moving end bracket is fastened at the specified mounting height.
  • Check that all hardware is tightened securely.

Start Up and Test

  • Cycle the cable carrier at the slowest speed possible to both extremes of travel to check that the system runs smoothly and no binding and/or kinks in the cables/hoses have developed. Be sure to run the machine at operating pressure.
  • After one complete cycle, clamp or tie the cables/hoses securely at both ends of the cable carrier.

Preventive Maintenance

Regular inspections, no less than twice a year, are recommended to reduce the likelihood of premature system failure. Standard inspections should include:

  • Inspect the path of the cable carrier systems’ operation. Clear any debris, etc., that may impede the movement of the system.
  • Inspect the cable carrier mounting brackets to ensure they are aligned and review fasteners and tighten as required.
  • Inspect cable carrier links for damage, wear, or separation. If any of these conditions are detected, replace immediately.
  • Inspect cable carrier cross bars and replace if worn. If bolt-in style, inspect fasteners and ensure they are tight. If the snap-in style, check that the snap feature is properly locked.
  • Inspect the cables and/or hoses for twisting, kinking, and other irregularities as these may be attributed to premature system failure.
  • If strain relief is installed, tighten, repair, or replace missing or damaged components.
  • If glide shoes are installed, replace any excessively worn glide shoes or sliders that are ≤20% of the original thickness.