[TowerTalk] Crank-ups.....do NOT lubricate your cables

[Jim Lux]

On 9/4/12 6:20 PM, Jim Thomson wrote:
>
>
>
> ##  speaking of cranes.  I have used 20 ton cranes, etc, for various
> tower projects since 1980.....and they ALL  have  something on their
> cables, none of em are dry !   Its NOT grease either,  so it must be
> pre-lube 6 etc.      Im getting a crane over here for another project
> pretty soon, so will ask the fellow  about the cables, and what they use
> on em.

The link posted earlier referred to petrolatum (aka Vaseline) in a 
solvent as a cable lube, particularly with a fiber core.   That might be 
what you're seeing.. (and for all we know, that's what PreLube is)


THis is the mfrs web site
http://www.grignard.com/Wire-Rope-Lubricants/


the MSDS says it is composed of:
Cas: 64742-52-5
RTECS #: PY8035000
Name: DISTILLATES (PETROLEUM), HYDROTREATED HEAVY NAPHTHENIC
OSHA PEL: 5 MG/M3
ACGIH TLV: 5 MG/M3
------------------------------
Cas: 24937-78-8
Name: ETHYLENE-VINYL ACETATE POLYMER
------------------------------
Cas: 64742-53-6
RTECS #: PY8036000
Name: DISTILLATES (PETROLEUM), HYDROTREATED LIGHT NAPHTHENIC
OSHA PEL: 5 MG/M3
------------------------------
Cas: 61790-48-5
Name: OIL-SOLUBLE PETROLEUM SULFONATE, BARIUM SALT

>
> Jim  VE7RF
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jim Thomson" <jim.thom at telus.net>
> To: <towertalk at contesting.com>
> Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2012 4:22 AM
> Subject: [TowerTalk] Crank-ups.....do NOT lubricate your cables
>
>
>> Date: Mon, 3 Sep 2012 17:22:15 -0700
>> From: Jim Lux <jimlux at earthlink.net>
>> To: Steve Maki <lists at oakcom.org>
>> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Crank-ups.....do NOT lubricate your cables
>> from US tower
>>
>> I suspect that rigging companies and crane ops also do regular
>> inspection and cleaning of those cables too, just like the ones on
>> gondola and chair lifts.
>> On Sep 3, 2012, at 17:05, Steve Maki <lists at oakcom.org> wrote:
>>
>>> I wonder why crane companies keep their cables (on million dollar
>>> cranes) lubed religiously?
>>>
>>> On this particular topic, I would not place much faith in the
>>> manufacturer's edicts, unless you're looking for a reason to keep
>>> busy replacing the cables more often than otherwise needed.
>>>
>>> -Steve K8LX
>>
>> ##  all the local ship yards around here  have  55 gallon drums   of
>> pre-lube 6, 9,  + 11.  This stuff is literally
>> poured onto those cables, right at the drum, via an oiler device.
>> Its just penetrating oil, to lubricate the inner strands.
>> Nobody is changing cables every 3 years.   UST also wants me  to check
>> the oil in the gearbox every month, and also
>> change it out every 2 years.   Turns out those hub city gear boxes
>> were never meant to be used for lifting applications.
>> They were  designed for stuff like conveyor belts, etc.   They are
>> actually called ....speed reducers.   They were never intended for
>> a hoist application.   The  UST control box on the tower is not water
>> proof nor is enclosed in anything remotely  close
>> to a nema box.   Whoever designed their anchor bolt configuration +
>> rebar cage  on the HDX-689 was clueless.  Neither
>> meet any spec here in town.   If you put a 14 foot mast out the top of
>> their tower, you can kiss that 70 mph rating goodbye.
>> I wouldn’t be using the UBC-97  exposure B  specs either, use exposure
>> C, or use the  RS-222  rev g specs....if you can find em.
>>
>> The story I got from the crane and ship yard folks is...   without the
>> use of the various grades of prelube  slopped  onto the
>> cables, the inner strands can rub together..and break.   You cant see
>> internal damage  from the outside.
>>
>> It would be nice if  UST provided detailed instructions on  how to
>> re-cable their towers.  They insist you recable their
>> towers, but then wont provide the info.   Check out their info on how
>> much torque required for both the anchor bolts  +
>> leg bolts..... answer,  snug fit.   What kinda  BS  answer is that.
>>
>> Jim  VE7RF
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>>
>>
>>
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