another tool question

[hardworkingstiff]

I would like to control a tugger from close to 1000' away from the feeding point. Does anyone have experience with a wireless controller that works that far away (preferably a foot switch)? It doesn't necessarily need to be a full amperage rated device (I can just add a relay and control the coil).

We won't always be in "line of site".

Thanks,

[infinity]

If you're speaking of a wire tugger I don't see how it would work. Someone needs to pull the rope to apply pressure to the capstan. Do you have a different type of tugger in mind?

[emahler]

If you're speaking of a wire tugger I don't see how it would work. Someone needs to pull the rope to apply pressure to the capstan. Do you have a different type of tugger in mind?


he's talking about something like these (http://www.maxistools.com/product/triggers/)

[khixxx]

Man I don't know if I would use a remote control. I seen tuggers snap the rope before and it's not a good feeling. I guess you could use it for the right application. I don't think I could live with myself if the rope snapped and hurt someone just walking by or in the area. We use to use a Greenlee with 8,000lbs pull.

[infinity]

he's talking about something like these (http://www.maxistools.com/product/triggers/)


How would that work without someone pulling on the rope?

[cschmid]

now I have heard of everything using a remote control for lack of labor..most remotes at that distance will have some reliability issues..I think if it was programed to not run with out signal it would be safe..I can only see bad things with this for you..I would go to unemployment shop and get day laborer pay him cash and move on..oops I never said that..

[hardworkingstiff]

Thanks for the concerns men. This is a Greenlee tuger I'm wanting to control. My concern is if the feed gets in trouble, by the time they radio the rope puller, the damage may be done. I wanted both parties (feeder and puller) to have control over the machine.

[khixxx]

Thanks for the concerns men. This is a Greenlee tuger I'm wanting to control. My concern is if the feed gets in trouble, by the time they radio the rope puller, the damage may be done. I wanted both parties (feeder and puller) to have control over the machine.

Don't radios have a hold key button? You can hold the channel open for constant communication?

I didn't think tuggers pulled that fast.

[Davis9]

You may be able to use the Maxxis one but I'm not sure if it is good for that far.

It uses two foot switches , they both need to be down for the tugger to work.

Tom;)
http://www.maxis-tools.com/product/triggers/
yup, it is good for 1500' through walls and 1.5 miles line of sight.

[don_resqcapt19]

Lou,
I have done that on a shorter distance with a 24 volt contactor and a foot switch at the feed end. If the feeder has any problems he lets off the foot switch and the tugger starts. I used the conduit as one of the conductors for the 24 volt switch. It worked well for the application.
As far as this run, 1000' is a long way....have you done a pulling calculation to make sure the wire will withstand the pulling and crushing forces if there are any bends?
Don

[hardworkingstiff]

As far as this run, 1000' is a long way....have you done a pulling calculation to make sure the wire will withstand the pulling and crushing forces if there are any bends?
Don

The pulls aren't that far (usually 300-600'). I just wanted a device that would work 1,000' (I don't like to test the limits). This is not for a specific job, just trying to make things easier. Besides, it's the end of the year and a few new tools would be nice. :grin:

[jrannis]

Ive had the cord for the tugger under my control and pull the plug if I had a problem feeding but 600'..... daz a long way for a cord.

Sounds like you might have enough money in a job like that to have a couple of helpers talking to eachother on a cell phone to relay messages

[emahler]

the maxis is better than a cell phone, or a radio, or tin cans, or smoke signals, or whatever other way everyone thinks is cheaper and easier...

it gives both ends an e-stop wirelessly....if there is a problem on the feed end, the guy lets go of the pedal, puller stops.

no screaming in the radio, no hand signals, no throwing things across a warehouse.

it doesn't get any simpler or safer for pulls...

and as HWS said, it's not to do the pull with 1 man, it's just for safety and ease of installation with 2 or more people still...

[ptonsparky]

We use a GM tugger for that distance and greater, with cell phones in hands free speaker mode.

[cschmid]

all this modern technology..anyone remember when we hammered on pipe or shouted as loud as we could..

[ptonsparky]

Dang right! I had the fastest Kleins on the crew or at least that is how I remember it.:grin: