Selecting the appropriate conductor pulling Equipment is crucial for project success and varies significantly based on the type of conductor or cable and the installation method:

For Overhead transmission line (OHTL) Applications:

• Conductor Type & Material:

  • Conventional (ACSR, AAAC): Requires robust pulling force and good tension control. Standard bullwheel diameters and linings are often sufficient.

  • HTLS (High-Temperature Low-Sag, e.g., ACCC, ACCR): Extremely sensitive to bending and crushing. Requires pulling machines with significantly larger bullwheel diameters and ultra-low friction, non-abrasive polymer linings to protect the composite core. Precise tension control is paramount.

  • OPGW (Optical Ground Wire): Highly delicate due to internal fiber optics. Requires pullers with large bullwheel diameters, gentle, non-abrasive linings, and absolutely no torsional forces (necessitating high-quality anti-twist Swivels and extremely stable pulling).

• Bundle Configuration: For bundled conductors, pullers must have multi-groove bullwheels and be paired with running boards that can accommodate the specific number of conductors in the bundle while maintaining their spacing.

• Maximum Pulling Force & Speed: Calculate based on conductor weight, span lengths, sag, and terrain. Ensure the puller's capacity safely exceeds this.

For underground cable laying Applications:

• Cable Type & Material:

  • Power Cables (MV/HV): Often large diameter, heavy, and less flexible. Requires high-capacity winches with robust drums and precise force control to navigate ducts without exceeding cable tension limits.

  • Communication Cables (Fiber Optic, Copper): Can be lighter but often more fragile. May require constant tension winches to avoid over-stressing.

• Duct/Conduit Characteristics: Length of pull, number of bends, conduit diameter, and internal friction all influence the required pulling force and machine type (e.g., constant tension winch vs. caterpillar puller).

• Accessibility & Space Constraints: Urban environments often necessitate compact, portable, or modular pulling machines that can operate in confined spaces like manholes or vaults.

• Environmental Conditions: Consideration for water ingress, soil conditions, and temperature extremes for equipment durability and performance.

General Considerations for Both:

• Control System: The need for automated tension/force control, digital readouts, and data logging.

• Power Source: Diesel, hybrid, or electric, based on site availability, environmental regulations, and noise concerns.

• After-Sales Support: Critical for maintaining uptime and ensuring the longevity of your investment.

By carefully matching the equipment's specifications and features to the specific demands of the conductor/cable type and project environment, optimal efficiency, safety, and conductor integrity can be achieved.