Caterpillar — Tensioning
Operation · Bullwheel tensioner and reelshaft brake
From a Caterpillar owner's manual — check it applies to your exact model before use.
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Before you start
- TAIL TENSION IS CRITICAL TO PREVENT CONDUCTOR SLIPPAGE ON THE BULLWHEELS...
- Do not attempt to stop the pull using the tensioner.
Procedure
- Perform the field set up.
- Thread the bullwheels.
- Adjust the reelshaft brake to provide tail tension from reel to bullwheels.
- Turn the bullwheel pressure control fully clockwise to hold bullwheels stationary.
- When pulling machine starts, turn pressure control counter-clockwise slowly until bullwheels turn.
- Re-adjust the reelshaft brake control to adjust tail tension.
- Adjust pressure control during pulling to maintain desired conductor tension.
- To stop the pull, the pulling unit must stop first.
Source: Caterpillar owner's manual. Steps and values are as documented; always cross-check against the official manual and any later revisions for your exact serial number before servicing.