Cable diameter

[Paul D. 26]

I'm installing my rock shaft tomorrow and I am wondering the best dia. cable to use from the lift arm to the rock shaft. I looked for a strength rating online and haven't found the answer I am looking for yet so... what did you all use and have any of you figured out what is to small(a.k.a. Ya broke something) what is the limits of what the hyd. lift on these tractors will do anyway. I see homemade attachments with cinderblocks strapped to them. That seams like an awful lot of weight for a little cable to be lifting. I welcome all thoughts. Thanks,

[TT-(Moderator) 1,129]

3/16" seems to be the normal size, but I would be more concerned about how well the ends are secured vs. the actual cable strength.

I used a parking brake cable from an 80's Ford Mustang for the last one I made up. Best part was, It was plastic coated and one of the ends was already on the cable. :handgestures-thumbup:

[Raider10 3]

Going to do the same myself. I work on diggers and telescopic handlers etc here in England and have saved a hand brake cable off a JCB telehandler. As TT says they come half made and even have the correct yoke on the end to fit my lift lever, although mine isnt hydro.

When I did my raider 10 rear lift i only used 1/8 cable with small u bolts as clamps and that will lift me quite easily And i weigh about 90 kilos.

Ian :ychain:

[specialwheelhorse 174]

Tailgate cables on some pickup's are nearly long enough. with a short piece of chain or clevas

or whatever on the rockshaft end to make up length, they have rock solid ends on and are

coated very well.

Jim in Texas

[TT-(Moderator) 1,129]

Here's two of my most recent hoarded/pack ratted/recycled items......

A (broken) parking brake cable from a Toro Sand Pro 5040 and a slightly-used temporary service brake cable from a Club Car "golf" cart:

They should make some nice lift cables, eh? :handgestures-thumbup:

[Don1977 604]

Hand brake cable from rear wheel drive Ford is some tough stuff. I have a piece with a ball end I am saving for another cable. I have used garage door cable also. I brazzed one end into a 5/16" bolt that I had drilled out, but I had to use too much heat with the brass and burnt the cable. I plan to silver solder the next one as it doesn't take as much heat.

[Paul D. 26]

Got it all installed this afternoon. Thanks for all the input. It's really nice to be able to learn from those that have already been there. :handgestures-salute: