30 replies to this topic

[lastchair_44]

it's not too bad....the bottom of the wheel (for the most part) is level with the bottom of the catwalk...not the case with some towers on CTEC or GaraventaCTEC lifts...it can make for a pain in the rear mid season wheel change

[Peter]

Floridaskier, I think on this Yan, the catwalk might move. It connects the 2 sets of sheaves, it is a pretty unique design.

[vons]

I think it depends on the situation because I have seen Yan Catwalk-sheave assemblies that move and some that are welded.

[liftmech]

To clear this up a bit- the design we're discussing is an integrated catwalk/rocker arm. There is no catwalk welded (or bolted) to a rocker arm. As for Vons's observation- you must be referring to R-lift. We're the only ones I know of who have welded our catwalk/rocker arm to the tower cap. All the rest that I've seen, even those converted over to Doppelmayr sheaves, still pivot at the main axle. I see skierdude's point, you would have to be a good surfer on a tower that moves a lot. I haven't seen the ones in UT, though; Jimmi or John- are your catwalks welded to the towerhead?

[lastchair_44]

If my memory serves correctly...I think ours are not welded to the tower cap...but there isn't much "floating"
however I've really only been on these towers while the lift is stopped for summer line work or a windy day prying the rope back into the groove (Mayflower)

[liftmech21]

Yeah I'm pretty sure there not welded.

[Lift Dinosaur]

I think what you will find on many of the "banana" assemblies is a wedge assembly that sits on top of the crossarm and makes contact with the inside of the round portion of the banana that circles the crossarm. The intent was to initially have the wedge in place, but not tight, until the rope was pulled and the carriers added so the assembly could "adjust" to the correct rope angle. Then the wedge would be tightened (with a 1 5/8" socket - imagine that!) to lock the assembly in place.
It was later found at Copper (on a 1982 vintage Yan) that size XL mechanics could walk out on the banana to its end and the wedge could be overcome, thus changing the angle of the assembly. At that point the fix from L.E. was to weld the assembly to the crossarm.
In 1983 the design was revised to give additional position retention by way of a 1" bolt through a slot into the end of the crossarm.
I also believe (seem to remember?) that the combination assemblies had a bearing ring that circled the end of the crossarm so it could articulate as the load changed.
Anyone agree?

[liftmech]

'Size XL mechanics'... you must be referring to Pellatz... I've seen the bearing ring go out on one Yan, I think it was on Elkhead at Steamboat. The entire assembly, catwalk/8-rocker included, was out of plumb. S-lift does have those 1" bolts and slots, although the few remaining catwalks are welded to the square beam as well.

[Lift Dinosaur]

Pellatz should remember Glen Mc. He was more XL than Jeff!

[liftmech]

I'd forgotten about him. Never met him, heard the stories though... you didn't want to try and loosen bolts that Jeff or Glenn had tightened, as I recall.

[Lift Dinosaur]

That's where the phrase "check for tightness" replaced "make sure the bolt is tight"!