4 replies to this topic

[swell]

Hi
I'm trying to put togeter a portable rope tow by our mountain cabin in Norway, which has no access by car.

Uphill distance 100 yards to be used by 2 children or 1 adult

Thus, looking at designing a electrical powered solution using a portable power generator 2000 KWH, as we do not expect fixed power to be installed before next year

I have been looking at using a small el-motor eg (eg 0,4 KW 3000 rpm) with gear reduction to a car weel. Traction by using eg liquid rubber.

Rope speed abt 1,5 yards/second

Was thinking of using a static climbing rope.

I ve spent hrs on the web to find drawings og design ideas without luck

Am I off track here and/or do anyone have any good suggestions?

[liftmech]

You're basically describing a classic rope tow setup, one that I worked on for years. We had a Ford truck chassis with one wheel chained down so the differential would spin the other one. A static climbing rope would work if you could ensure the splice was a) smooth and b) strong enough. Generally rope tows use a stranded rope to enable a good splice. I doubt seriously that there are any drawings on the web, but there are probably plenty of photos.

[zeedotcom]

This is how many ski areas got their start. Throw a piece of rope from one end to the other and provide power.

Consider finding a tire with suitable grooves to hold your rope (this will provide traction) and mount it directly to your rim.

Consider using a combustion engine of some sort rather than a generator to power a motor. A used motorcycle, lawnmower, or other device may provide the necessary power and be easy to get going. I know of one guy around here who uses a motorcycle he got from a junk yard to power his personal rope tow.

[Bogong]

If you want a simple rope tow, here is a video of one for sale by an Australian distributor who is a friend of mine, but I think he imports it from Europe or North America. http://www.snow-stuf...au/skilift.html You can see how it works on the film.

Here in Australia (and even more so in New Zealand), we have things called "Nutcracker tows". Essentially they are very long rope tows (up to 1½ km or 1 mile long) with the rope supported on pulleys to keep it above the ground. The skier has a clamp attached to their belt called a nutcracker. This clamp is attached to the rope and the skier is comfortably pulled up the hill. Nutcracker tows can be very steep and are as easy to ride as a T-bar. However unlike T-bars, they are very cheap to build and maintain, almost anyone can make one.

Nutcracker tows were replaced at the resorts by T-bars and Pomas in the 1960's, but they are still around at "club fields" which provide the best skiing in New Zealand, although things are much more basic than at the main resorts.

Riding nutcrackers explained http://www.chillout..../nutcracker.asp
Powder hound magazine article on nutcrackers http://www.powderhou...r-Ropetows.aspx
Wiki Ski article on NZ club fields that covers everything http://wikiski.com/w...ub_skiing_in_NZ

[swell]

Thanks you all for your input.



Right now I'm inclined to cooperate with a local machine shop which can make a small electrical motor w/gear to be capable of 1,5 meter/second (abt 5 ft/second) and with a capacity of abt 1000 lbs. Hopefully this will be a more quiet alternative. I'll keep you posted on the progress.

If you have more info and/or experience out there I'll apprechiate all postings

Thanks!!