Cable for forklift mechanism

[scottcook]

our team has never used a forklift mechanism before and we have seen people use chains and cables. Could someone recomend the type and size of cable that would be best for this?

[vivek16]

spectra cable

http://www.smallparts.com/products/descriptions/mcs.cfm

the stuff is stronger than steel wire but sunlight weakens it. (just dont go in the sun ) crazy strong...

-vivek

[Chris Fultz]

If you are talking about how to lift it through a motor driven system, then #25 chain or belting like what was included in the kit (gates).

If you are talking about the cable to lift the sections, I would recommend 1/8" or bugger steel cable. You don't want any stretch. It is fairly easy to work with, but you will need ferrules and other conectors to get it tight the first time.

[AndyB]

Preselected cable works wonders if you can afford it. Aircraft Cable will do the trick on anything.

[lukevanoort]

We have had problems with cable based systems, but not with chain driven (mind you, we've only done one of each, so that isn't a very large sample set). With chain driven systems, all you need to do is toss on a sprocket instead of having to build a drum to wind the cable up on and you don't have to worry so much about slippage.

[cardinalman86]

three years ago we used 1/4" cables and we didn't have any problems with it. it still worked 'til last year when we used it to prototype. personally i think that chain is better, but it's only a preference.

[team2061]

would what came in the gates bag be a good idea?

[Dick Linn]

It depends on your lifting mechanism and the load. One year, we used 3/16" or 1/4" nylon rope to operate a list mechanism. Another team used some nylon strap webbing, perhaps 1 inch wide by 1/16" thick. That stuff spooled up nicely.

[roboticWanderor]

the best solution we have found are the gates belts, they work great (although pricey) and can hold and move a large load with minimal stretch. verry fast to put together as well