Mining Wire Rope, Attachments and Equipment

Friction (Koepe), Drum, and Blair Hoist Ropes

There are various wire rope constructions to consider for your hoisting operation, each with its own characteristics and advantages. 

• 35×7 (multi-strand) 
• 24×7
• 24×17 / 27×7 / 24×16
• Flattened Strand
• 8KMC
• 6 Strand or 8 Strand
• Full Lock Coil

Shaft Sinking Ropes

A rotation-resistant rope is required for sinking ropes. As the shaft gets deeper, the resistance to rotation becomes critical.

Slope Hoists & Surface Mining

Flattened Strand, 6 Strand, and 8 Strand are the most common varieties here. The number of wires, level of compaction, and inclusion of plastic are all part of the design process. 

Balance (Tail) Ropes

If you have a Friction (Koepe) hoist and you need balance (or tail) ropes.

• 34×7 / 34×17 / 34×19; plastic outer cover and plastic filled valley
• Flat balance ropes 

Guide Ropes

Half-lock coil ropes are the most common choice for Guide ropes. Full-lock coil ropes are also considered in certain situations.

Rotation in Wire Rope

Rotation-resistant rope is defined as rope designed to generate reduced levels of torque and rotation when loaded. It is designed with two or more layers of strands laid helically around the center, with the lay of the outer strands opposite that of the underlying layer. However, there are different levels of rotation resistance to consider.

Non-Rotating ropes can be used with swivels and have at least 15 outer strands and at least 3 layers of strands. Rotation Resistant rope have at least 10 outer strands and two or more layers of strands. Spin Resistant ropes have 9 outer strands or less and two layers of strands

Rope Finishes 

Bright steel ropes are recommended for dry environments, while galvanized wire ropes are recommended for wet climates. Wires coated in an aluminum-zinc alloy (Galfan) are the best choice for corrosive environments. 

Compacted Strands

Many of our hoist and sinking ropes come with compacted strands on the outer, inner, or all layers. Compaction can be customized to meet specific requirements. When compared to round strands with the same diameter, compacted strands have:

higher metallic area, higher MBS, added resistance to side pressure, wear, and abrasion, better spooling and resistance to crushing.

Plastic Encased Core

In hoist ropes with plastic-encased cores, a plastic sheathing is inserted between the outer and inner layers of strands. This plastic filler reduces the potential sliding of the various components while still allowing necessary movement. The plastic also fills the free space between the exterior strands, preventing friction and wear damage. The most significant advantage of this product is its ability to seal the lubrication in the inner strands and keep out the polluting agents that lead to corrosion.

Proper lubrication of wire rope is crucial during manufacturing, installation, and ongoing maintenance. Different hoists and applications necessitate specific types of lubrication. Northern Strands has the expertise to recommend and provide suitable lubrication products and advise on the most effective lubrication methods.

Wire Rope Lubrication Systems

Northern Strands is the North American distributor of CoreLube wire rope lubrication equipment and cleaners.