©TRIC Tools, Inc. 2004-10a/Rev-03

TRIC Tech Files

Step 1:Remove gripper O-rings

Remove gripper O-rings before inserting or removing cable from ram. This allows for easy manipu-lation of grippers. If the ram is near the top of its stroke at the end of your pull, proceed to Step 4. If the ram is near the bottom of its stroke (as shown), proceed as follows:

RAM DetensioningAn essential technique in the use of TRIC equipment is detensioning the ram, or releasing cable tension to free the pulling unit. With TRIC’s recipro-cating grip system, the upper chucks (“jaws” or “grippers”) wedge against the cable and pull it as the ram moves upward. As the ram moves down, cable tension is then retained by the lower chucks, allowing the upper chucks to slide free of the cable. It is important to monitor the ram at all times during a pull (a pressure gauge is essential), and to anticipate the effects of hydraulic pressures and cable tension, so as to allow an “escape” from dangerously high tension or adverse movement of the downhole assembly (ram, pulley, and resistance plate) resulting from loose earth or unstable cribbing in the pulling pit. In the following illustrations, red arrows (on cylinder) indicate ram direc-tion, and green arrows (by hands) indicate grip direction or hand movement.

©TRIC Tools, Inc. 2004-10a/Rev-03

TRIC Tech Files

Step 2:Free upper grips

Pull up on upper grips while lower-ing ram until upper grips are free. Lower grips will hold cable tension and allow uppers to release cable. NOTE: It is a good idea to operate the ram with a “buffer” of travel before top and bottom of stroke, especially as pressures and cable tension increase. In other words, avoid hitting the top and bottom of piston travel on every stroke. This preserves the equipment, and keeps hydraulic oil cooler.

Step 3:Raise ram without pulling cable

Lift upper grips clear of the cable, and raise the ram almost to the top of the stroke (leaving an inch or so of upward travel remaining). At this point, slide upper grips against cable by pushing down on yoke assembly. You should not have to use tools such as hammers, screw drivers, or chisels to move or free grips.

©TRIC Tools, Inc. 2004-10a/Rev-03

TRIC Tech Files

Step 4:Free lower grips

Using remaining upward travel, raise ram while pulling up on lower grips. Don’t pull lower grips all the way out of the machine, as they are still needed to contain the cable—without gripping it—during the next step. (Lower grips can be com-pletely removed by hand, but it is best to leave them in the machine. Upper grips cannot be pulled out without removing chuck covers.)

Step 5:Free upper and lower grips

Keeping lower grips loose, but not open enough to let the cable escape or “bulge” away from the ram, pull up on upper grips while lower-ing the ram. With the lower grips loose, the ram will “feed back” tension and not retain it. During this operation, one hand can still hold the hydraulic remote control. (On rare occasions, cable stretch is such that Steps 2 through 5 must be repeated.)

©TRIC Tools, Inc. 2004-10a/Rev-03

TRIC Tech Files

Step 6:Remove cable from ram

Remove cable to completely free ram. Before detaching hydraulic hoses, lower ram almost to bottom of stroke to protect chrome piston rods during storage and transport, both on the job an off. (Serious scuffing or denting of chrome rods will cause shaft seals to leak.) The safest approach during this entire procedure is to face the grippers and keep both hands in front of the ram, as shown.

Step 7:Be prepared for next time

Keep ram clean and protect it from impact. Ram, pulley, and resistance plate can be hosed off (or even pressure washed) to remove stub-born debris. Keep grips clean and lubricated, and use anti-seize on grip assemblies (where outer grip surfaces slide against body of ram, not in grip’s cable path).