semi-OT where to find threaded ends for steel cable?

Tiger Joe

Member
so I have the dearborn front plow on my 8n. for anyone who doesnt know, the plow uses steel cables that run under the tractor to front axle brackets to lift the plow.

originally, the cables are designed to have a threaded rod end on the front axle, so you can take all of the slack out with a nut. obviously my cables are not original, as thats missing. for last year, I simply wrapped the cables around the axle and used cable clamps. While this let me get the cables close, it wasnt perfect.

where can I buy cable with theses ends on it? or can I buy the ends and have it pressed onto my cables? Would like to get this figured out before winter hits!
 
I had cables made up, somewhat like original, at I believe "Grand Rapids belt and cable. The have a 100 ton hydraulic press, that swedges any type end on cables (front axle mount threaded, rear swedge allowed ne to weld adjustable "c" clamp on.
Reasonable price. I believe the building was on the East side of US-131 expressway , at 44th st exit, Grand Rapids Michigan.
I still have the old usable cables, but one is slightly too long.
 
(quoted from post at 08:34:34 10/09/14) Like this little guy...

http://www.mcmaster.com/#3475t15/=u2qgmy

Just look at McMaster for wire rope fittings. This one was just one of many "Strong Grip" fittings that come in all sizes. It is suitable for lifting as well.

HTH

something like that might work. I just need to measure my axle bracket figure out how large of a fitting I could fit through it. I could probably get the new cable at my local TSC
 
Depending on the loading, you could get a swagged cable end, double the cable, and beat the crap out of it with a ball peen. I doubt TSC or the like will carry anything, but this type.

I've done it before with 3/16" cable, but it was holding less than 100 lbs.

The "strong grip" locking mechanism (with the wedge) looks like a good system. Easy to install and easily serviced.
 
It would be pretty simple to chuck up a bolt of the right size in a lathe, cut the head off and drill it to accept the cable.
Then silver solder it in.
 
You can have proper swaged fitting cables made up but an easier and cheaper alternative is to attach a piece of allthread or headless bolt to the cable ends with a few U-Clamps.
 

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