60 kN Self-Contained Diesel Hydraulic Capstan
60 kN Self-Contained Diesel Hydraulic Capstan
Two 60 kN self-contained diesel hydraulic capstan winches built in Yatala for underground cable hauling, each with a 40 HP water-cooled diesel in a sound-proof enclosure, footswitch control and digital line-tension recording to USB.
Diesel Capstan Project Overview
Custom-built 60 kN self-contained diesel hydraulic capstans for underground cable hauling
Two 60 kN self-contained diesel hydraulic capstan winches for underground cable hauling, a proven ACW design with many units working across Australia and Indonesia. Each unit is fully self-contained, with a 40 HP water-cooled diesel engine in a sound-proof enclosure driving the hydraulic capstan, so the crew can set up at a pit or joint bay with no site power. Operation is by footswitch and touch screen, with a full digital display of line tension and distance, and every pull is recorded to USB so the contractor can hand a quality assurance record to the end client. Engineered, built and tested at our Yatala, Queensland workshop.
Key Project Highlights
Exceptional performance, precision and reliability
These 60 kN self-contained diesel hydraulic capstans were built for high-volume underground power and communications cable installation. Headline specifications:
60 kN
Rated Capacity
Capstan
Rope Storage
Construction
Industry
Underground Cable
Application
Design & Manufacturing Considerations
Built for durability and efficiency in demanding environments
Refined over many units in Australian and Indonesian service and assembled in-house at Yatala. Key design considerations:
Heavy-Duty
Steel Frame
Material Choice
Diesel
Self-contained
Power System
60 kN
Rated Line Pull
Drive System
Footswitch
Operator Safe
Control / Brake
Operational & Technical Breakdown
An in-depth look at the 60 kN self-contained diesel hydraulic capstan's performance and technical capabilities
The capstan head, gearbox and hydraulic motor are mounted in a blue fabricated frame with yellow guarding, and the 40 HP water-cooled diesel and hydraulic power pack sit behind sound-attenuated panels so the unit can run beside crews all day. Because a capstan drives the rope by friction, rope length is unlimited and the same machine handles short pit-to-pit pulls and long conduit runs. Lifting points and a low centre of gravity make the unit easy to truck and crane between sites.
Control is by footswitch so the operator keeps both hands on the rope, with a touch screen setting speed and tension limits. Line tension and distance are displayed live and recorded to USB for each pull, giving a traceable record that the cable stayed within its rated tension, and the drive stops if the set limit is exceeded. Both units were load tested at Yatala before delivery.
Other Winch Applications
Versatile winching solutions across multiple industries.
Beyond construction, self-contained diesel capstans with tension recording suit utilities, telecommunications and mining contractors installing cable wherever site power is unavailable.
Cable hauling for wind farm collector networks and hydro scheme conduits – self-contained capstans with tension recording that proves each pull stayed within the cable rating.
Shore-end cable pulls, wharf services and slipway hauling where there is no site power – diesel hydraulic capstans that arrive ready to run.
Project Conclusion
The 60 kN self-contained diesel hydraulic capstans are a proven ACW workhorse for cable installers who need a recorded, certified pull without site power. Designed, built and tested in Yatala by Australian Certified Winches.
Like every winch we build, it was designed to AS 1418, the Australian Standard for cranes, hoists and winches, and signed off by our RPEQ-registered engineers before load testing in Yatala.
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- 2/14 Freight Street, Yatala, QLD 4207
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about self-contained diesel capstans for underground cable installation.
Why is a water-cooled diesel used here rather than air-cooled?
These capstans run for long periods at high load pulling heavy cable, and a 40 HP water-cooled engine handles that sustained duty inside a sound-proof enclosure without the airflow an air-cooled engine would need. Sound attenuation matters when crews work beside the unit for hours.
What does the USB record contain?
Each pull is logged with line tension and distance against time and saved to USB. Contractors provide that file to the asset owner as proof the cable was installed within its rated pulling tension, which many utilities and telecommunications clients require.
How does the operator control the pull?
A footswitch runs the capstan so both hands stay on the rope, while the touch screen sets speed and tension limits. If the set tension is exceeded the drive stops automatically and an emergency stop is fitted at the operator station.
Is there a limit on rope length?
No. A capstan grips the rope around its barrel rather than storing it, so any rope length can be used. The pulling force also stays constant regardless of how much rope is out, unlike a drum winch where pull falls as layers build up.
Are these units available for other capacities?
Yes. The same self-contained design has been built at 30 kN and 60 kN with different engines and frames, and ACW can tailor line pull, guarding and the monitoring system to your cable sizes and client requirements.
Hauling Underground Cable?
Tell us the cable size, the pull length and the site access. Our RPEQ engineers will size a certified self-contained capstan winch for it.