The document provides instructions for detensioning a ram on TRIC equipment by releasing cable tension. It is a 7-step process that involves using the hydraulic ram and grippers to free the upper and lower chucks from the cable to release tension. Monitoring ram pressure and anticipating cable forces is important during operation to avoid unsafe tension levels or movement.

1. TRIC Tech Files
RAM Detensioning
An 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.
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:
©TRIC Tools, Inc. 2004-10a/Rev-03

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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).
©TRIC Tools, Inc. 2004-10a/Rev-03