Three Cable Scrappers for a North American Leader in Copper Cable Removal and Recycling

September 2022

Timberland Group’s OK Champion Cable Scrapper is a unique one-of-a-kind machine designed to remove damaged or obsolete cable from underground power and communication distribution networks. Weighing between 30 to 50 pounds per foot and up to 6” in diameter, underground cable is much larger and heavier than aerial cable. This cable is installed in metropolitan areas in underground conduits that can be re-used and accommodate various sizes of cable.

Over time the cable conduits fill with sediment which impacts the cable making it extremely difficult to remove for replacement. Usually, the cable is not removed unless it has to be replaced or the conduit structure needs to be used for different applications. The Cable Scrapper takes the hard work out of cable removal by combining a powerful capstan winch with an automated cutting system so the cable can be productively removed and cut up for recycling in one operation.

The innovative pulling and cutting mechanisms are mounted on an articulating structure that makes it easy to reach cables in a variety of situations. The additional option of using the constant pull winches that TSE is known for with the agile articulation of the Cable Scrapper increases the productivity of cable pulling for new cable installation as well.

The Cable Scrapper is primarily marketed by TSE in the US market and is manufactured in Woodstock by Timberland. Three cable scrappers are in process now for large-scale utility services company. They are involved with various recycling operations throughout North America and utilizes the Cable Scrapper to assist utilities in reclaiming the metals from scrap cable and the precious underground cable conduit structures to avoid expensive and disruptive construction projects. One of these three Cable Scrappers is slated to go to work in the Hawaiian Islands to help the sustainability of that growing economy.