
In the video, two maintenance workers at Mountain are using rubber mallets and bars to knock frost and ice off a thick steel cable and a large grooved wheel. This is a critical routine procedure for aerial cable cars in cold, high-altitude environments.
The cable is the system's lifeline, and the wheel is part of the powerful drive mechanism that moves it. Removing ice is essential for safety. A buildup of ice adds significant weight, straining the motor. It also changes the shape of the wheel's grooves, which can cause the cable to slip or derail—a serious failure. Furthermore, ice can damage the cable's internal wires and interfere with safety sensors.
They use special rubber tools instead of metal hammers for a crucial reason: to protect the equipment. Metal tools could scratch the cable or dent the wheel. These tiny imperfections could weaken the metal over time, creating a safety risk. Plastic tools remove the ice effectively without causing any damage.
This meticulous work, often done at the mountain-top station, ensures the cable car operates smoothly and safely for all passengers, highlighting the ongoing maintenance required behind the scenes.