Question 1

What is a mechanical control cable?

Accepted Answer

A mechanical control cable is designed to convert hand or foot motion into precise mechanical motion. We design each of our cables with different mounting configurations that allows users to manipulate different functions within a piece of equipment.

Control cables are key parts of many vehicle control systems. You can commonly find control cables in transmission shift assemblies, throttle controls, and more. Control cables are extremely common, and are found in vehicles from virtually every industry. Orscheln has grown to become one of the world’s leading suppliers of control cables thanks to our emphasis on quality and service for every customer.

Question 2

What is a push pull cable?

Accepted Answer

A push-pull cable is a mechanical control cable designed to transfer motion and force in both directions — pushing and pulling — between an operator control and a mechanical component.

A basic push-pull cable has two main parts: Inner core, where the moving wire or strand that carries the push and pull force; and outer conduit where the protective housing that guides and supports the core while allowing it to move.

Question 3

Are control cable and push pull cable the same thing?

Accepted Answer

No. Mechanical control cables are designed to transfer motion or movement mechanically between an operator input and a controlled function. This category includes push-pull cables, which transmit motion in both directions, and pull-only cables, which transmit motion in one direction with the help of an external return mechanism.

Question 4

Can control cables be repaired?

Accepted Answer

No. Mechanical control cables, such as push-pull cables or brake cables, cannot be repaired if any of the following signs are present: excessive play or stiffness at the control, broken components, chafing, bent parts, or loose hardware.

For your safety, the cable must be replaced to ensure the strength, integrity, and reliability of the equipment or vehicle.

Question 5

Will Orscheln’s control cable systems work for my application?

Accepted Answer

Orscheln works with clients across a variety of industries and applications, offering both catalog products and custom cable options. Additional applications include:

Motorhomes
Marine engines
Farm machinery
Motor graders
Excavators
Wheel loaders
Tractors
Bulldozers
Cranes
Forklifts
Generators

Question 6

Where can I get mechanical control cables?

Accepted Answer

For production and high-volume programs, you can source mechanical control cables directly from Orscheln Products. We design, test, and produce custom push–pull and pull–only cables tailored to OEM and Tier 1 requirements worldwide. For smaller quantities or quick turnaround, Orscheln’s F.A.S.T.® distributor network—with more than 100 certified assemblers across 25+ countries—can provide cables built to your exact specifications, often assembled locally for faster delivery. Whether you need standard service replacements, custom lengths, or complete control systems, mechanical control cables are available through Orscheln’s global operations in the U.S., Europe, India, and China, as well as through our trusted distributors who supply customers across on-highway, off-highway, aerospace, and defense markets.

Question 7

How long do control cable last?

Accepted Answer

Many factors will affect the lifespan of a cable, such as the frequency of use, the length of the cable, and the operating environment. On average, you can expect our cables to last for several years of regular service before you may need a replacement. We’ve proven time and again across the decades that we are one of the most reliable suppliers for control cables around the world. You’ll find some of the best performance and longevity when you shop our control cables.

Question 8

What is the load-carrying capability for control cables?

Accepted Answer

Orscheln High-Performance control cables are organized into 4 basic size series according to their load-carrying capability:

3-Series: 120 lbs. pull and 25 to 80 lbs. push load depending upon travel.
4-Series: 230 lbs. pull and 45 to 150 lbs. push load depending upon travel.
6-Series: 400 lbs. pull and 60 to 250 lbs. push load depending upon travel.
8-Series: 1000 lbs. pull and 150 to 700 lbs. push load depending upon travel.

Question 9

How do I know what type of cable and fittings I need?

Accepted Answer

Choosing the right cable can be challenging, especially if you’re working on a new project or the existing cable is difficult to identify. We offer a comprehensive catalog and our experts are available to assist you in selecting the appropriate cable and fittings for your application. Please reach out to us, and we’ll help you find the best solution for your needs.

Question 10

What kinds of mechanical control cables do you supply?

Accepted Answer

There are many kinds of control cables that transmit motion in different ways. We make many of these cables in-house at our facilities.

Push-pull control cables are one of the most common varieties of cable we make. These cables simply transmit motion using the compression and tension of the cable itself. When the cable moves in one direction (after you pull it, for instance), it pulls the opposite end of the cable in the opposite direction. When you push back on the other end of the cable, it puts the cable in compression and moves the other end back to the original position.

We also design “pull-only” cables that only work in tension. They maintain a predetermined load on a cable and return to their initial position after use. Our park brake cables are an example of pull-only cables.

We also create special push-pull cables that use a ball bearing to transmit motion across the cable. These ball bearing cables can transmit motion very smoothly and with much less force than traditional mechanical cables. They are commonly seen in the aerospace industry. However, the cables are much less flexible and have a much lower capacity for bending than traditional cables.

You can order any of our cables with a variety of different mounting brackets, end fittings, and handles. Reach out to our team if you need cables for your next project and we’ll collaborate to develop the best cables for your needs.

Question 11

What does the process look like if I need cables?

Accepted Answer

We’ve created a totally personalized process to collaborate with our customers and create the perfect cables for your needs. Whether you’re looking for our stock cables or a custom-designed product, Orscheln is ready to be your cable supplier.

You’ll start by working with our sales team to determine the exact needs for your cables. Together, we’ll identify the cable’s routing, connection points, length requirements, and load for your purposes. Once we have this information, we’ll make sure that we can manufacture your cables to our quality standard, then we’ll start the production process.

Once we’ve built your cables, we’ll subject them to an extensive end-of-line testing process to ensure they meet Orscheln’s quality standards. We subject our cables to a host of tests to verify the cable’s resistance to temperature, thermal shock, vibration, corrosion, sand and dust, and more. We’ll also rate the cable for its maximum load. Once we’ve confirmed that your cable is up to our standards, we’ll be ready to send you your order.

Question 12

What is a mechanical control cable?

Accepted Answer

A mechanical control cable transfers motion from an operator input to a controlled function. Hand or foot movement travels through the cable to operate another component. Common examples include throttle controls, transmission shift assemblies, valve controls, and park brake systems.

Question 13

What is a push-pull cable?

Accepted Answer

A push-pull cable transfers motion and force in two directions. Its inner core moves within a protective outer conduit. This design allows the cable to push a component in one direction and pull it back in the other. It supports precise remote operation when a direct linkage would be impractical.

Question 14

Are control cables and push-pull cables the same thing?

Accepted Answer

Not exactly. “Control cable” describes the broader product category. Push-pull cables are one type of mechanical control cable. Pull-only cables also belong to this category, but they rely on an external return mechanism to move the controlled component in the opposite direction.

Question 15

Can control cables be repaired?

Accepted Answer

You should generally replace a damaged mechanical control cable, rather than repair them. Excessive play, stiffness, or chafing can compromise performance. Broken components, bent parts, and loose hardware may also affect safe operation. Replacement helps restore the strength and reliability required by the vehicle or equipment.

Question 16

Will Orscheln’s control cable systems work for my application?

Accepted Answer

As a control cables manufacturer, Orscheln supports standard and custom cable requirements across many industries. An engineer can review the application’s routing, travel, and load before recommending a cable. The team also considers connections and operating conditions.

Question 17

Where can I get mechanical control cables?

Accepted Answer

Production and high-volume customers can work directly with Orscheln Products. Customers needing lower quantities or faster local service can use the F.A.S.T. distributor network. Certified assemblers use Orscheln components to build cables to the required specifications in locations around the world.

Question 18

How long do control cables last?

Accepted Answer

Service life varies by application. Frequency of use, cable length, and routing can all affect longevity. Operating load and environmental exposure also influence wear. Routine inspections can help operators identify problems before cable performance declines. A control cables manufacturer can help select a construction suited to the expected operating conditions.

Question 19

What is the load-carrying capability of control cables?

Accepted Answer

Load capacity depends on the cable series, travel, and routing. It also varies based on whether the cable operates in push or pull. Orscheln’s High-Performance control cables include several size series for different force requirements. For example, our heavy-duty 8 Series Push-Pull Cable has up to 1,000 lbs. pull and 150 to 700 lbs. push load depending upon travel. Customers should confirm their specific loads with an engineer, instead of selecting a cable by size alone.

Question 20

How do I know what type of cable and fittings I need?

Accepted Answer

Start with the application details. Identify the required travel, load, and cable length. Routing and connection points will also affect the design. Environmental conditions often determine which materials or protective components the cable needs. Orscheln engineers can use this information to recommend the appropriate cable family, fittings, and mounting configuration.

Question 21

What kinds of mechanical control cables does Orscheln supply?

Accepted Answer

Orscheln offers several cable types:

Push-pull cables
PTO cables
Vernier controls
Universal cables
Valve control cables
Throttle cables
Tension cables
Custom cable assemblies

A good control cables manufacturer like Orscheln can help narrow these options based on the required motion, force, installation space, and service conditions.

Question 22

What does the process look like if I need cables?

Accepted Answer

Begin by sharing the application requirements, existing drawings, or a sample cable when available. Orscheln can review the information and develop a proposed design. The team then provides the design for customer approval. Later stages may include quoting, prototyping, qualification testing, and production. The exact sequence can vary based on the program.

Question 23

Where are Orscheln’s Control Cables made?

Accepted Answer

Orscheln’s control cables are proudly made in the USA at our manufacturing facility in Moberly, Missouri. Our customers benefit from U.S.-based engineering support, responsive customer service, in-house product testing, and reliable manufacturing expertise. From product design and development to testing, production, and ongoing support, Orscheln works closely with customers to provide dependable solutions for their specific applications.

Question 24

Why work with Orscheln?

Accepted Answer

As a control cables manufacturer, Orscheln combines application engineering, custom design, manufacturing, and testing within one product-development process. The team can support standard cable selection as well as complex OEM requirements. Working with an experienced control cables manufacturer also gives customers access to global operations and the F.A.S.T. distributor network.

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