In-depth comparison of air and hydraulic cable blowing machines: How to choose TFN T700CQ/T700CY for your project?
In the construction of optical fiber networks, the cable blowing machine is the core equipment that determines the laying efficiency. Faced with complex terrain and diversified engineering requirements, the TFN T700CQ air cable blowing machine and the TFN T700CY hydraulic cable blowing machine have become the mainstream choice in the industry with their differentiated technical routes. This article will analyze the performance boundaries and adaptation scenarios of the two types of equipment to help you accurately match construction needs.
1. Differences in power system principles: compressed air VS hydraulic drive
1.1 Working principle of air cable blowing machine
TFN T700CQ adopts compressed air power system:
- Power source: external air compressor generates 6-12bar high-pressure airflow
- Transmission mode: airflow drives turbine blades, which is converted into mechanical kinetic energy to drive cables
- Speed regulation: real-time control of propulsion speed (0.5-2m/s) through speed regulating valve
Advantages:
- No risk of hydraulic oil leakage, suitable for clean environments such as computer rooms
- Start-stop response speed ≤ 0.3 seconds, more sensitive to sudden cable jams
1.2 Working principle of hydraulic cable blowing machine
TFN T700CY is equipped with a closed-loop hydraulic system:
- Power source: built-in 11kW diesel engine drives hydraulic pump
- Transmission mode: hydraulic oil drives the plunger pump to output stable torque
- Pressure regulation: speed regulating valve accurately controls the output pressure
Advantages:
- Continuous output torque up to 280N·m, suitable for long-distance laying
- Self-contained power module, reducing dependence on external equipment
2. Comparison of core performance parameters: key indicators for selection
2.1 Thrust and load capacity
Parameters |
TFN T700CQ（Air） |
TFN T700CY（Hydraulic） |
Maximum thrust |
700N |
1000N |
Applicable cable diameter |
6-16mm |
8-22mm |
Use pipe diameter |
10-40mm |
20-50mm |
Pushing speed (push length per minute) |
0-120m/min |
0-110m/min |
Engineering suggestions:
- For short-distance micro-pipes (<500m), choose T700CQ
- For large-diameter/long-distance pipes (>1km), choose T700CY
2.2 Comparison of environmental adaptability
- Temperature range:
- T700CQ: -10℃~45℃ (low temperature can easily cause air pressure to drop)
- T700CY: -25℃~55℃ (antifreeze formula of hydraulic oil)
- Slope capability:
- T700CQ: maximum 30° elevation angle installation
- T700CY: supports 45° steep slope and vertical shaft operation
2.3 Economic Analysis (5-year cycle)
Cost Item |
TFN T700CQ（Air） |
TFN T700CY（Hydraulic） |
Equipment purchase cost (excluding air compressor) |
USD12000 (Retail Price) |
USD13200 (Retail Price) |
Daily energy cost |
USD80（Air compressor + host energy consumption） |
USD120（Energy consumption of air compressor + main engine + hydraulic pump station） |
Maintenance frequency |
200 Hours/times |
500 Hours/times |
3. Typical construction scenario matching guide
3.1 Scenarios where TFN T700CQ is preferred
- Municipal pipeline reconstruction:
Micro-pipe laying for short distances (300-800m) on urban roads, using its lightweight body (40kg) for rapid transfer
- Indoor data center:
Clean environment to avoid oil pollution, and noise below 65dB
- Temporary emergency repair project:
Rapid deployment, with air compressor, it can start work in 30 minutes
3.2 Scenarios where TFN T700CY must be used
- Cross-mountain projects:
The hydraulic system still maintains 98% output efficiency in areas above 3,000 meters above sea level
- Highway trunk line laying:
Withstands extreme temperatures, high pressure and high humidity environments
- Large diameter cable operations:
Can push 50mm armored optical cables, breaking through the physical limits of air equipment
4. Measured data on operation and maintenance costs and failure rates
4.1 Comparison of maintenance complexity
- T700CQ air type:
- Check the air pressure pipeline tightness daily
- Replace the air filter every quarter
- Common faults: insufficient air pressure (accounting for 73% of the repairs)
- T700CY hydraulic type:
- Check the cleanliness of hydraulic oil every month (NAS 8 level standard)
- Replace the hydraulic oil filter every year
- Common faults: oil temperature is too high (adding a heat dissipation module can reduce the occurrence rate by 47%)
4.2 Comparison of measured failure rates (2023 industry report)
Device Type |
Average number of failures per year |
MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) |
Air Cable Blowing Machine |
2.3 times |
420 Hour |
Hydraulic Cable Blowing Machine |
1.1 times |
850 Hour |
5. Decision-making Flowchart: Three Steps to Lock the Suitable Model
① Is the cable diameter greater than 40mm?
② Is the single laying distance greater than 1km?
③ Is it involving extreme slopes/environments?
If the answer contains 2 "yes" → select TFN T700CY hydraulic type
If the answer contains 0-1 "yes" → select TFN T700CQ air type
Conclusion
TFN T700CQ air cable blowing machine and T700CY hydraulic cable blowing machine cover all scenarios from urban micro-ducts to field trunk lines through differentiated technical routes. The air type is known for its light weight and low cost, while the hydraulic type wins with strong power and high reliability. It is recommended that the engineering team conduct a three-dimensional assessment based on cable specifications, terrain characteristics and budget cycle. If necessary, contact the TFN technical team to obtain a customized selection plan.
For more information about TFN products or customized testing solutions, please contact us at www.tfngj.com or the following channels:
Email: info@tfngj.com
WhatsApp: +86-18765219251
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