The resort’s cable-car line, the Dragondola, is the longest in Japan at 5,481 meters. For safe operation, careful maintenance is vital. The 107 cars are divided into three groups, and each car is disassembled for inspection and maintenance once over a regular three-year rotation.
To replace the grip connecting the car with the cable, Kito electric chain hoists lift the entire car. Each grip is hung using manual chain hoists for maintenance. Each car weighs 640 kilograms, and the grip is 120kg.
Lever hoists are used to loosen the cable and take weight off the gear train to replace bearings and rubber.
“It’s important to conduct regular maintenance even in the off season for transporting customers safely,” a spokesman for Kito said.
"Many ski resorts use Kito products for maintenance and repair purposes. At Naeba ski resort, our ER1 of powered hoists are used for lifting cable cars, and LB lever hoists are used to loosen the cable and take weight off the gear train. Naeba, a seven-time host of the World Cup, offers 24 runs and operates three cable-car lines and nine lifts. All the hoist products used there are made by Kito," added Tsuyoshi Oshita, corporate communications, Kito.
