A stranding unit for a stranding machine has a stranding axis and a cage in which a number of baskets are arranged for receiving a number of reels having a strand material wound thereon. The stranding unit is characterized in that a stand is arranged which has a frame which extends around the cage in a circumferential direction around the stranding axis. The cage is mounted on the frame by a number of frame bearing elements and is rotatable around the stranding axis. As a result of the circumferential bearing, centrifugal forces are particularly efficiently distributed and absorbed by the frame during operation. In an advantageous further development, a plurality of basket are also mounted in a similar manner within the frame. The stranding unit as a whole is furthermore constructed such that it can be operated at a particularly high rotational speed.

A strander apparatus includes a disk and a plurality of cradles, each of the cradles includes a reel and a cradle shaft, the cradle shaft extending in an axial direction from the disk. Each reel dispenses cable. The strander includes a main shaft, wherein the cradles are disposed on the cradle shafts radially about the main shaft. Planetary gears are disposed between the main shaft and the plurality of cradle shafts. The strander operates in one of a planetary mode and a rigid mode. In the planetary mode, while the main shaft rotates, the planetary gears are engaged to rotate each of the plurality of cradles on the respective cradle shafts. In the rigid mode, the planetary gears are disengaged.

A strander apparatus includes a disk and a plurality of cradles, each of the cradles includes a reel and a cradle shaft, the cradle shaft extending in an axial direction from the disk. Each reel dispenses cable. The strander includes a main shaft, wherein the cradles are disposed on the cradle shafts radially about the main shaft. Planetary gears are disposed between the main shaft and the plurality of cradle shafts. The strander operates in one of a planetary mode and a rigid mode. In the planetary mode, while the main shaft rotates, the planetary gears are engaged to rotate each of the plurality of cradles on the respective cradle shafts. In the rigid mode, the planetary gears are disengaged.