Anyone use a rangefinder?

[flyingsquirrel25]

I use one all the time. It’s great for estimating distances from center for crane work, height of tree parts to see if lift access is possible and have even used it for estimating log lengths for the 20% rule of landing wood flat.
I bought one on sale at cabelas for $149 and kick myself that I didn’t buy a couple because it seams it’s always in the other truck.
if you sell crane work at all it’s worth the investment of a couple bucks.

 

[Gareth's Tree]

So, I ended up ordering one of these today. Looking forward to it arriving first part of next week!

 

[DSMc]

Let us know how it works. Mine is over 5 years old and is a slightly different design even though it has the same name.

 

[Gareth's Tree]

Let us know how it works. Mine is over 5 years old and is a slightly different design even though it has the same name.

I believe mine is the second generation

 

[DSMc]

Yes it is I just checked mine, Forestry Pro, no II designation.

 

[JE Chop Nash]

Nikon Forestry Pro 999 ft. 6X Magnification Laser Distance Measure Range Finder 8381 - The Home Depot

With its invisible, eye-safe, infrared laser, the Nikon Forestry Pro Laser Rangefinder is the ideal surveying tool for measuring distances, angles and heights in wooded areas. It can take measurements

www.homedepot.com

The Nikon Forestry Pro is what we use, it is excellent at what it does.

This is what we use and it’s been spot on. Excellent for crane work.

 

[Treeweasel]

For me, a range finder is an important tool. I have the TruPulse 200, made by Laser Technologies. It is about $800, but I got it 1/2 off on Ebay several years ago. It has several settings - horizontal, vertical, and incline, and a couple of others I dont use. It is extremely accurate, and I use it when bidding crane work. We dont use it much otherwise, but a good range finder is had to beat when you are figuring distances around steep slopes.

I use the Trupulse 200 as well. I do mostly crane work, so to accurately bid, I need to know where I’m setting up and what my radius is. I would not quote a job without it.

 

[Steve Connally]

I just looked on eBay. There are a bunch for under 500. @Treeweasel do you have to shoot the base then the top of the tree to get height? If so how would you figure if a house was in the way because you're setting up in the front yard?

 

[climbhightree]

I just looked on eBay. There are a bunch for under 500. @Treeweasel do you have to shoot the base then the top of the tree to get height? If so how would you figure if a house was in the way because you're setting up in the front yard?

Has multiple modes. 2 ways to do tree height. Here are some.

Ps - this is what I use too.

 

[climbhightree]

 

[climbhightree]

 

[Treeweasel]

I just looked on eBay. There are a bunch for under 500. @Treeweasel do you have to shoot the base then the top of the tree to get height? If so how would you figure if a house was in the way because you're setting up in the front yard?

Steve,
For me, having a knuckleboom, I only need to know the distance from my turret to the tie in point. That tells me what my capacity will be at that distance. As I get lower on the tree, the amount (length) of boom required generally decreases. In the event of a house being in the way, I can either utilize longer slings or more jib, and adjust the weight of my picks accordingly. I hope that helps.
On the TruPulse 200, I use slope distance mode (SD) to determine how much boom is needed. It works perfectly for me.

 

[Steve Connally]

Thanks @climbhightree @Treeweasel I run a knuckle boom as well. I am just a sub so I don't do estimates. Sometimes i'll look at a job before and this would be super helpful. I too adjust the sling length based on boom angle. Thats why I love the Gunnebo GrabIQ system. 30' chain's that I can shorten to any length I want.

 

[Flying~Squirrel]

A compass with an inclinometer is probably a bit cheaper, very accurate, never runs out of batteries, and does a hundred other tasks too. Shoot the angle, pace it out, and do a little trig.

 

[laddo]

Couldnt you use the stick trick to see where the tree top would land and measure from base of trunk to the fall spot to figure total height??

 

[Chaplain242]

A compass with an inclinometer is probably a bit cheaper, very accurate, never runs out of batteries, and does a hundred other tasks too. Shoot the angle, pace it out, and do a little trig.

I use a fibreglass tape measure for any situation requiring the trig tools to be used.

But I still find the odd situation that the laser would be handy ( ie the most accessible branch union) that is either hard to get an accurate plumb line estimate, or the lay of the land prohibits pacing/measuring.

 

[Birdyman88]

Nikon RifleHunter since 2011. Golf, hunting, shooting, tree work has been flawless. I have literally put a stake in the ground for a couple of customers marking where the tips will end up and nailed it each time. It is very accurate. I use it on 75% of jobs. Limitation is 10 yard minimum measurement for mine.

 

[Joannet8]

if you have learned how to use it correctly, then Yes, everything will turn out!

 

[Smormad]

Rangefinders are really helpful tools for many things. Personally I use one only when I am hunting, but people use them for other stuff also. In hunting it is much easier to hit long shots when you have a good rangefinder and I use ATN rangefinder that i got from https://www.atncorp.com/range-finder . They sell really quality stuff for great prices and my rangefinder is working perfectly for 2 years now. I am thinking of buying a scope from them also because I really like what they make. Having the right equipment makes everything much easier.

 

[Birdyman88]

It is really that good?

Any quality laser rangefinder should be that accurate. But almost 10 years with tons of use without a hiccup and only on 4th or 5th battery kinda makes it special.