Are you considering a lowering and lifting device?

Re: Are you considering a lowering and lifting dev

I'd pass. Stick with a Port-a-wrap until you can afford a GRCS. I know they seems like a huge chunk of money but bite the bullet and make the investment. It will be the building block for a safe and versatile rigging system. You won't regret it.
Regards,
Phil
 
Re: Are you considering a lowering and lifting dev

I have a question about the HOBBS and GRCS. Do they ever take a hit at the bottom of the tree? I have used both (someone else’s)and was quite uncomfortable with was having such an expensive, fixed piece of kit at the bottom of the tree. Not really a worry with branches and smaller wood but when it got to the heavier stuff we had to make sure the chunks had slowed right down by the time they reach the base. We managed to offset both devices from the direction of fall but as a precaution decided to do things slightly differently than had we been using say, a portawrap.

You see, where possible, with heavy chunks low down, we try to let the ground take the impact, so we’re not so much lowering a the section but just slowing its decent and controlling its direction.

Here’s a couple of chunks from recent jobs, not huge but quite good examples.

http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=4502992695417441221&hl=en-GB

The first one clashes directly with the portawrap while the second one just falls back on it. A shallow notch helped land the second chunk away from the device but this was not really possible with the first one. Obviously I could have achieved this by making the first chunk proportionately longer but there wasn’t room on this occasion.

This is just an honest concern from someone with very little experience with either device. I’m no trying to be smart or anything, just curious as to whether or not it’s an issue. Stick to small chunks is not really the answer I’m looking for either. Thanks
 
Re: Are you considering a lowering and lifting dev

Reg, I think its swings and roundabouts abouts mate, you have more control of heavier bits with a grcs so you less likely to hit it, with a portawap you don't worry about hitting it but at the same time you will probably be taking smaller bits anyway.

When you get really close to the ground, and your still needing to ensure the log lands in the right place, you can always use the vertical speedline method and just let them hit the deck.

Setting the grcs to one side is always a sensible idea, for its own sake and for that of the operator.
 
GRCS on ebay

There's a GRCS listed on ebay. 'First one I've seen on there so I thought I'd mention it. It reads pickup only but maybe the guy could be convinced to ship it. I don't know anything about it or have any connection to the seller.
Phil
GRCS on ebay
 
Re: GRCS on ebay

Regs: I like the video example. Very clear to understand what you are saying.

My solution to that situation would be to aim your log a different direction and have a tag line for a groundie to pull over. That way you could have the log hit the trunk and not your device below.

Besides, I have never had to "chunk" down stuff that low. You Euros have it rough with little spaces to work in.
wink.gif


When am chunking out the main spar I am in full anticipation to fell the tree A.S.A.P.
pbj.gif
 
Re: GRCS on ebay

Redirect the fall line through a pulley at the base of the tree. Take the lowering device off the tree base and take a couple of wraps somewhere else with whatever you have available. I have learned many times over to not drop on a lowering device. If fact many of the damaged units come back from people who left them on the tree to late.
 
Re: GRCS on ebay

[ QUOTE ]
Redirect the fall line through a pulley at the base of the tree. Take the lowering device off the tree base and take a couple of wraps somewhere else with whatever you have available. I have learned many times over to not drop on a lowering device. If fact many of the damaged units come back from people who left them on the tree to late.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks for the stats sohner, and your honesty.
Well, quite often there's never a suitable (adjacent) ground anchor around when you need one, so I guess I have my answer.
 
Re: GRCS on ebay

[ QUOTE ]
Sohner: Redirect the fall line through a pulley at the base of the tree.

[/ QUOTE ]

[ QUOTE ]
RegCoate:Well, quite often there's never a suitable (adjacent) ground anchor around when you need one, so I guess I have my answer.

[/ QUOTE ]

If you are using a rigging device strapped to a tree, then simply use the tree in which it is strapped to.


[ QUOTE ]
Sohner:
Take the lowering device off the tree base and take a couple of wraps somewhere else with whatever you have available. I have learned many times over to not drop on a lowering device. If fact many of the damaged units come back from people who left them on the tree to late.

[/ QUOTE ]

Very good advice. Doing this can save you ALOT of money in repairs.


The GRCS has an excellent solution to this.

By employing the truck mount option, you can attach the GRCS to any truck (or car) receiver and thus you have an anchor point anywhere a truck can drive to.
 
Re: GRCS on ebay

[ QUOTE ]
If you are using a rigging device strapped to a tree, then simply use the tree in which it is strapped to.

[/ QUOTE ]

Frans, It took me a minute or two to relate your solution to my scenario. I think you may have misunderstood me. What I meant was, after redirecting the line at the base (where the device was previously) there is often not a suitable adjacent anchor/tree of which to then re-position the lowering device.

[ QUOTE ]
The GRCS has an excellent solution to this.

By employing the truck mount option, you can attach the GRCS to any truck (or car) receiver and thus you have an anchor point anywhere a truck can drive to.

[/ QUOTE ]

That’s a nice touch, didn’t know it existed. And obviously a good way of putting more rope in the system for shock absorbsion.
 
Re: GRCS on ebay

Are these component systems? If so, what is the "approx." cost of each unit?

To be honest, if the overall cost is lower, I cannot see a logical reason to not use this system, for my own use, and for promoting to my friends..
 
Re: GRCS on ebay

Frans asked:

[ QUOTE ]
Is this a HOBBS generated device?

[/ QUOTE ]

Sohner replied:

[ QUOTE ]
Arborists Designs. The same folks who make the Hobbs H-2 Lowering Device.

[/ QUOTE ]

jp
grin.gif
 
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