Double-Tied when Spurring Conifers

[cbachmann]

I've recently moved to the PNW and am doing by more large conifer removals than in my previous location (Denver). I'm still dialing in the optimum rope set-up for ascending on spikes and limbing the tree on my way up. I'm committed to being double-tied when cutting with a chainsaw. So, I'm wondering what you guys and gals prefer to use.

Typically, I'll switch to a wire-core lanyard for big, pitchy conifers, and then set up my DdRT system below it with a long RnR. Alternatively, I'll go SRT with my rope tied with a running bowline (Yosemite finish) below my lanyard. This system works pretty well when I "flip" my lanyard and rope together as one unit during ascent. Then, before cutting, I'll arrange it so my RnR or climb line is 6" below the lanyard. This gets a bit tedious for bigger trees (over 80') particularly when the limbs are very dense and the cutting is pretty constant.

How does this compare to what y'all use? I'd love to hear your suggestions. Perhaps there's a better set-up that I haven't considered. Thanks in advance.

 

[Z'sTrees]

I usually try to set a line from the ground, but just spiking up the tree or down the spar I choke with a steel autolock biner and either flip it or unclip and reset it for the next cut.

 

[TreeVB]

I like to use two steel core lanyards on my way up. They tend to advance up together pretty nicely. Before taking the top I will set my climb line choked off below my steel core. On my way down I just unclip and 're-choke below my steel core for each cut.

 

[RyanCafferky]

These days I almost always just shoot a line into the tree and ascend to the top, tie in, and then rappel down to work the tree. I'm just lazy and would rather do the limbing while I am sitting instead of standing. I rarely limb a tree on the way up. If I do I usually just use an adjustable friction saver DDRT but tying in SRT works too. Another thing I do is to just constantly toss my climbing line up a few sets of limbs above where I'm cutting so I'm always double tied in.

 

[TreeVB]

These days I almost always just shoot a line into the tree and ascend to the top, tie in, and then rappel down to work the tree. I'm just lazy and would rather do the limbing while I am sitting instead of standing. I rarely limb a tree on the way up. If I do I usually just use an adjustable friction saver DDRT but tying in SRT works too. Another thing I do is to just constantly toss my climbing line up a few sets of limbs above where I'm cutting so I'm always double tied in.

Another great way to do it. And I'm sure you're not lazy man, just smart

 

[JontreeHI]

I can speak to Ryan's laziness.
I most often do what Ryan said, but I've watched him do it enough times that typing out that answer seems like copying from a class mate.
@cbachmann -where in pnw did you land?

 

[TreeVB]

I can speak to Ryan's laziness.
I most often do what Ryan said, but I've watched him do it enough times that typing out that answer seems like copying from a class mate.
@cbachmann -where in pnw did you land?

Did you not make it to the conference September man?

 

[JontreeHI]

Nope didn't make it, ran out of time and money, looks like my plans fell through.
Hoping for a closer chapter conf this coming year!

 

[TreeVB]

Nope didn't make it, ran out of time and money, looks like my plans fell through.
Hoping for a closer chapter conf this coming year!

I get it man. Life happens. Maybe we will meet up at the next one

 

[JontreeHI]

Back to Hawaii in March-you ever make it back?

 

[Magnum783]

These days I almost always just shoot a line into the tree and ascend to the top, tie in, and then rappel down to work the tree. I'm just lazy and would rather do the limbing while I am sitting instead of standing. I rarely limb a tree on the way up. If I do I usually just use an adjustable friction saver DDRT but tying in SRT works too. Another thing I do is to just constantly toss my climbing line up a few sets of limbs above where I'm cutting so I'm always double tied in.

I do the latter very often super quick especially with the addition of the zillion. I also like this method as it only exposes a shorter piece of rope to pitch. I change this rope super often. I just rope by the foot and tie a steel biner on the end I prefer steel as the weight helps to throw it higher and it takes a lot of abuse and I feel steel takes that better as well. Also the zillion is quite resistant to pitch as well.

 

[cbachmann]

I can speak to Ryan's laziness.
I most often do what Ryan said, but I've watched him do it enough times that typing out that answer seems like copying from a class mate.
@cbachmann -where in pnw did you land?

I'm currently with ArborWell out of Bothell, WA.

 

[treebing]

if you set your line first, set two lines. then tie into both of them and go to work. if you have a line set on both sides of the tree you can really haul ass. dont even worry about a lanyard.

 

[cbachmann]

These days I almost always just shoot a line into the tree and ascend to the top, tie in, and then rappel down to work the tree. I'm just lazy and would rather do the limbing while I am sitting instead of standing. I rarely limb a tree on the way up. If I do I usually just use an adjustable friction saver DDRT but tying in SRT works too. Another thing I do is to just constantly toss my climbing line up a few sets of limbs above where I'm cutting so I'm always double tied in.

Great points, Ryan. Thanks.

 

[cbachmann]

if you set your line first, set two lines. then tie into both of them and go to work. if you have a line set on both sides of the tree you can really haul ass. dont even worry about a lanyard.

Great idea. I believe it was your video that I saw about climbing on double SRT systems. Very interesting. Thanks

Also, I understand you know Ian McCleod from Denver. He's a terrific guy.

 

[treebing]

yes Ian is the man. He was the older brother that supplied the beer and weed to his little brother and friends. Can fix or build anything.

 

[TreeVB]

Back to Hawaii in March-you ever make it back?

Are you moving back or just a vacation? I was back for four months running Ash's show while he was off in Hollywood, until he decided to close shop. Went for a week in August. Was hoping this winter would be a little more harsh so I could have an excuse to go on a working vacation there, but that didn't pan out.

 

[JontreeHI]

Pmd ya Kevin, I'll let Bachmann have his thread back!

 

[tonyMEGAphone]

Throw a line, if it doesn't hit a decent spot right off the bat I'll setup my ddrt system all together ready to go and spike up and do the old toss over and hook in just above where I'm cutting. I like to be in my saddle rather than on my spikes, or a little 50/50 of both.

On any removal for the decent, I always tie of a running bowline and just slide it down along side my steel core flip line. The only major difference I don't see anyone else using is my ICS Rocker Rope grab. That little guy is my replacement for using a climbing hitch. Really handy device that's saved my ass on a few dead Ash removals with flaking sections of bark.

My absolute favorite removals are where I can completely tie into a neighbor tree and work almost entirely from my saddle. My Onyx is just so damn comfortable. It's like chainsawing from a recliner.

 

[frashdog]

How about three times?
I'm never tied in three times. Lol. I climbed 75' to this point with the two flip lines, set my speed/zip line tip. On my way up I cut and tossed/bombed the small stuff, leaving the big limbs over the roof to be rigged. Set my srt tip right there, lowered myself to the first big limb and worked my way back up to the top, all cuts I was tied in twice.