GRCS vs. Hobbs (great video)

[rico]

How many threads has this been in? No problem with it, buncha gear heads, like the mini vs art loader or 1vs2 bridges or which lift… We neg rig as little as possible, and do comparatively light weight but frequent lift and drops. Multi trunk pines/maples being most common where leads are rigged whole, and occasional long lift storm damage with tons of cranking.

To a certain extent I think one’s work environment is going to dictate which device is a better choice. We frequently tip tie 125 ft plus trees and lower/lift them tree length and past experience with the GRCS makes it hard for us to trust it with the weights we sometimes deal with here. YMMV of coarse.

 

[evo]

I’m sure Hobbs has its benefits. The number one thing for me is self tailing during winching.
9 times of 10 I’m using the GRCS for lifting, pulling or the like. If it were more taking slack out, lowering and negative rigging I’d probably by a Hobbs to complement the GRCS.

 

[chris_girard]

After owning both devices and running a Hobbs for decades these findings do not surprise me. IMHO the Hobbs is simply a better device. I sure hope Don and Ken see some increased sales as a result of this vid. They deserve it.

I so agree with rico on this. Hands down, the Hobbs Lowering Device is a beast and will never be replaced. I too own a GRCS, but it is only used for lifting pieces quickly. Also, when lowering pieces quickly with more than 1 wrap, it has a tendency to jump wraps and lock up, stopping you dead in your tracks. The Hobbs H2 has never done that. This was actually why I sold my first GRCS years ago.

Don Blair is one of my mentors and best friends and I showed him the above video. At first, he thought it was that stupid Volvo video, but he quickly realized that it was something new. He told me that he was impressed (but not surprised) that the Hobbs lifted nearly 4,000lbs. After all, Ed Hobbs originally designed it for working in the big redwoods of California!

I am also Don's biggest supporter of the Hobbs Blocks the H2 and will always spread the word to the newer folks out there that the GRCS is not the be all and end all in lowering devices and to keep an open mind. I have actually just purchased the new Hold Fast Lowering device from Rope Management Solutions and have been impressed with it so far...but will save that for another thread.

I like Greg a lot and have nothing but respect for him and what he has accomplished. So happy that he sold out to Harken (but is still overseeing GRCS production), that should free up a lot of his time.

IMO, Don Blair and Ken Johnson have not gotten the due respect that they deserve, but they are keeping at it and deserve more support!