GRCS

The HOBBS has a set of nasty teeth yhat bite into the tree. For jobs where one doesn't want to harm the trunk, there is a hinged rubber flap that covers them.
For lowering near capacity, one makes a cutout in the trunk to place the device in. That way it stays put for sure.
 
[ QUOTE ]
The HOBBS has a set of nasty teeth yhat bite into the tree. For jobs where one doesn't want to harm the trunk, there is a hinged rubber flap that covers them.
For lowering near capacity, one makes a cutout in the trunk to place the device in. That way it stays put for sure.

[/ QUOTE ]

My Hobbs was a model from 1989 and it was almost like you are describing but it did not have 'teeth'. It was not for trimming work as a horizontal slot had to be cut into the tree and a part of the Hobbs body fit into this slot. We would also cut out a flat surface to get a good, flat mounting area. Invasive to say the least. In over ten years of use we never had the Hobbs come loose or fail in any other way. We did replace the binding strap a few times because it would wear some from our using two men to really tightening it up.
 
"There are two sides to every argument-but no end."
- Nashua Triangle

The purpose in engaging in this discussion was in the first part to get the facts correct and to get the record straight. In the process it seems that a few folks have taken the time to express their expriences. Yes feelings get damaged in the process because every one has an opinion and they all think that their opinion matters. The facts are what they are and the results were what they were, so let's all just believe what we want to believe.The outcome of the Volvo drop test was what it was just an extreme test of endurance by both piece's of equipment. Yes the test was for amusment but what was over looked in the process of the testing is what was learned. Many of the people present during the testing learned from the first drop that the spot where the rope broke was at the knot attached to the piece of wood. Lesson learned "fusion friction" exactly where it was predicted to break. Yes the device slid up the tree a considerable amount (lesson learned strap it down or nail it to the tree).Another inportant lesson learned. The GRCS device in testing was first tested with the capstan head and as a result we also learned that the device as explained by the manufacturer was not meant to be subjected to such extreme shock factors. The lesson learned switch the heads on the unit and install the bollard head. Again I need to mention that if you do not learn your lessons from past mistakes you will be doomed to repeat them. The fact that the GRCS device exploded during the test should be a warning to all the present owners of the GRCS device that under extreme drop loading always change the head to accomadate the inpact. If not be warned that the device has been known to come apart without warning. I would be more afraid for any employee of any company knowing that the device if not correctly used can come apart unexpectly and with a potential lethal consequence. Remember during the test even under the most extreme conditions the Hobb's device did not explode and come apart in many pieces flying in many different directions. Ask the manufacturer what their recomendations are before using any piece of equipment in extreme conditions. I hope that everybody out their that has had the opportunity to exprience the luxury of utilizing these pieces of equipment either the GRCS or the Hobb's understands their responsibility to their fellow man or woman that these tools are just that, tools and each has a limit and an apropriate application. Each has their own benifit for working in different conditions and those conditions absolutly must be understood before operating them in the feild. You can listen to who every you want be it the person trying to make a sale or the folks out in the field using it on a day to day use. If you fail to heed the warnings on both device's you will suffer the outcome. I personally learned a lot from the drop test but I feel that some folks need the lesson learned on a personal trail and error so they can gain the respect of each device and its performance abilities. We all have differtent desires ,needs and wants from our equipment so let's just say it's a personal choice when it comes to selection.
"It takes a lot of thought and effort and downright determination to be agreeable."- William Feather
Robert Phillips
 
[ QUOTE ]
"There are two sides to every argument-but no end."
- Nashua Triangle

The GRCS device in testing was first tested with the capstan head and as a result we also learned that the device as explained by the manufacturer was not meant to be subjected to such extreme shock factors.

The lesson learned switch the heads on the unit and install the bollard head

"It takes a lot of thought and effort and downright determination to be agreeable."- William Feather
Robert Phillips

[/ QUOTE ]


Thank you for that very good post Robert. And I like your quotes!

Sure wish you posted more on the TreeBuzz, the 'lowering device exercise' was done, what, about 2 years ago?

We have had many many conversations regarding this event since then on the TreeBuzz. I certainly welcome your input, and thank you for taking the time to do so.

"God gives nothing to those who keep their arms crossed"
-Bambara (West African proverb)

I had overlooked/forgotten the fact that we used the 'weakest' part of the GRCS to shock load with the volvo.
I remember that I wanted to first test the 'weakest' link in the GRCS, and then afterwards I guess I just forgot to hook up the fixed bollard after all the excitement.

I wont do this again, but I wonder what would have happened with the Fixed Bollard and the Visor attachment in place....hummm


"Readiness is all"- unknown (to me) author


Frans
 
Frans,
A couple of quote's for heck of it.

" It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it."
- Joesph Joubert -

" As a solid rock is not shaken by a strong gale , so wise persons remain unaffected by praise or censure."
- Buddha -

Robert
 
To all of the fine readers of Tree buzz,

I just want to set the record straight I'm not someone who needs to be lead out of the cave of darkness, because I see the light and it reads clear as day that each device has its merits and limitations. I would be the first to admit that if given the choice I would have both of the device's on the job. It only seems to reason if you could afford both have both. At present I only operate the Hobb's on a regular day to day base. I have had the oportunity to handle the GRCS a few times and it performed the task at hand without any problems. The choice it seems is still in the buyer's hands so when it comes time to make the big purchase be cautious in selection and if possible try each device out on a job and get a feel for the unit and make up your own mind based on your exprience not the exprience of others. Much like when you buy a new saddle it is important to try it out before you slap down the cash because what is right for the gander may not be right for the goose !

" A man should learn to sail in all winds."
-Italian Proverb-

Robert
 

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