New crane slings -- arbsession community project

Magnum783 · Dec 7, 2019

So @Tr33Climb3r and I have been working on a new set of crane slings. Whilst the wesspur Quantum X slings are amazing they are not well suited to the thick bark cottonwood trees I deal with daily. The fibers pick easy and do not pull easy across the thick bark. I have used the amsteel II slings as well and they work quite well but are super stiff and lack a little in WLL capacity. We are working to develop a sling with a weighted end and that have a 5K WLL limit. What are other ideas you guys would like to see? Lengths you would like to have available? End hardware that is utilized? The sky is the limit these things are in development phase, any and all ideas are welcomed.

Roger_Barnett · Dec 7, 2019

I have 3 25 foot slings I had my supplier make. Double braid with a Plasma core (same or better than Amsteel Blue.) Stiffish, so they don't pick. One is 9/16th, so it has an appx 30,000 tensile . They're not certified...Similar to amsteel 2 but Puget Sound Ropes' product. There's only one eye, but a second eye would allow for a shackle to be used to give some weight for ease of placement.
My guess is, you're way ahead of me there...

deevo · Dec 7, 2019

Good project Jared, 2 25’s & a 30 work the best, keep us updated, I need a new set for my new knuckle boom that will be ready come spring time. Weighted ends are a great feature for sure.

craneguy1 · Dec 7, 2019

Sew a heavy throwball into the ends.

colb · Dec 7, 2019

Can weight be added to a spliced eye? Then the sling could be used for canopy and trunk wood picks, and would be easy to whip around the branch...

Tr33Climb3r · Dec 8, 2019

A couple of things we have talked about when it comes to the weights specifically. I am looking to somehow incorporate these into the ends.

Amazon.com : Rig'Em Right Waterfowl Flexible Strap Weights for Anchoring Decoys to The Ground (6-oz Weights/Per Dozen) : Sports & Outdoors

www.amazon.com

I want to have a clean finish on the weighted end that resembles a bar stitch.
In regards to cordage
The cordage will be high viz yellow and orange. Polyester cover with a dyneema core.
Now I am thinking of having a decent tracer that breaks up the hi viz.
Length seems like the easiest thing to choose. (2) 25' and (1) 30' has been the most common lengths mentioned.
I'm really excited for this. I see the need and potential.

Magnum783 · Dec 9, 2019

What is the general thought as to what the tail should look like?

Tr33Climb3r · Jan 26, 2020

This is a weighted tail we have been playing with. There is a flexible lead weight in here. To hold it in place it would be stitched above and below the weight.

chiselbit · Feb 9, 2020

How’s it going you guys? Any updates?

RopeShield · Feb 9, 2020

Stainless-Steel Adjustable Hanger - Lee Valley Tools

www.leevalley.com

chiselbit · Feb 10, 2020

Those would be nice next time we’re doing a big potted plant removal job

Talon Tree Service · Feb 10, 2020

Reon Rounds Crane Slings

A complete crane sling kit includes. Two 22 foot slings with chafe guard and heavy duty spring latch hooks. Two 14 foot slings with chafe guard and heavy duty spring latch hooks. (Professionally spliced, with a 12 in eye on one end, and 2inch eye on the end with the hook) Sling are made with 5/8...

reonroundsdesigns.com

Pricey but the best crane slings I’ve ever used. Half hitch and clip them up. Fast in the air, fast for the ground crew too. The weight of the hook helps toss them through foliage and twigs too.
For large stalk wood we use large endless loop crane slings.
Note: We did not purchase these from Reon, we bought the pieces and had them spliced.