Throw Hook On Heli-Loggers

[chris_girard]

For those of you who have seen the TLC show Heli-Loggers (not the one on AxMen) and seen them traverse from tree to tree using a throw hook which they call “the claw” this seem to be a quick way to canopy travel.

What kind of grapple hooks are they using and do you think that it injures the trees too much? Of course these trees are being removed, so it doesn’t matter, but as arborists, if we wanted to use this method what would be a good method to use that wouldn’t injure the tree unnecessarily?

I have used Jerry B’s clevis hook method before (and I do like it, though I’m not very good at it) and like he says, it does tangle less than a grapple throw hook, but I was wondering what others use. It sure looks like they have a hard time setting “the claw” on the show, but the traverse makes their work so much easier.

 

[Kevin]

Chris, unless your tree is 150' tall or very close to the tree you are hooking too you are probably better off to set up a zip line.
Your groundie can secure it at both ends near the ground.

 

[Gord]

Rock exotica makes one:


http://www.rockexotica.com/pr_m_grappler.html

 

[Jman]

I saw this one posted a few weeks or months ago. This grapple is better then the one above for a non removal.

http://www.newtribe.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=47&products_id=423

 

[Northwind]

chris,

I've not been heli-logging, but have worked with a couple of fellows who've given that a go, along with cut-block edge windfirming where the grapples (grapnels) are also used and I borrowed one from them to remove a group of Douglas fir trees for a new home construction on an in-fill lot and they're pretty cool.

The one I borrowed was a three tine folding unit, fabricated out of 1/4" aluminium plate made from drawings of what the climber thought would work and built by a MIG/TIG welding friend for bartered tree work. The idea of the folding tines is that the unit will penetrate fluff and branch tips then open up on the return pull. NOT a rated device, but built very stout. For me the sketchiest bit was after one traverse and the grapnel wouldn't release and come back down to me so I was climbing up directly under a 4-5 pound chunk of alloy that I just had to hope was hung up really well.

I don't know of anyone who makes these units as a business, they all seem to be home-fabbed, personal devices. I know one fellow in Vancouver who adapted a couple of ice climbing pick heads together, but I would not like those hanging off my harness, gently stabbing the back of my knees all day...

If I'm in error, and someone is building these for retail sale, I just missed a good idea for a sideline...

Northwind.

 

[Northwind]

Gord,

Well there you go, I stand corrected!

Does that unit fold?

If so , I want one.


Northwind

 

[Northwind]

Jman,

I'm aware of grapnels like New Tribe's, it's very small, intended more for retrieving throw lines and such.

Also non-folding, but still cool.

Northwind

 

[Kevin]

This is the one I'm considering for moving around in a large top.
It's small,light and designed for the task.

http://www.botachtactical.com/cagrho.html

 

[Rookieclimber]

Are there any that are not $200? These would work great for odd limb walks or traversing.

 

[chris_girard]

[ QUOTE ]
Are there any that are not $200? These would work great for odd limb walks or traversing.

[/ QUOTE ]

That's what I was thinking too.

 

[Kevin]

There are but they aren't rated and have known to fail.

 

[chris_girard]

Thanks Kevin, that's good to know.

You get what you pay for.

 

[Rookieclimber]

I'm not talking using as a life support but rather you toss the hook, connect to your saddle, and it's essentially a pseudo-double-tie. Only you don't have to pull up the end of your rope or fiddle trying to get that same end back to you to get a traditional setup.

I say so long as a swing is not dangerous, go for it. But once again, $200 is way too pricey.

 

[Kevin]

Your weight is on the hook, if it breaks and comes back at you then you'll probably wish you had spent the $200.

 

[chris_girard]

You make a very valid point Kevin.

The $200 is cheap money when you take your life into account.

 

[chris_girard]

OK, some I'm bringing back this thread again because I'm still looking for a good folding grappel hook for traversing.

Bought the small one from Treestuff that is made by New Tribe. It's advertised as a use for traversing, but man it looks small to support anything substantial.

 

[Shawn]

Check out the folding hook by rock exotica. Dont know who has it now, but it used to go for about 200 bucks. Awesome quality.

 

[chris_girard]

Will do Shawn, thanks.

 

[boreality]

If you google images tactical grapple hook they go from a $3500 dollar one with a launcher to a bunch of nice ones. All in black. Someone like Gord had a fishing bouy above to help pull it threw and set it.

 

[didjon]

Chris.
These have been on the market a few years can order them from Freeworker

Regards
Didj