Tips and Tricks for Kboom Productivity

[limbcontrol]

So we have had our Kboom for a few months. We would like to hear from the veteran kboom users in what helps you become more efficient. We have learned the basic functions of the effer 655 but feel we need to better our technique to become more efficient

what climbing system are you using (such as unicender)

sling choice (such as hand spliced tenex, 2 shorts one long on brush picks)

pretension fly or main boom

Setting tension what are you looking for such as remote pressure read outs and or boom flex, hook pushing, etc

Booming up after cut is made raise fly or main preferably

When the machine rotates over outrigger sometime it has you stop or slow rotation. Any way to avoid the sudden jerk when crane allows you to proceed

And any other tips or tricks that helped you hone in your skills

Cheers!

 

[Evan Sussman]

Not a Vet, but I think main boom up is your strongest motion, and brings the most wait closer to your COR.

Plan for the crane not allowing certain areas.

We use steel skidding chokers (not sure on legality of over head use,but we use overrated slings, yada yada), unless balance is required then we have big TENEX slings. I like the idea of the amsteel slings for strength to weight ratio.

 

[Evan Sussman]

PS our crane doesn't have a scale, so we pretension by watching the flex in the booms and using experience. The climber using a cut that allows him to watch and direct tension/lift can help too. Get Senas if you don't have them, or some kind of radio... Treestuff.com

 

[allmark]

The senas are definitely a good addition for communication. Looking at the boom deflection is a very good tell as to tension being applied although it will take a little time to get the feel for it. Depending on where the boom is the deflection will react different. If the boom is closer to vertical there will be less. When tensioning with the main boom the hook will stay oriented over the pic or toward the crane a little. If tensioning with the jib it will usually increase the radius so it might be necessary to retract the boom a little as you do it. I will try and get some video of this up soon.

 

[BransfieldTree]

I've got a couple questions for you: how was the experience purchasing the Effer 655? How are you choosing to insure it. I am trying to get some ducks in a row for purchase, and insuring a crane for treework is definitely expensive. Did you look closely at any other brand besides Effer?

 

[SJ_Treeguy]

5/8 Amsteel or larger the only problem is it gets picks and frays, Amsteel II plus 3/4 or larger is much better because of the outside cover its a little heavier to work with (if you are climbing for four hours the weight makes a difference ) Timber hitch ,cow hitch, sometimes a running bowline. Look for XMAN post on crane slings last year . Whatever double rope system you use everyday , dedicate a large shackle or master link for just the climber and try not to use the point that the shackle goes in for the load hook (i am sure at one time you may have to). Most of your other questions will be answered with seat time(time at the controls), if ever you would like i would come out to one of your jobs to show you some tricks, easier seen than written.

 

[UrbanTC]

You should have me come up for a week or so and work with you. I am a Certified Kboom operator. I would be happy to help out. Thanks

 

[niceviews]

This is a great thread. Just got my kboom a couple weeks ago. Was fortunate to get a used effer 550 from Art and the gang. I've only used it half a dozen times so far, but can see the value in having one of you experienced guys come work for a few days with me this fall. If any of you guys are interested, let me know.

 

[UrbanTC]

This is a great thread. Just got my kboom a couple weeks ago. Was fortunate to get a used effer 550 from Art and the gang. I've only used it half a dozen times so far, but can see the value in having one of you experienced guys come work for a few days with me this fall. If any of you guys are interested, let me know.

I will be available. Would be happy to come work the kboom!