New Lowering Device ?

[scotspine1]

Cheers Reg, quality pics, nice weather for treework.

 

Saw the footage at treebuzz of the lever in action, looks really well built and easy to use. Like the idea of removing all the slack from the sytem, that was always the problem with the Porty.

 

Do you need to cut into tree like Hobbs/GRCS to fix it to the stem?

 

Looks like you can remove the lever when taking out big pieces without too much trouble?

 

Is it possible to lift decent sized timber/branches with the lever?

 

I guess its fair to say you've tested this device to the max!!

 

nice pic

[Mark Bolam]

Some BIG pieces there, Reg! Impressive.

[Jonesie]

When its ready Reg I'll be putting a few into stock if that's OK.

[Blakes 7]

Nice bright jackets Reg!

Where are they from? I want one.

[taffupatree]

i belive there the stein jackets.jonsie does them.nice pics reg as everybody else says.....when can we get our hands on one?

[Jonesie]

The Jacket Reg is wearing is the Stein Hi-Viz we sell them for £48.13 + VAT if your interested.

 

Here's a link for the spec, ignore the price though.

http://www.fletcherstewart.co.uk/proddetail.php?prod=SS-7J5501

Edited March 8, 2009 by Jonesie

[RC0]

Thanks again!

 

Tim, my answers are in Bold

 

Jonsie, absolutely, and thanks for the vote of confidence.

 

Cheers Reg, quality pics, nice weather for treework.

 

Saw the footage at treebuzz of the lever in action, looks really well built and easy to use. Like the idea of removing all the slack from the sytem, that was always the problem with the Porty.

 

Do you need to cut into tree like Hobbs/GRCS to fix it to the stem?

 

Unless the trunk really tapers in above the strap then it’s not imperative. You can it if you want but I’d sooner let the strap and choker act as shock absorbers rather than have the base-plate take the full hit. The device can tilt and move under a heavy load, but only by an inch or so. Rest assured, when the strap and choker are properly set, the device is very well anchored.

 

Looks like you can remove the lever when taking out big pieces without too much trouble?

 

Yes, you just remove an R-clip from the shaft and the lever slips off.

 

Is it possible to lift decent sized timber/branches with the lever?

 

When I was using the hobbs, and I can only talk from personal experience here, the few occasions where we needed to raise any branches were the ones that got snagged, either by my fault or the ground-workers. We also lifted a chipper over a wall once but that’s about it.

Having the resources to create lift in a tree-rigging operation, while often useful and reassuring is a luxury, not a necessity….unless of course you’re looking to transfer loads from spreading/adjacent trees or perhaps undertaking general winching operations in woodlands etc….but for stand-alone trees, I have always managed just fine without….and consider also that the chipper is usually parked down below and not up in the sky somewhere!

That said, pre tensioning a line can obviously provide opportunities for better manipulation and control of limbs/timber by ensuring a more favourable guidance in both direction and elavation….it can surely open up a whole new realm of possibilities.

 

The lever on this device offers a safe, simple and user friendly pre tension/lifting option….either 2:1 to the left barrel and 5:1 through the right….consider, e.g. a large horizontal limb can be secured at both ends using two separate lines, one through each bollard with the second pulley positioned real close to the butt-end….pre-tension/raise to your preference and simply make the cut….that whole limb is under your complete control, big as you like, it can only move up, down, forward or back when you are good and ready. See images, although hopefully the video will better highlight what I’m getting at!

 

 

I guess it’s fair to say you've tested this device to the max!!

 

I think it’s been tested to a point that would satisfy most rational people. The ground-workers who have used it all approve at least, whether using a single line for conventional rigging, or double for cradling and speed-lining etc the feedback has all been positive.

 

Remember also that the prototype in these images is just a rough one that I made….the one that’ll hit the stores in the coming months is far more refined.

 

[scotspine1]

Cheers Reg,

 

The 'lifting question' was about lifting tip tied limbs over conservatories, house-roofs, green houses, ponds, rivers, walls, cars, roads, paths.......sounds like your LD would handle most stuff. Looking forward to putting it to the test.

 

Can see it being excellent for hanging a tree from a bigger tree or storm damage hung-up trees where you have to climb into the supporting tree.

[RC0]

Cheers Reg,

 

The 'lifting question' was about lifting tip tied limbs over conservatories, house-roofs, green houses, ponds, rivers, walls, cars, roads, paths.......

 

 

You forgot to mention….fencing!

 

In most scenarios, sending the loads sideways is usually enough to clear an obstacle, as they are already above the target start with. However, whether you are raising a load or sending it sideways, at some point it is going to break clear at the butt and swing towards its rigging point. Hence, if this is a large limb secured to a relatively low rigging point, there lies’ an incentive for the second bollard/rope to hold the butt at the cut until you’re ready to release it. Thanks

[High Scale]

I could with one of those!