Crane limitations/ techniques

[RC0]

I am experienced in dismantling and rigging large trees, but i have also never done a crane job. I am very interested in learning how to use cranes to make my job as a climber much easier - getting very large trees on the deck in a much safer and more efficient manner. Every climber who is experienced with crane work started somewhere. Every one has a first job. I plan on using a crane on my next BIG tree dismantle, but i will be taking small bits to begin with until i gain experience. I am not about to start going beyond my limitations and endanger my own life and the others around me, but i do want to gain experience in this type of work, but slowly and carefully until i gain 100%confidence in this area.

 

I would be very grateful if anyone who is doing a crane removal in the future would allow me to come and observe from a distance! Any offers please let me know! Cheers!

 

Too bad I didn't read this post earlier. You could have helped out today....perhaps even come up for some slinging and cutting. Sorry man!

[Mark Bolam]

I've seen a job done with a crane years ago, but I didn't know enough about climbing then to understand how easy it made it all.

 

I am at the same stage as Sciadopitys, and would love to help out on a job with an experienced crane-savvy dismantler.

 

Doubt I'll need one myself, as we havn't got the plant for really big dismantles, though I've done a few as a subby.

 

How do you work out the point at which a crane becomes viable? Is it purely financial?

 

Also from reading various threads I take it that it is not permitted to 'ride the ball' into the crown? If not, why? Surely it's a lot safer than some of the crazy-a**ed stuff we get involved in. You are working with something with documented breaking strains etc.

 

Any thoughts appreciated.

[Will Hinchliffe]

If the crane is able to lift a man basket then it is fine to ride the crane up.

[Mr Ed]

I always ride the ball up. I'm paying for the damn crane, I'll ride the ball if I feel like it.

[John Hancock]

I did one once, never again ! lol