Zipline, thoughts

[RC0]

You might have caught the the previous zipline vid I put out a few days ago. I was back at the same job on monday, and got the inclination to video and explain some of the considerations I have when applying the technique to the tall skinny types that are in the vid. If you're having to deal with similar profile trees as what grow out here then you might take something from it, or be reminded of things you'd forgotten.

 

There seems to be a trend of zipline videos out there over the last few years, and to an extent sort-of glorifying the concept, without pointing out the potential dangers. Im hardly rehearsed, eloquent or thorough in the vid, but the points are valid at least.

 

I receive lots of email or on-line messages from people I dont know, telling me how much they've learned, or think they've learned for some of the videos I've put out over the years....and to be honest it worries me at times, because i dont know these people or how they're interpreting or applying this stuff. Anyway, if you have time here it is. Use HD setting:

 

Edited October 7, 2015 by RC0

[MattyF]

It's really good to see a vid of yourself talking through your thoughts of what your doing and why ... That locations stunning as well.

[Darrin Turnbull]

You're Worth Your Weight in Gold. Thanks for the heads-up.

[silky fox]

Food for thought as usual....great "tree specific" rigging techniques filmed with such a glorius background..Jaw dropping scenery! Point tajen on the "no margin for error" in what could be the last cut you make if the factors are not weighd up....great stuff as always Reg.

[Rich Rule]

I will watch the vid later Reg.

 

I must admit though a lot of people are using and documenting the process with video. I, have used simple zip lines for quite a few years when necessary. I have even made a vid of job including them.

 

The point I am trying to make was, not too many years ago there was a video showing a speed/zip line to remove a tree. Many comments were made about dumping loads into a zip line without a control line.

 

It was suggested to conventionally rig into a block. Once the load has been captured, tension the zip line and control the descent with the rigging line.

 

The lowering method then tensioning IMO defeats the object of a quick zip line.

[scotspine1]

Great vid Reg, cheers for posting, good points on compression vs sideloading and sling placement.

 

It was suggested to conventionally rig into a block. Once the load has been captured, tension the zip line and control the descent with the rigging line.

 

The lowering method then tensioning IMO defeats the object of a quick zip line.

 

Reg's ziplines work well with those big conifers, a controlled speedline can be better for big spreading oaks, beeches, Scots pines etc, you can use a combination of zipline and controlled speedline in the same tree as well. Let the small branches run (zip) then control the bigger branches with a second lowering line.

 

This vid has a bit of that at 0.30 onwards -

 

[ame=

]

[/ame]

 

.

Edited October 7, 2015 by scotspine1

[stihlmadasever]

Thanks reg top work,great advice,lots to think about.

[Rich Rule]

Great vid Reg, cheers for posting, good points on compression vs sideloading and sling placement.

 

 

 

Reg's ziplines work well with those big conifers, a controlled speedline can be better for big spreading oaks, beeches, Scots pines etc, you can use a combination of zipline and controlled speedline in the same tree as well. Let the small branches run (zip) then control the bigger branches with a second lowering line.

 

This vid has a bit of that at 0.30 onwards -

 

 

.

 

Cheers Tim.

 

I was actually trying to reiterate Reg's comments about the emails and messages he gets from people saying the have learnt this and that.

 

It is all good and well copying what is done in a video providing there is an understanding of the forces generated, in this example of speedlining.

[Wooden Hand]

Reg, you were ever so kind to me all those years ago, the advice was tempered and challenging, I still think on your words, I'd like to think that those with enough nouse to search for your advice take safety to heart.

Your speed lines are far from tensioned and though the vector is adverse I can't see much danger there, but saying that I really never use them in that way, my worry is the chap on the honda winch trying to snap out rigging points!

You work in a truly stunning part of the world, do let me know when you are ready for a trip to Japan, there are lots of rigging works and enthusiastic climbers here.

[RC0]

Reg, you were ever so kind to me all those years ago, the advice was tempered and challenging, I still think on your words, I'd like to think that those with enough nouse to search for your advice take safety to heart.

Your speed lines are far from tensioned and though the vector is adverse I can't see much danger there, but saying that I really never use them in that way, my worry is the chap on the honda winch trying to snap out rigging points!

You work in a truly stunning part of the world, do let me know when you are ready for a trip to Japan, there are lots of rigging works and enthusiastic climbers here.

 

There's less Danger in my setups Paul, because I know how to mitigate it. It takes experience.

 

This is not advice, but if you were wanting to experience danger.....strip out a 100 ft + conifer and dump the top onto a wide angles zip line. Only needs to be hand tight and locked off at the ground anchor.....rest assured the top will take care of the tensioning you speak of.