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Hey guys
Here are some pics of my own lowering device. It's the second one I made about 14yrs ago as there were no commercial ones available. Its simple compared to the self tailing one available now but if your making one on a budget you may get some ideas.
Its a piece of steel channel (UC) with a single speed capstan I got from a second hand shipyard. I welded "ears" for a truck strap (although on really big trees we use chain with truck tensioner), welded a steel crab for a rope guide, and a loop at the bottom for a redirect. VERY simple and cost less than $150 to make.
It is not rated although initially we did alot of lifts/controlled lowers with it and nothing has bent/broken. The only change is the crab now compared to the initial rope guide which the groundies requested and like. The truck strap gets changed each year.
We use 16mm 3 strand and 18mm double braid. Three raps with the double braid and we can lift good size timber.
A two speed would be nice, and a self tailer even better. But we all love this one and has served us very very well.
We can get alot of tension with the strap and only occasionally "bed" the device into a tree when doing a takedown.
Hope this helps.
