blocking down big stuff.

comgreserv

Hi lads,
Have searched briefly for pics/ instructions on blocking down the last of the tree (Bole) I Don't always have the luxury of a good drop zone to bomb my rings down, so I am seeking assistance of best way to do so. I have lowering device and rated pulley so am hopefully half way there...

Joshua Rugg

well, this is a hard subject to explain as there are a lot of factors involved. you will need to understand wood weight and how much each piece weighs, how far the drop is, how much energy will be generated in the fall. a 250 pound piece dropped 4 feet can generate 2,500- 4,000 pounds of force!

how big is the diameter of the piece? how many feet will it be dropped?

to be safe, id say hire somone who can do it for you.
btw, pulleys are not rated to handle much shock loading. blocks are different and are meant to handle abuse and shock loading.

Brent Ferris

What I have done in the past if there is no where to drop except straight down -- and it is protected, -- I tie my lowering line below my lanyard, with a clove hitch, so the end hangs down, and then I cut a notch on two opposing sides of the top piece and cinch the rope there (so it can't slide off) -- and try and limit the piece to 2 1/2 - 3 ft long. Also attached is a second line for the groundman to pull the piece into a safe zone. Has worked for me in the past. Just time consuming. This has been on trunks about 30" diameter. I also use a 3/4" nylon lay for lowering.
In tight places, I have erected a scaffold around the tree to cut thin slices and lower them safely to the ground.

__________________
My business: Tree Pruning and Removals -- Strump Removals -- Advice -- Consulting -- Arborist Reports
If you want an honest opinion, call Brent Ferris...because, Trees want to Live Too !
We do great jobs, even in small yards.

Free Estimates Oakville to Oshawa - North to Bradford (Will travel further if cost of travelling covered)

Alex Metzler

Always have your groundies build and maintain a good drop zone with the material from the tree, free fall as much as possible, drop the rounds into the nest they prepare, they move them out of the way and build the wall up furdrr witmmm, often times free falling the biscuits is the best choice, or get a crane, if not accesable and you have no suitable drop zone, use a lowering device, or way over bid it lol