Speedlining

jim1nz · 31st January 2007, 08:00 PM

I have been tutoring a bunch of students climbing and pruning 2, we set up a simple speedline so i thought id show you how it went. Everyone was surprised how easy and efficent speedlining can be.

These pics are of Roy, one of many of my star students haha

Any questions, fire away.

Eric Frei · 31st January 2007, 08:14 PM

Lowering rope takes the fall, section is stopped and held up, speedline is tensioned, lowering rope is slowly released to allow section to be speedlined to the ground.

Sometimes a tag line is also required to pull the section along further.

Considerations, force on tensioned speedlines at knot end or tensioned end can be up to 5X the weight of the section.

Very well done Jim, nice pics. Get some more!

we'll start a whole section up called ANZAC's (Australia New Zealand Arbor Champions) eh?

jim1nz · 31st January 2007, 08:22 PM

Yea nice one Ekka, its hard to see all the lowering gear in the photos.

Haha thats a deal ANZAC's

Drouin Tree Service · 31st January 2007, 08:56 PM

Great pics Jim! ANZACS GOOD ONE EKKA!!!!

kauriman · 2nd February 2007, 01:27 PM

hey Jim you need one of those flash computer programs that highlights the details on the pic. I think i could show you one next time i see you. But i gues i should try it first.

jim1nz · 2nd February 2007, 02:27 PM

Hey Andy, great to see ya here! Yea that would be great. What magazine and what issues was the speedlining in that you have? Its a good reference.

RC1 · 4th February 2007, 08:49 PM

Nice setup, ideal tree structure as well.

I dont want to appear to be highjacking your thread Jim1NZ but I do believe my question is relevant. How many times does anyone actually use a speedline system? lets say over a 12 month period.

This thread has just brought it to my attention that I have not used one in over two years. I am not sure if Perhaps I just haven't recognized the opportunities or what. I also seem to recollect a preference to using them when we've been somewhat under-manned, perhaps in an attempt to reclaim the loss of that extra pair of hands.

Ive also had several experience's of colleagues 'going to sleep' instead of concentrating, perhaps because of the lack of physical stimulation during the process. What do you say guys?

Eric Frei · 4th February 2007, 09:46 PM

I used one two years ago at college! Not since. But I did use a verticle speed line, now that puppy has a place in everyday use especially on a hill.

Have you seen the video?

Saved some windows by inches oooooohhhhh, I'll have to whack it up in the video thread.

VSL is king!

rangitata · 5th February 2007, 07:18 AM

Hey Ekka, i found your new site (thanks colin), Should i comment on speedlining? My last post (another site filled with absolute .......

)
on this subject was interesting remember.

Cheers Mike.

Eric Frei · 5th February 2007, 04:38 PM

Yeah, post your video, that was Lumberjack that hounded you but we run this joint.

Anyone picks on Rangitata's video I'll do naughty things to your avatar.

I got some bad ones like some guy one handing a saw.

jim1nz · 5th February 2007, 07:56 PM

I just depends on the sort of work you get. If you get the hairy stuff with no safe landing spots then how else you gona do the job? Crain yea, helicopter yea but you gota weigh up the costs of course.

I think they are great, little set up time if you have used one a few times, very efficient and make the job soo much easier.

Im not that into dragging brush up hill and out of some ones garden so i dont think my groundies should have to if its not necessary.

Eric Frei · 5th February 2007, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim1nz

Im not that into dragging brush up hill and out of some ones garden so i dont think my groundies should have to if its not necessary.

Yeah, it's gonna be great groundying for you.

Speedline straight to the chipper thanks.

jim1nz · 5th February 2007, 08:22 PM

Thats always the plan!

RC1 · 5th February 2007, 11:32 PM

Jim. you're absolutely right. I shall have to re-discover my speedlining foresight.

jim1nz · 6th February 2007, 04:53 PM

Good on ya RC1

kauriman · 7th February 2007, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim1nz

Hey, great to see ya here! Yea that would be great. What magazine and what issues was the speedlining in that you have? Its a good reference.

ISA "Arborist News" August and October issues 2006. Great pictures and discriptions by Mark Adams

Fairfield · 8th April 2007, 09:28 AM

Speed lining, the most over looked value of rigging. Not only will they bring things down and over to where you want it faster but you can also bring things over stop it mid-air bring a sling down then lift it back up. I love the whole idea of them.

TREE-SURFER · 8th April 2007, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim1nz

I have been tutoring a bunch of students climbing and pruning 2, we set up a simple speedline so i thought id show you how it went. Everyone was surprised how easy and efficent speedlining can be.

These pics are of Roy, one of many of my star students haha

Any questions, fire away.

Like:::: How tall was that mother. That was HUGE...

Scottyfl · 9th April 2007, 12:17 AM

I do a lot of speedline and drifting all the time. But still old school, to know when to just get the job done. Great job.
Scotty

allmarktree · 9th April 2007, 12:57 PM

Evergreens really lend themselves to speedline. I have in my head speedlineing to my crane and then lowering but have yet to find the application.

Scottyfl · 13th April 2007, 09:22 PM

Be nice for back yard tree with no access, set the crane up in the front for your anchor point. I would try it.
Scotty

allmarktree · 14th April 2007, 03:54 AM

Thats my thought, I just havent had the situation yet....Maybe Ill have to create it to play.

Jim Trouse · 31st October 2007, 09:56 PM

wondered what you use to tension the speedline up?

jpbeaver · 1st November 2007, 05:00 AM

i've only used a speedline 3 times in 8 years. the tree im doing on friday might be a good 1 to speed line though. ive only driven past it once so not sure yet.

DoG · 1st November 2007, 12:00 PM

I'm just a very rookie climber and used the speed line twice and really liked how it
worked. Like you said, it's easy to set up and keeps cost down and makes the job
just as safe when it's done right, no damage to property, easier clean up, etc.
Just my 2 cents as a rookie. It's also neat to watch.

Eric Frei · 1st November 2007, 01:54 PM

Dont forget guys, a tensioned speed line can exert up to 5x the weight of the cut piece at the ends/termination knots. So dumping onto them really compounds the issue.

jim1nz · 2nd November 2007, 04:56 AM

Tention with a 3 or 5:1 works well, with a GCRS or vehicle but this is the LAST option as you can measure the tension being applied accurately. Remember the side loading forces in speedlining are something to know and respect.

Speedlining is a controlled lowering system, it shouldnt be abused by cutting out pieces streight onto the main line. As Ekka says 5x yea well thats the thing, it could be 15x who knows, sure you can do testing but every single rig is different.

Just stay well within the gear, the trees capabilitys.

Eric Frei · 2nd November 2007, 07:19 AM

And dont forget there is always vertical speed line if you need to block down chunks on a hill etc ... stops runaways.

Vertical speed line, a nice trick

DoG · 21st November 2007, 01:48 PM

Thanks for your comments Ekka and Jim1NZ. When rigging, it's about angles, forces,
proper cut and direction of fall. I gave it much thought before doing the speedline
because I did not want to damage my shed or my next door neightbors fence, who
happens to be my boss.

I set the speedline at about 55 ft.
and tied the end to a nearby tree about 12 feet away. The approximate
angle of the speedline was 60-70 degrees. What do you figure the added
weight was. Limb was about 20-25 feet long and around 200-300 pounds.
Your experience and knowledge are most welcome.

Eric Frei · 21st November 2007, 01:53 PM

That's a good incline angle, I take it 90 degrees is straight down and 60 degrees is between straight down and 45 degrees.

You weren't bombing the pieces onto it were you?

31st January 2007, 08:00 PM	#1
jim1nz Mature tree Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: International, Germany Posts: 473	Speedlining I have been tutoring a bunch of students climbing and pruning 2, we set up a simple speedline so i thought id show you how it went. Everyone was surprised how easy and efficent speedlining can be. These pics are of Roy, one of many of my star students haha Any questions, fire away. Attached Thumbnails

31st January 2007, 08:14 PM	#2
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,986	Lowering rope takes the fall, section is stopped and held up, speedline is tensioned, lowering rope is slowly released to allow section to be speedlined to the ground. Sometimes a tag line is also required to pull the section along further. Considerations, force on tensioned speedlines at knot end or tensioned end can be up to 5X the weight of the section. Very well done Jim, nice pics. Get some more! we'll start a whole section up called ANZAC's (Australia New Zealand Arbor Champions) eh? __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

31st January 2007, 08:56 PM	#4
Drouin Tree Service Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Australia Posts: 1,727	Great pics Jim! ANZACS GOOD ONE EKKA!!!! __________________ Drouin Tree Services \| Excavator Hire - Drouin and SE Gippsland \| Landclearing Melbourne

4th February 2007, 09:46 PM	#8
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,986	I used one two years ago at college! Not since. But I did use a verticle speed line, now that puppy has a place in everyday use especially on a hill. Have you seen the video? Saved some windows by inches oooooohhhhh, I'll have to whack it up in the video thread. VSL is king! __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

5th February 2007, 07:18 AM	#9
rangitata Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Brisbane, Queensland Posts: 56	Speedlining Hey Ekka, i found your new site (thanks colin), Should i comment on speedlining? My last post (another site filled with absolute ....... ) on this subject was interesting remember. Cheers Mike.

31st January 2007, 08:22 PM	#3
jim1nz Mature tree Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: International, Germany Posts: 473	Yea nice one Ekka, its hard to see all the lowering gear in the photos. Haha thats a deal ANZAC's

2nd February 2007, 01:27 PM	#5
kauriman Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NZ Posts: 53	hey Jim you need one of those flash computer programs that highlights the details on the pic. I think i could show you one next time i see you. But i gues i should try it first.

2nd February 2007, 02:27 PM	#6
jim1nz Mature tree Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: International, Germany Posts: 473	Hey Andy, great to see ya here! Yea that would be great. What magazine and what issues was the speedlining in that you have? Its a good reference.

4th February 2007, 08:49 PM	#7
RC1 Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Macclesfield England Posts: 188	Nice setup, ideal tree structure as well. I dont want to appear to be highjacking your thread Jim1NZ but I do believe my question is relevant. How many times does anyone actually use a speedline system? lets say over a 12 month period. This thread has just brought it to my attention that I have not used one in over two years. I am not sure if Perhaps I just haven't recognized the opportunities or what. I also seem to recollect a preference to using them when we've been somewhat under-manned, perhaps in an attempt to reclaim the loss of that extra pair of hands. Ive also had several experience's of colleagues 'going to sleep' instead of concentrating, perhaps because of the lack of physical stimulation during the process. What do you say guys?

5th February 2007, 04:38 PM	#10
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,986	Yeah, post your video, that was Lumberjack that hounded you but we run this joint. Anyone picks on Rangitata's video I'll do naughty things to your avatar. I got some bad ones like some guy one handing a saw. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

5th February 2007, 07:56 PM	#11
jim1nz Mature tree Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: International, Germany Posts: 473	I just depends on the sort of work you get. If you get the hairy stuff with no safe landing spots then how else you gona do the job? Crain yea, helicopter yea but you gota weigh up the costs of course. I think they are great, little set up time if you have used one a few times, very efficient and make the job soo much easier. Im not that into dragging brush up hill and out of some ones garden so i dont think my groundies should have to if its not necessary.

5th February 2007, 08:22 PM	#13
jim1nz Mature tree Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: International, Germany Posts: 473	Thats always the plan!

5th February 2007, 11:32 PM	#14
RC1 Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Macclesfield England Posts: 188	Jim. you're absolutely right. I shall have to re-discover my speedlining foresight.

6th February 2007, 04:53 PM	#15
jim1nz Mature tree Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: International, Germany Posts: 473	Good on ya RC1

8th April 2007, 09:28 AM	#17
Fairfield Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Bucks county Pa USA Posts: 128	Speed lining, the most over looked value of rigging. Not only will they bring things down and over to where you want it faster but you can also bring things over stop it mid-air bring a sling down then lift it back up. I love the whole idea of them. __________________ Hi yes you know me I am B.A.M.F nice to meet you

9th April 2007, 12:17 AM	#19
Scottyfl Sappling Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Deltona Fl. Posts: 25	I do a lot of speedline and drifting all the time. But still old school, to know when to just get the job done. Great job. Scotty

9th April 2007, 12:57 PM	#20
allmarktree Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Albany, New York Posts: 116	Evergreens really lend themselves to speedline. I have in my head speedlineing to my crane and then lowering but have yet to find the application.

13th April 2007, 09:22 PM	#21
Scottyfl Sappling Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Deltona Fl. Posts: 25	Be nice for back yard tree with no access, set the crane up in the front for your anchor point. I would try it. Scotty

14th April 2007, 03:54 AM	#22
allmarktree Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Albany, New York Posts: 116	Thats my thought, I just havent had the situation yet....Maybe Ill have to create it to play.

31st October 2007, 09:56 PM	#23
Jim Trouse Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Melbourne, Aus Posts: 67	Re: Speedlining wondered what you use to tension the speedline up? __________________ Regards Jim http://www.arborclimb.com.au CONTRACT CLIMBER CERT IV HORT(ARB) NMIT CERT III HORT (NMIT)

1st November 2007, 05:00 AM	#24
jpbeaver I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: uk Posts: 3	Re: Speedlining i've only used a speedline 3 times in 8 years. the tree im doing on friday might be a good 1 to speed line though. ive only driven past it once so not sure yet.

1st November 2007, 12:00 PM	#25
DoG Sappling Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: SE, USA Posts: 14	Re: Speedlining I'm just a very rookie climber and used the speed line twice and really liked how it worked. Like you said, it's easy to set up and keeps cost down and makes the job just as safe when it's done right, no damage to property, easier clean up, etc. Just my 2 cents as a rookie. It's also neat to watch.

1st November 2007, 01:54 PM	#26
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,986	Re: Speedlining Dont forget guys, a tensioned speed line can exert up to 5x the weight of the cut piece at the ends/termination knots. So dumping onto them really compounds the issue. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

2nd November 2007, 04:56 AM	#27
jim1nz Mature tree Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: International, Germany Posts: 473	Re: Speedlining Tention with a 3 or 5:1 works well, with a GCRS or vehicle but this is the LAST option as you can measure the tension being applied accurately. Remember the side loading forces in speedlining are something to know and respect. Speedlining is a controlled lowering system, it shouldnt be abused by cutting out pieces streight onto the main line. As Ekka says 5x yea well thats the thing, it could be 15x who knows, sure you can do testing but every single rig is different. Just stay well within the gear, the trees capabilitys.

2nd November 2007, 07:19 AM	#28
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,986	Re: Speedlining And dont forget there is always vertical speed line if you need to block down chunks on a hill etc ... stops runaways. Vertical speed line, a nice trick __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

21st November 2007, 01:48 PM	#29
DoG Sappling Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: SE, USA Posts: 14	Re: Speedlining Thanks for your comments Ekka and Jim1NZ. When rigging, it's about angles, forces, proper cut and direction of fall. I gave it much thought before doing the speedline because I did not want to damage my shed or my next door neightbors fence, who happens to be my boss. I set the speedline at about 55 ft. and tied the end to a nearby tree about 12 feet away. The approximate angle of the speedline was 60-70 degrees. What do you figure the added weight was. Limb was about 20-25 feet long and around 200-300 pounds. Your experience and knowledge are most welcome.

21st November 2007, 01:53 PM	#30
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,986	Re: Speedlining That's a good incline angle, I take it 90 degrees is straight down and 60 degrees is between straight down and 45 degrees. You weren't bombing the pieces onto it were you? __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

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