12 guage Line Launcher

Therrin · 11th January 2008, 05:42 PM

Well the Line Launcher was a great success today!!!!

Trial runs launched it about 200 feet or so, as far as distance.

I ended up sticking with the short dowel, and leaving the line attatched. Strapped it to a 55 gal drum, but had troubles, since I'd pull on the trigger line, and the barrel would just scoot... not good.

The 87 year old guy who's property I was using said to strap it to one of his fence posts, which ended up working nicely. The dowel was not charred at all, nor did it crack or split. The ball glue-joint stayed pefectly firm, the line flaked out just fine until it reached the end and then followed the path of travel. The ball landed without breaking. Everything was perfect.

The second time around I launched it, shooting from my shoulder. No problems. The power is really very minimal. The noise, sounds like a very low plopping sound, nowhere near even as loud as a capgun.

So far, so good. I'm still going to extend the dowel for the 3rd test. Just didn't end up actually getting around to it last night.

All in all, thanks for the support, criticism and concern... the system turned out to be a smashing success! (so far)

Pictures and videos will be following, I got video of the initial launch, but its hard to see, as it was difficult to hold the camera and pull the cord at the same time.

newguy18 · 11th January 2008, 07:00 PM

glad to here it was a sucess.

dannyboysfc · 11th January 2008, 07:03 PM

I cant wait to see the thing in action.

Ekka · 11th January 2008, 09:36 PM

Good stuff, you can now go Redwood hunting and regular hunting all at the same time with just one gun.

quercus · 11th January 2008, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TreeDimensional

Quercus, I never laught at anyones equipment, its not what you have its how you use it. I entered the tree industry in an unusual way, and soon learned that there are things that you can improvise with, But there are things that just have to be designed and tested. I am anal about things that keep people safe, and would never use equipment that has been comprimised (See coments about newguys rope

) The tree care industry is full of options of speciality. Climbers to stump grinding people are like teeth of a sprocket. If the tree is still standing the grinder guy might go hungry, and if the climber doesn't have the equipment to finish the job (Stumper) the client might think twice about hiring any arborist again. All The specialities CAN work together to do one job. (SEE counterfeit arborist thread)

My son works as a utility pruner for a very large company, He asked me a question at Christmas that took some deep thought to answer, the quetion was, "?f I were to go out on my own, what should I Buy first?". My response was: 1. Find out what the market needs in the area you live. 2. Know what you need to live on, and buy equipment that will allow you to succeed. 3. Keep an open mind to education, honor what you tell your clients, and be honest to yourself about your success. Then determine if you should grow your business or continue on the way you are.

Our equipment was mostly purchased used over several years, the exception is PPE, Saddles, ropes and chainsaw.... We never knew that we would be so popular, and unfortunatley our travel (work) area is a 150km radius from home. We are kicking the hell out of 50 years old, I can live on a lot less now as the little uns' are moved out, I buy equipment that makes my day-o-day life easier.

:

I'm not implying that we do not have the proper equipment here, but what I'm saying is this... You guys have a complete rig at your disposal... Which means that it has a storage area, an aerial platform (wich is also a crane, so it seems ), a tilting container system for chips and logs, and a strong and relyable truck with winches and everything. All of this in one truck. Add one chipper as a trailer you have a complete system. I've been looking at prices for these and I'm shocked because they are so cheap. Out here, to get the same equipment, one had to buy:
-1 truck with aerial platforn :175.000 euro's at least
-1 2.7 tonne trailer for chips and or wood :6000 euro's
-1 truck with storage area for gear :25.000 euro's
-1 digger or crane : 35.000 euro's for a small one
-1 trailer for transport : 5000 euro's
-1 chipper (6.5 inch) like my new chipper: 35.000 euro's

This makes a total of 281.000 euro's or 415655.2 USD
And the you have good, but medium sized eqiupment, so nothing too fancy or anything....

So to get all of this at once to a job site, you need three guys at least.
With your rigs, only one guy is needed.

I'm gonna post pictures of my equipment so you guys can gat a good nights sleep about how fortunate you guys are with your complete rigs. If it would be possible, I'd come to the USA to buy a new rig and had it shipped out here. The only problem is that no-one can service aerial platforms like you guys have, out here, and it wouldn't be CE certifeid so it wouldn't be insured for work at height. This is the equipment I'm dreaming of...and the price of a new truck like that is ridiculous...

Tree Machine · 12th January 2008, 08:19 AM

I'm teeny-tiny compared to all that, almost embarrasingly. Strictly a climber.

Fantastic on the 12 guage testing, WooHoo!

newguy18 · 12th January 2008, 09:12 AM

I do nothing but climbing as well.I could never justify buying a bucket in my opiion if you can or can't reach it with a bucket you can still climb it.I think a bucket is good for line clearance because of less chance of shock and it allows you to get closer to the lines.

Therrin · 13th January 2008, 02:30 AM

I'm just a climber, but looking to diversify.
I use a 14' box truck. Looking for a small chipper to put behind it.

Manufacture of the longer dowel for the projectile assembly is getting started in a couple of mins.

I hadn't thought about using it for Redwood access. Woohoo! How high can you launch a bag with a big shot?

bigshea13 · 13th January 2008, 05:46 AM

im waiting till they come out with a magic eraser for trees. then ill just look up...erase...and get paid.

DBS · 13th January 2008, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigshea13

im waiting till they come out with a magic eraser for trees. then ill just look up...erase...and get paid.

HAHAHAA those things remove ANYTHING... have you tried it yet... bc it just might work!!

-Daryl

Therrin · 13th January 2008, 10:20 PM

K, here's the video of the first successfull launch.

Best when viewed full screen, and in slow-motion, so you can see it all happening. If you don't have a "slo-mo" option, you can grab the "time elapsed" cursor on your video program and slide it manually.

Therrin · 13th January 2008, 10:26 PM

Test launch platforms... which were scrapped for a mere fencepost. Go figure.

quercus · 13th January 2008, 11:08 PM

Nice mate, real nice... I'll be devoting a whole new topic in arb class on this... Lesson1 :When climbing the tree, strap on the shotgun!!

Therrin · 13th January 2008, 11:42 PM

..... !!!! Then you've missed the entire POINT!!!

I get the joke

but to clarify, since I never mentioned it:

The 12 guage Line Launcher is not intended for "in-tree" use. It's purely meant for "standing on firm ground" use, an only for gaining access to things found outside the scope of hand-throwing. To be used when nothing else works.

The business (Arbor Harpoon, Inc) I formed around the patent on the 'Arborist short-rod line delivery system, Arbor Harpoon', has a company policy that all units sold must have a Cautionary Sheet which states that Arbor Harpoon, Inc is not to be held liable due to operator error.
"Given the dynamic nature of trees in general, and varying user experience, use of the Arbor Harpoon while not standing on firm ground constitues gross mis-use of the product, and falls into the catagory of "operator error." "

This sheet also includes mention of things such as not shooting it at people, windows, birds or enraged neighbors who are throwing rocks at you. And also that no animals were harmed in the making or testing of this device.

My lawyers handle the difficult things, like cases involving the wife of an arborist using one against her husband while in heated dispute. This also covers markets and banks being held up by someone who is grossly mis-using the Arborist Harpoon.

Ekka · 14th January 2008, 02:41 AM

Hmmm, I watched the video over and over and missed it or cant see it etc.

How about having the camera directly behind you firing it away, then we should see it.

Therrin · 14th January 2008, 02:52 AM

Yeah it was pretty hard to make out. It was difficult to pull the string and hold the camera still at the same time. Bob was supposed to be taking a video when I shot it from the shouldered position, but he was having camera trouble. Bob's 87 and I'm not sure he understood how it worked. He's just not savvy with the technology behind it all, so he's still baffled when confronted with something like that.

Since I know I can hold onto it and let it fire, safely, I'm more likely to set up better film conditions here at my ranch. Also just got into contact with a guy who has one of the mossberg ones.

11th January 2008, 05:42 PM	#51 (permalink)
Therrin The Tree World Bandit Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Lancaster, Ca Posts: 1,273	Re: 12 guage Line Launcher Well the Line Launcher was a great success today!!!! Trial runs launched it about 200 feet or so, as far as distance. I ended up sticking with the short dowel, and leaving the line attatched. Strapped it to a 55 gal drum, but had troubles, since I'd pull on the trigger line, and the barrel would just scoot... not good. The 87 year old guy who's property I was using said to strap it to one of his fence posts, which ended up working nicely. The dowel was not charred at all, nor did it crack or split. The ball glue-joint stayed pefectly firm, the line flaked out just fine until it reached the end and then followed the path of travel. The ball landed without breaking. Everything was perfect. The second time around I launched it, shooting from my shoulder. No problems. The power is really very minimal. The noise, sounds like a very low plopping sound, nowhere near even as loud as a capgun. So far, so good. I'm still going to extend the dowel for the 3rd test. Just didn't end up actually getting around to it last night. All in all, thanks for the support, criticism and concern... the system turned out to be a smashing success! (so far) Pictures and videos will be following, I got video of the initial launch, but its hard to see, as it was difficult to hold the camera and pull the cord at the same time. __________________ Ken Fessia I.T.S.A. Tree Service (661) 916-4703

11th January 2008, 07:00 PM	#52 (permalink)
newguy18 Part of the Furniture Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Live Oak Florida home of the crapiest trees you will ever see. Posts: 2,679	Re: 12 guage Line Launcher glad to here it was a sucess. __________________ Have your say join us today. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzkd_m4ivmc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzfzb...eature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-OqK...eature=related

11th January 2008, 07:03 PM	#53 (permalink)
dannyboysfc Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: California Posts: 121	Re: 12 guage Line Launcher I cant wait to see the thing in action.

11th January 2008, 09:36 PM	#54 (permalink)
Ekka Eric Frei Administrator - Brisbane L5 (Dip) Hort Cert III Arb + some Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 6,932	Re: 12 guage Line Launcher Good stuff, you can now go Redwood hunting and regular hunting all at the same time with just one gun. __________________ Remember to use the "search" function, if you have answers/questions post them so everyone can benefit. Free Tree and Green Industry Link Directory Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding and Stump Removal Brisbane Brisbane Tree Care, Consultations, Developer, Tree and Arborist Reports Forum Sponsors

12th January 2008, 09:12 AM	#57 (permalink)
newguy18 Part of the Furniture Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Live Oak Florida home of the crapiest trees you will ever see. Posts: 2,679	Re: 12 guage Line Launcher I do nothing but climbing as well.I could never justify buying a bucket in my opiion if you can or can't reach it with a bucket you can still climb it.I think a bucket is good for line clearance because of less chance of shock and it allows you to get closer to the lines. __________________ Have your say join us today. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzkd_m4ivmc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzfzb...eature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-OqK...eature=related

12th January 2008, 08:19 AM	#56 (permalink)
Tree Machine Over mature heritage tree Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 569	I'm teeny-tiny compared to all that, almost embarrasingly. Strictly a climber. Fantastic on the 12 guage testing, WooHoo!

13th January 2008, 02:30 AM	#58 (permalink)
Therrin The Tree World Bandit Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Lancaster, Ca Posts: 1,273	Re: 12 guage Line Launcher I'm just a climber, but looking to diversify. I use a 14' box truck. Looking for a small chipper to put behind it. Manufacture of the longer dowel for the projectile assembly is getting started in a couple of mins. I hadn't thought about using it for Redwood access. Woohoo! How high can you launch a bag with a big shot? __________________ Ken Fessia I.T.S.A. Tree Service (661) 916-4703

13th January 2008, 05:46 AM	#59 (permalink)
bigshea13 Mature tree Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: hiding Posts: 378	Re: 12 guage Line Launcher im waiting till they come out with a magic eraser for trees. then ill just look up...erase...and get paid.

13th January 2008, 10:20 PM	#61 (permalink)
Therrin The Tree World Bandit Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Lancaster, Ca Posts: 1,273	Re: 12 guage Line Launcher K, here's the video of the first successfull launch. Best when viewed full screen, and in slow-motion, so you can see it all happening. If you don't have a "slo-mo" option, you can grab the "time elapsed" cursor on your video program and slide it manually. __________________ Ken Fessia I.T.S.A. Tree Service (661) 916-4703

13th January 2008, 10:26 PM	#62 (permalink)
Therrin The Tree World Bandit Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Lancaster, Ca Posts: 1,273	Re: 12 guage Line Launcher Test launch platforms... which were scrapped for a mere fencepost. Go figure. __________________ Ken Fessia I.T.S.A. Tree Service (661) 916-4703

13th January 2008, 11:08 PM	#63 (permalink)
quercus Mature tree Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: belgium Posts: 428	Re: 12 guage Line Launcher Nice mate, real nice... I'll be devoting a whole new topic in arb class on this... Lesson1 :When climbing the tree, strap on the shotgun!!

13th January 2008, 11:42 PM	#64 (permalink)
Therrin The Tree World Bandit Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Lancaster, Ca Posts: 1,273	Re: 12 guage Line Launcher ..... !!!! Then you've missed the entire POINT!!! I get the joke but to clarify, since I never mentioned it: The 12 guage Line Launcher is not intended for "in-tree" use. It's purely meant for "standing on firm ground" use, an only for gaining access to things found outside the scope of hand-throwing. To be used when nothing else works. The business (Arbor Harpoon, Inc) I formed around the patent on the 'Arborist short-rod line delivery system, Arbor Harpoon', has a company policy that all units sold must have a Cautionary Sheet which states that Arbor Harpoon, Inc is not to be held liable due to operator error. "Given the dynamic nature of trees in general, and varying user experience, use of the Arbor Harpoon while not standing on firm ground constitues gross mis-use of the product, and falls into the catagory of "operator error." " This sheet also includes mention of things such as not shooting it at people, windows, birds or enraged neighbors who are throwing rocks at you. And also that no animals were harmed in the making or testing of this device. My lawyers handle the difficult things, like cases involving the wife of an arborist using one against her husband while in heated dispute. This also covers markets and banks being held up by someone who is grossly mis-using the Arborist Harpoon. __________________ Ken Fessia I.T.S.A. Tree Service (661) 916-4703

14th January 2008, 02:41 AM	#65 (permalink)
Ekka Eric Frei Administrator - Brisbane L5 (Dip) Hort Cert III Arb + some Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 6,932	Re: 12 guage Line Launcher Hmmm, I watched the video over and over and missed it or cant see it etc. How about having the camera directly behind you firing it away, then we should see it. __________________ Remember to use the "search" function, if you have answers/questions post them so everyone can benefit. Free Tree and Green Industry Link Directory Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding and Stump Removal Brisbane Brisbane Tree Care, Consultations, Developer, Tree and Arborist Reports Forum Sponsors

14th January 2008, 02:52 AM	#66 (permalink)
Therrin The Tree World Bandit Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Lancaster, Ca Posts: 1,273	Re: 12 guage Line Launcher Yeah it was pretty hard to make out. It was difficult to pull the string and hold the camera still at the same time. Bob was supposed to be taking a video when I shot it from the shouldered position, but he was having camera trouble. Bob's 87 and I'm not sure he understood how it worked. He's just not savvy with the technology behind it all, so he's still baffled when confronted with something like that. Since I know I can hold onto it and let it fire, safely, I'm more likely to set up better film conditions here at my ranch. Also just got into contact with a guy who has one of the mossberg ones. __________________ Ken Fessia I.T.S.A. Tree Service (661) 916-4703