Block Driver - if you are blocking down big wood then you need this tool

RC1

There was about 70 ft of heavy wood above me so Im not sure luck would have been enough. I cropped this picture to use as an ilustration because it was the only one I could find where I was in a suitable position to add text etc.

I dont doubt your credibility treevet, not for a minute.....and if there is anything else you'd like to ask or point out then please, be my guest, its all objective on treeworld, thats always been the feel of this particular forum!
Giving up, winning or losing doesn't really apply, its just a bunch of guys sharing ideas!

I'm trying to win a big job at present, if it comes off I'll get video as the stem has to be rigged same as the one in this picture (attached) but is a much bigger tree. should make for good viewing if i get it.

Attached Images

web pics 009.jpg (55.2 KB, 64 views)

treevet

I m with you all the way on win/lose and TW. Good luck on bid. Look fwd to seeing video or picts if you get it.

treevet

PS. We re all glad you didn t make that cut with 70 foot of tree above you.

newguy18

That might leave a hole in a clients yard.

__________________
Have your say join us today.

I ship USA saws out of the USA

old schooler

Done it

Or do it this way YouTube - Snag Felling Sept 13/07 Fall No. 2

axe

hey RC1 you said you have had the chain break? was this because the chain was to small of because you over loaded the device? and what size chain do you use? just wondering and a very cool tool

RC1

A couple of faulty ones slipped under the radar, unfortunately!

They're the same size a bicycle chains.

A little more footage here: YouTube - Tree felling: 'The BlockDriver'

Thanks

treevet

Good examples of your device's use. What does it cost?

RC1

Thanks Treevet. Although I dont like that video at all.....it was thrown together in haste as my account with Mydeo (who hosted the old one) was about to expire. When some bigger trees come in next year I'll replace that vid altogether.

The driver and lifting bar retail at £275.

Anyway, a new lowering device is on the way, just put the final touches on the prototype tonight.

The device will pre-tension, lift and lower, is a one man operation and I'd hope will eventually retail around the £500 mark next year

treevet

$420.15 US dollars. You used to have some demo's floating around here. Still any around. (block driver)

$765 on the ratcheting LD. That should sell real well. Are you still going to sell over here? That is an amazing price compared to the GRCS.

Unless I have the conversion screwed up.

axe

very cool tool RC1 would definitly be nice to have! can you tell us any more about the lowering?lifting device your making?? thanks, jason

RC1

Your conversion sounds about right to me Treevet.

And so there's no misunderstanding, it doesn't have an expensive winch like the Harken, in fact the lift capacity is probably only about 5:1, so good for limbs etc but not for lifting real heavy wood.....but it is user friendly, and has some unique features that I feel make a lot of sense.

The project only came about when I was approached by a company who asked me to design a lowering device, with an eventual retail price around 500. At first I said 'no I don’t have the time nor the interest'....but then, coincidentally, I lost my portowrap and sling somewhere which would have cost me about 150 to replace (even though I have the Hobbs, the porty is always handy and still gets used for lots of things).

So I figured I could make a device at home for under 150 anyway (not including labour)....the more I thought about it, the more the design took shape in my mind. Anyway, I rang the company back and told them I'd do it.

I’ve only managed to work on it sporadically, my tools are not exactly ideal either, but I put in a good effort over the weekend and now all that remains is the paint.

I'm actually biting at the bit to get out there and drop bombs on it, but until I can submit a claim for IPR I cant even show it to anyone let alone use it

While putting the Hobbs back in my truck today I had a good look at its shape and construction, and it's apparent that I’ve been way off Ken Johnson's line of thinking in my design....hope that’s not a bad thing!

axe

sounds interesting let us know how it works as soon as your aloud to use it

treevet

Not meaning to be a pest RC but do you still have a demo block driver in the US. If not are you still selling to the US. I am warming up to that device the more I see of it. If you are shipping here, what does it cost to send it on the retail cost?

newguy18

Have you tried pming him Dave?,sometimes people get in a rush and don't read through all the posts in a thread.Just a thought.

__________________
Have your say join us today.

I ship USA saws out of the USA

old schooler

treevet

We been pm' en Bill. I am going to buy one. Love to order neat stuff and then wait for it to arrive.

Bruce Hopf

I can see this being a lot safer to use than trying to work with a Over Head, Boom Crane. Cranes can fail just like anything else mechanical. Great Invention, and good Job. Bruce.

treevet

This device is intended for use when a crane is not accessable to the work or available for whatever reason, Bruce. I think we'd all go for the boom truck/crane in lieu of this specialized device if it could be gotten (afforded or whatever). You're right tho it is a great invention the more you look at it.

Bruce Hopf

I've never had the pleasure to work with a Crane, for taking down any trees, but when I used to haul Flat Bed Transport Trailers, I have lots of experience while getting loaded with steel, and I've seen Crane Failures too. That is why I Sid this out fit would be safer, but I also know it may be not as practical to use if a Crane is available to use. Thanks. Bruce.

JayD

So the block driver went south to the Ace boy's...Where's our feedback on this tool??....ThankYou.

JayD.

__________________

Level 4 Arborist

newguy18

Jay,it went to the ace boys,its probably dead by now.

__________________
Have your say join us today.

I ship USA saws out of the USA

old schooler

treevet

I got one few weeks ago and it looks great and arrived in perfect condition. Haven't had an op to use it yet though. We are covered in snow and ice here.

I am looking forward to RC's next invention, the affordable ratcheting bollard.

Tim Craig

Reg,

thats great to hear your making a lowering device!