Cool crane trick.

[beastmaster]

Its only been the last few years I've work with cranes. I don't claim to be no expert, in fact it really stresses me out to have a big piece of wood lifted over my head. So I'm still learning and developing my Technics. Yesterday we did a pick on a long heavy Oak limb over a house. The tile roof was only 8 or so feet underneath. Luckily I work with a really good crane operator. I suggested using a spider leg, but he showed me how to rig a self leveling cradle.
He hooked a large D ring on the end of the K-crane and looped a 2in bullline through it. Like how you do a figure 8. Then he tied a line to the loop so a groundsman could pull it. I hooked up a end to each end of the branch with a clevis. Then the groundman pulled the rope tight, and then the boom lifted up to tighting it all.
The branch was at a 30% angle, when I cut it it didn't move an inch. Slick as hell. Maybe no big deal but I was inpressed. Beastmaster.

 

[imagineero]

sounds really useful, but I can't get my head around how it works without a diagram or something....

Shaun

 

[beastmaster]

See if this helps.View attachment 186419

 

[imagineero]

it's making a bit more sense...

The D rings are just standard D shackles with clevis pins? One is floating and the other one hooked onto the crane, right? Is the orientation of the clevis on the floating one critical?

Was the 1/2" bull line tied to the 2" bull line with a shackle or a floating knot so it can apply equal pressure to both legs?

Shaun

 

[beastmaster]

it's making a bit more sense...

The D rings are just standard D shackles with clevis pins? One is floating and the other one hooked onto the crane, right? Is the orientation of the clevis on the floating one critical?

Was the 1/2" bull line tied to the 2" bull line with a shackle or a floating knot so it can apply equal pressure to both legs?

Shaun

There is a clevis hooked to the boom, then to it a big home made looking oval ring is hook in(to the clevis) The 1/2in line was tied with a knot, it wasn't floating, nor does it have to. When the piece to be lifted in tied in, pulling on that line tighten up the rope, its when the boom is lifted that, it then that everything is locked in. I took this pic. today from another tree across the yard of them taking a branch that was really close to the roof using the cradle. That was the first time that climber ever worked with a crane.
View attachment 186524

 

[802climber]

cant see either of your pics...

 

[beastmaster]

They disappeared? I'll try again.View attachment 186749
the diagram I drew is now where to be found.

 

[sgreanbeans]

I need some training with the cranes,I have very little experience. I have always been able to rig it out, no matter how bad. It is done around here, but the guys who do it are really sketchy. Keep thinkin I need to run to Ohio and sneak into one of TV's trucks and learn sumtin! Would make my life much easier, but want the Jedi knowledge first.

 

[beastmaster]

I need some training with the cranes,I have very little experience. I have always been able to rig it out, no matter how bad. It is done around here, but the guys who do it are really sketchy. Keep thinkin I need to run to Ohio and sneak into one of TV's trucks and learn sumtin! Would make my life much easier, but want the Jedi knowledge first.

I kind of felt at first that their not playing fair using a crane. There is a lot of satisfaction in rigging out a difficult removal. But as far as time and money goes, cranes rule. A two day job can be done in a few lifts some times.
There is a skill all in its own in working with a crane. I'm not embarrassed to say its scary as all get up when that piece is hanging next to you in space. Your life is in that operators hand. If he hiccups at the wrong time you could be crushed to death. Those pieces move in slow motion, but don't be fooled, if it kisses you, your probably crushed.
That being said, there are guys who work everyday with cranes, and they seem to like it. I'm a rookie at 53, maybe a little late to learn to like them, but like any tool they for sure have their place.
Just make sure if you work with a crane for the first time, you have a top notch operator.
About the third time I ever worked with a crane I refused to do a lift, I knew Ied never work with that company again, they sent up an illegal and the crane ended up tipping over almost killing the climber, taking out a block wall fence, and crushing part of a house.(I have the photos)trust you instincts and you be all right.