Crane-slinging technique

[Reg]

Hello friends. Please pardon/overlook the promotional aspect of this video and just consider the technique. Whether you are supervising or just starting out in crane removals, this method has the potential to make life a little easier.

The vid is still processing on YouTube at the time of this post so the picture quality might not be all there yet.

One last thing, spare me any “I’ve been craning with a single choker for 35 years and that’s all I’ll ever....etc”.....thats not really the point!

Enjoy the video. Thanks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPdKmVuVR-4

 

[treeclimber101]

That first pic was perfect , I like to set one in the center and hang it true , Good work that video was educational. thankx

 

[treevet]

very innovative and great video Reg. Stabilizers make things safer up there.

 

[A&Atree]

rigging

this system seems like alot more work than it needs to be. I have been doing crane takedowns for almost 10yrs and it is not that hard to just set 2 or 3 chokers if you need to to balance a large top. I just dont think that use of additional spyder legs can do anything that setting multiple chokers cant do.I also dont see how this will be any safer or save any time. thanks, this is just my two cents. Chris

 

[Reg]

this system seems like alot more work than it needs to be. I have been doing crane takedowns for almost 10yrs and it is not that hard to just set 2 or 3 chokers if you need to to balance a large top. I just dont think that use of additional spyder legs can do anything that setting multiple chokers cant do.I also dont see how this will be any safer or save any time. thanks, this is just my two cents. Chris

Hi Chris. Which part looks more work than setting multiple choker's and why?

Also, for convenience, the spider legs can be set at any point along there length.....for extremely long awkward horizontals it matters not if the legs are up to 25ft in length. How have you been adjusting the length of your chokers?

Furthermore, do you use shackles to set the chokers or do you thread the slling through itself? Thanks in advance.

I started my crane rigging with chains many years ago, then webbing slings.....got pretty good at it too. But what I quickly learnt with spider legs is that you can nail any branch, limb or top in its entirety.....regardless of shape, size or orientation. I’ve also overseen enough tree/crane work to realise that the COG is just not that obvious to everyone....but with the spider legs it becomes a whole lot more predictable....even for a novice.

The idea behind the bag was so if you don’t need the spider legs on every lift, then don't use them...they won’t get in the way. Easy!

 

[treevet]

The idea behind the bag was so if you don’t need the spider legs on every lift, then don't use them...they won’t get in the way. Easy!

And if you do need them they have not deflected off on a side branch so you have to pick up the ball back up to get them oriented right to come down to you. Great idea.

Maybe even stick a sandwich in there at some point?

 

[Jimmychips]

I'm having trouble with the Prusik set-up. Is the Prusik left on the sling during the pick? If not, does the ground man re-tie the Prusik? If its left on during the pick, is the Prusik bearing the load? If the climber unties the Prusik, does the ground man have to re-tie it every time? I like the "cleanliness" of the bag system, but am confused with the Prusik deal.

 

[Reg]

I'm having trouble with the Prusik set-up. Is the Prusik left on the sling during the pick? If not, does the ground man re-tie the Prusik? If its left on during the pick, is the Prusik bearing the load? If the climber unties the Prusik, does the ground man have to re-tie it every time? I like the "cleanliness" of the bag system, but am confused with the Prusik deal.

Jimmy, the prussic bears no weight, only the bag. It stays on the choker sling the whole time, but can be adjusted up and down depending on how much of the choker you need to fall out of the bottom of the bag.

 

[Jimmychips]

Got it. The Prusik is the bag holder. I like it.

 

[A&Atree]

rigging

sorry if i said that this system is more work than setting multiple chokers, i dont think its more work rather i can accomplish the same balance point by setting multiple chokers, i can leave them on the ball if not in use. sometimes i use shackles, but i try to limit using them. If it is a very large crane and i have to use very long chokers for some reason i will use shackles, or if i am using steel chokers i will use shackles, or if i am getting close to the capacity of a choker or chokers i will use shackles to keep them from welding themselves together. Other than that i will thread the choker through its self i just find it easier for me to work with, basicly i dont have to fumble with the screw of the shackle. I do like how the bag keeps everything nice and neat, and i would like to watch someone use this setup. I do think that finding the balance point of any given pick is an art, some people get it and some will never get it, it does take some thinking and there is nothing better than when a pick comes off perfect. maybe ill give it a try one day when we get some extra time thanks alot

 

[sgreanbeans]

Reg, I like your Blue hat, what brand? I dont ever do crane work, no crane company's will sub to us, or forefathers in this area ruined that years ago!, but when I get my own, I like your Idea, I will use that. But I sthil like your hat:hmm3grin2orange:

 

[Reg]

Chris, thanks for the reply/clarification.

Reg, I like your Blue hat, what brand? I dont ever do crane work, no crane company's will sub to us, or forefathers in this area ruined that years ago!, but when I get my own, I like your Idea, I will use that. But I sthil like your hat:hmm3grin2orange:

Same as, just that mine carries a different brand for the uk market:

http://www.kaskhelmets.com/