First Time Crane

[tnttreeman]

Hi guys. I've been in business for over 8 years now and am about to do my first crane job. Normally we rig our removals and have been able to bring down many large trees in bad positions without any problems.(Probably 85% of our work is removals, and are usually in the 24"dbh category or larger, usually overhanging everything breakable!! ) However, the tree in question has been lightning struck and is split, leans from a hillside over a busy road and toward major utility lines. So, the crane use is warranted. I'm not asking for advice on how to remove the tree (thus no pictures), but I am looking for any pointers that might be helpful when working with the crane. Your responses are appreciated.

 

[begleytree]

imo, you're not working with the crane, it's a tool. You're working with the operator, for the first time, and theres a good chance it's his first tree job. TALK, TALK. Get to know him a little, set up some hand signals or walkies, explain to the operator what you are wanting. Get a feel for how he operates with small stuff before really loading the boom.
-Ralph

 

[iain]

u must plan
so get the basic sorted do u intend to work with the crane as your anchor point and as the means of removal for your cuts
or
will you anchor to the tree and use the crane to lift cuts up and away from you

beaware that timber acts differently when stropped from a crane gravity won't /cant act as you expect, swinging back toward you, rather than down and away

and as begleytree correctly says your life is in the hands of the operator make sure he understands or make sure that one of your trusted groundies is very close to him maybe for the first time as a climber the operator will have more direct control in your survival than you have ever experienced

enjoy it, it's a big buzz

 

[Monkeywitha_saw]

remember he's working for u and tell him what u want so he'll know how to move away from u with the load

 

[clearance]

Leans towards the powerlines-watch out!! Call the utility first for opinion/advise. Cranes are all about the operator, smooth, calm and controled movement is what safe operation is all about. So many things have to be taken into account with the setup of the crane (ground conditions, outrigger pads, capability etc.) and the load (centre of gravity, where to choke, swing when it is cut loose etc.). Make sure that the operator has lots of experience with trees and working around power.

 

[tnttreeman]

Thanks for the responses. It's not the crane operator's first tree, so that's a plus. I will be in the tree, so I plan to lift the pieces up and away. I also plan on having walkie talkies. The power lines are on the opposite side of the street, a good distance from the tree. The tree is in the 90 foot range and would reach them if it fell straight their way, but we actually have alot of room to work. The police are coming to block the street and divert traffic for us, so we will lay stuff down right on the roadway.
I also appreciate the concern. I have been in business for myself for over 8 years and worked for three other tree companies as well. Safety is always my prime concern and fortunately there has never been any type of major injury on any of my jobs. I would guess that I remove better than 100 + large trees a year, plus all the small and medium size ones that we lose count of. And of those large removals, we routinely rig and remove ones that our competitors say "must be done with a crane". Even the tree I have scheduled for a crane could be done without it, but for safety's sake we're going to use one. Guess it should be interesting.

 

[trzz]

Do you know how large a crane will be needed? Watch your weights. The crane operatior will be counting on your knowledge of green wood weight to prevent from overweighting the crane. Once this happens its too late and a violent catasterphy will put a dent in your day. A 15ton only can pick up 1200lbs at a full stick as an example. Best reguards trzz. :angel:

 

[sharpstikman]

if you have the experience and the police are going to move traffic could you not take it down in pieces right on the roadside. what has been your reasoning for not using the crane in the other tight situations you speak of.too me the crane sounds like your weak link. sounds like you and your crew have the expierience good luck what ever you do.please let us know how it goes

 

[tnttreeman]

Three big issues with taking it down in pieces on the roadside. First is time- the police only want the road closed for 1-2 hours. Conventional removal by climbing would take too long. Second is - trees on the hillside that preferrably not be damaged. Too much work, again too much time for street closure. Thirdly and most importantly- the tree was struck by lightning approximately thirty feet from the top. There is too much above the really damaged area to risk a manual takedown.
As for not using a crane previously, cost was a key factor. I was recently referred to the operator that I am using on Monday. Prior to this, when I priced out cost, the only local guy I knew of was charging $1600 per day. I couldn't build that into any bids I have. It was cheaper for the customer and more profitable to me to take 2 days on a job, for example, than 1 day with a crane. Also, we do alot of residential work in high end neighborhoods, with extensive landscaping and manicured lawns which prevent crane access.

 

[Mike Barcaskey]

Dave, good luck and have fun.
Cranes can make an easy day of it!

 

[mikecross23]

I like to break the "Don't cut above your head rule." Start your cut, but before the piece is ready to lift off, reposition yourself a little lower, then finish the cut. If the piece comes off a little rough you are clear. Good sling placement and opperator skill should allow the picks to come off smooth and predictable.

Once you go crane, you'll wish all your jobs were crane jobs!

-Mike-

 

[Dadatwins]

Besides what has been said, most important thing to remember when using a crane is to attach sling so limbs go up and away from climber. This is opposite than standard rope rigging where you usually want limbs to go down and away. Setting the first pick sets up the whole tree. Watch out for sprawling limbs that might twist after cutting and possible break apart. Set up a plan with operator showing him where you plan to cut before starting any saws so you are both on the same page and get some input from him. Good luck and be careful.