Tree Felling with Rope?

[TheJollyLogger]

You don't need a progress capture pulley, as the Maasdam is ratcheted. Any decent arborist pulley will work. You are only using it as a re-direct. https://www.treestuff.com/cmi-rp105-heavy-duty-5-8-rope-pulley/


I use endless loop purple round slings and 5/8" shackles. Tulsa chain is a good source https://www.tulsachain.com/

Your diagram is essentially correct though I try not to offset in-line with my direction of pull. Remember that your hinge will determine where the tree goes and once it starts moving forward, and once it's on its way, the Maasdam line will go slack.

Even with the recommended 1/2" 3 strand rope a masdaam can slip on the cam. I would always recommend using a progress capture.

 

[AT sawyer]

Even with the recommended 1/2" 3 strand rope a masdaam can slip on the cam. I would always recommend using a progress capture.

Professionally, yes. OP was a homeowner taking down a few small trees. I was recommending a basic kit.

 

[vicuna]

I found that Petzl pulley on a huge sale ($130). it's rated for 5kn (~1.100 lbs) max on the progress capture part. (much more on just the pulley). I can use it with just the pulley mode also without progress capture. so I'll be able to try both ways if the progress capture interferes in some way.

I understand the maasdam is rated for 1,500, but I am guessing I'll never come near that on just toppling a tree over. (i'll be calling a professional if it ever gets to that point). if I ever have to move something heavy on the ground I'll keep the progress capture off.

this pulley itself is nice as it has a swivel built in...and is rated super efficient.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBQFTQFH

thank you everyone!

 

[david newbie]

I've used a Maasdam rope puller for 25 years and never had a rope slip problem. From the visuals in that video, he wasn't using the right rope and I'll bet he bought just the puller and was using a non-recommended rope. Those pullers require three strand. That carabiner also looked dodgy. Maasdams should come with a load rated hook on each end.
A rope puller won't land your tree on a dime if you don't make a proper hinge. It will help with back lean and pulling a limb bound tree loose, but once the tree is on its way down and the line goes slack, that tree will go where your hinge aimed it. Also keep in mind that a single rig will start the tree towards you. An offset block on your aim tree to redirect the rope to an anchor tree for the Maasdam is a safer approach.View attachment 1219904

I am a newbie to falling, but I have always used a standard come along with a wire cable and attach that to the rope in the tree. Is a rope puller somehow better of safer than my come along with wire cable method? Thanks