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

 

[uniballer]

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

The Maasdam rope puller can pull for a much longer distance without having to reposition anything.

 

[TheJollyLogger]

The Maasdam rope puller can pull for a much longer distance without having to reposition anything.

That's it in a nutshell. Since the masdaam attaches directly to the rope, your length of pull is limited only by the length of your rope.

 

[chipper1]

To the OP.
When pulling back leaners I do everything can to get a pull set up 180 degrees to the direction of the lean. The pull line set up this way will eliminate most side lean issues, if you have a side lean and start pulling on a back leaner, as soon as you get your backcut finished the hinge could break and the tree go to the side lean. Many times when cutting a leaner you can set a side line to totally direct the fall(just the one line), or to assist when using another line to pull.
The tree in your diagram looks like a good one to practice on. I'd toss a line over the large branch and utilize a basil tie/bringing the rope to the base of the tree just above where you plan on making your notch. Make sure the tail of your knot you keep up put of the way too. When you bring your rope over the branch and around the tree you need to do so in a way to make the rope pull as much as possible on the stem.
As was also mentioned you can send a running bowline up to the same spot. If I want to be able to remove the line I just tie my throw line or another smaller rope to the bowline so I can pull it back down if needed. On this one it's not really needed and a running bowline or a basil tie would both work equally well.
Something to consider if you use the basil tie method, the rope could get pinch under the stem and could be in the way of bucking the tree up, so care must be taken not to cut your rope.

Also, I have both winches you talked about, I use the skidding winch on my tractor the most though.

 

[AT sawyer]

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

As others have mentioned, the 3-strand rope that comes with it can be as long as you want. Mine is 60' but you can order much longer.

I put my Masdam on a dynamometer to check its tension and can attest to the advertised 1500# pull. Because the Maasdam does not have shear pins like a Griphoist (another cool tool), if you overpower it and bend the wishbone handle you're F'd. If you can't get the necessary tension on the Maasdam, add a block to your rigging and double the MA.