What to look for when rope shopping?

[IPLUMB]

Hey guys I've always ended up buying cheap rope that end up breaking...What should I look for when purchasing a rope to help pull trees when dropping them? I need a good rope but do I really need to spend $100.00 plus for one? What do you use? Thanks

 

[Beefie]

Hey guys I've always ended up buying cheap rope that end up breaking...What should I look for when purchasing a rope to help pull trees when dropping them? I need a good rope but do I really need to spend $100.00 plus for one? What do you use? Thanks

Yes you do need to spend the money. I bought some Bull rope 5/8 dia 150' long and it cost me 150 bucks. It is rated at 18,000lb breaking force. I whould buy another one if this one breaks or wears out. Check out any of the arborist suppliers on here, they all sell it. I bought mine from Treeman supply, they were at a logging show localey, and had it on hand. Good people to work with.

Beefie

 

[peterrum]

I've never used rope, just chains and steel cable.

 

[imagineero]

yeah, you do get what you pay for pretty much. You can get smaller ropes with lesser ratings (but way way better than any crap you've had in past) for cheap as ex rock climbing ropes off ebay, often can get a 1/2" rope rated to 4,000lbs+ for under $50. Really though, the better stuff starts at 9/16" and goes to about an inch with ratings that are way beyond sensible. THe bigger ropes are a lot nicer to hand hold when lowering branches.

Shaun

 

[gemniii]

Hey guys I've always ended up buying cheap rope that end up breaking...What should I look for when purchasing a rope to help pull trees when dropping them? I need a good rope but do I really need to spend $100.00 plus for one? What do you use? Thanks

A lot depends on your wallet and safety. If I'm on the ground and a rope breaks while I'm trying to pull a tree down - DARN, there goes a few bucks.
If I'm in a tree and the rope is holding me up and it breaks - VERY BAD.

One of the suppliers routinely sells "leftovers". And you can get like a "short" piece, < 150 foot, cheap, if it's in stock.

 

[Fallguy1960]

It depends on how long of piece you need but check Wesspur they have end of the reel lenghts that you can buy for less than custom cut.