I have been getting more interested in the GRCS, and I know a lot of you guys swear by them. So I started to do my internet research, thinking I should be able to build my own for less.
Well, the answer is probably not. The Harken 46 winch that it is based on sells for about $1650 at various sailing equipment places, and that doesn't include any of the extra parts you get with the GRCS.
Then I start reading the specifications on that winch, and I discover that it is not supposed to be loaded with larger than a 9/16th" line. Furthermore, the manufacturer does not rate the winch component with any safe working load. Hmmm...
I found the video of some guys (Beranek included) testing to destruction the GRCS and the Hobbs device. They dropped a huge log, eventually a volvo, onto the devices. The GRCS was not as strong as the Hobbs, and they were using a 3/4" rope to do the destruction.
Our thanks to Ekka, for making this video available: http://www.palmtreeservices.com.au/video/grcsvshobbswmv.wmv
TI have two precautionary points here, I am welcoming your comments and criticisms:
1. At one point, they exploded the GRCS winch, pulling it off the pedestal. It turns out that the Harken winch is only held together by a relatively small screw. The winch is designed to be loaded at an 8 degree angle toward the mounting base , thereby keeping it put together. If you allow the load to pull the winch out of proper alignment with the load, it pulls the capstan off the winch under a heavy load!
2. Since most folks that lower really big logs use a 3/4" rope, how many of you are using that rope with the GRCS? According to the maker of the winch, it isn't rated for that size rope, and I suspect it can't safely carry the load a 3/4' rope can deliver, either.
*******************************************************
If you wanted to build your own GRCS-style device with a winch rated for 3/4" rope, you'd better warm up your wallet: the Harken winches in that size run about $2500, not counting any hardware to mount it.
Well, the answer is probably not. The Harken 46 winch that it is based on sells for about $1650 at various sailing equipment places, and that doesn't include any of the extra parts you get with the GRCS.
Then I start reading the specifications on that winch, and I discover that it is not supposed to be loaded with larger than a 9/16th" line. Furthermore, the manufacturer does not rate the winch component with any safe working load. Hmmm...
I found the video of some guys (Beranek included) testing to destruction the GRCS and the Hobbs device. They dropped a huge log, eventually a volvo, onto the devices. The GRCS was not as strong as the Hobbs, and they were using a 3/4" rope to do the destruction.
Our thanks to Ekka, for making this video available: http://www.palmtreeservices.com.au/video/grcsvshobbswmv.wmv
TI have two precautionary points here, I am welcoming your comments and criticisms:
1. At one point, they exploded the GRCS winch, pulling it off the pedestal. It turns out that the Harken winch is only held together by a relatively small screw. The winch is designed to be loaded at an 8 degree angle toward the mounting base , thereby keeping it put together. If you allow the load to pull the winch out of proper alignment with the load, it pulls the capstan off the winch under a heavy load!
2. Since most folks that lower really big logs use a 3/4" rope, how many of you are using that rope with the GRCS? According to the maker of the winch, it isn't rated for that size rope, and I suspect it can't safely carry the load a 3/4' rope can deliver, either.
*******************************************************
If you wanted to build your own GRCS-style device with a winch rated for 3/4" rope, you'd better warm up your wallet: the Harken winches in that size run about $2500, not counting any hardware to mount it.