sorry being so late to respond. never claimed to be a genius. merely an observation that the provisions for a greater safety factor were there, readily usable and the operator chose not to. i sure you would not chose the most dangerous method of tree removal if a safer and easier option was available to you, would you? don't know an awful lot about trees, but have been operating cranes just over 40 yrs. now and pretty much try to use every option to make it safer for the people that hire our services. there are many variables when hoisting trees, and although you say the pick was within the chart (apparent because the crane still has the shiny side up) what if conditions changed-i bet the operator would be glad at that point that he had excess capacity. you would be too because the climber usually gets hurt also when there is a crane/tree accident. have a safe day and stay out of the rubber room.
About $350 to $400. Mesquite is harder to get here.
Jeff
