Ropes driving me knots!

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Need some advice on knots to use on ropes used to help guide/direct whole trees down.

Trees are not bad leaners or huge, just are close to some stuff I don't want to crush. I've been felling trees a long time and am pretty good with direction and use of wedges, just only used ropes a few times and I'm not a climber.

Some of the trees have some trunk rot so hinges might not be sound or fail. I'll wrap a chain around the trunk above the cut, in case the trunk starts to split to keep things together.

Plan is to use 5/8 rope high as possible on trees in question, keep some light tension on during back cut, then pull as the backcut is near completed. Will be using a comealong , or ratcheting chainfall to pull.

1) To connect to tree. Running bowline.

2) If I have to join two ropes for tall trees. Zepplin or Flemmish bends.

3) To connect to a large clevis or such on the pulling end. Double Bowline, Anchor bend, or Halyard hitch (hard to untie).

Are these good choices?

net knots
 
Running bowline for getting the rope attached up high, yup.
I think the zepplin bend would be better if you are going to be pulling on the rope. Its a lot easier to untie afterwards....its also a lot easier to use a longer rope too.....
For attaching the rope to a hook or whatever you are using to pull with use a bowline on a bight. Tie it right and it works every time, and it won't jam up when you untie it.
If you need a quick pulling point on the rope that is easily removable, a clove hitch is real simple to do. It takes 2 seconds to form, and it comes loose off a hook or clevis in a second when you want it too. It binds tight when you pull on it, and comes apart quickly when you don't.
I've pulled hundreds of trees over and dragged them around with a front end loader using these simple knots. Learn how to tie them and you'll be all set. Just make sure you are using good quality rope. Lots of cheap nylon ropes won't hold a knot worth a damn.
 
Sounds like you've got things pretty well figured out. What's really worthwhile is to select knots that don't lock up tight when heavily loaded.

I pull a lot of trees, and like you my usual setup is to use a come-along anchored to a tree. Sometimes I anchor to a vehicle but I much prefer a tree. For hitching the rope to the come-along hook (or to the trailer ball, when pulling trees with pickup) I use the cow hitch. Very quick to set or undo.
 
Need some advice on knots to use on ropes used to help guide/direct whole trees down.

Trees are not bad leaners or huge, just are close to some stuff I don't want to crush. I've been felling trees a long time and am pretty good with direction and use of wedges, just only used ropes a few times and I'm not a climber.

Some of the trees have some trunk rot so hinges might not be sound or fail. I'll wrap a chain around the trunk above the cut, in case the trunk starts to split to keep things together.

Plan is to use 5/8 rope high as possible on trees in question, keep some light tension on during back cut, then pull as the backcut is near completed. Will be using a comealong , or ratcheting chainfall to pull.

1) To connect to tree. Running bowline.

2) If I have to join two ropes for tall trees. Zepplin or Flemmish bends.

3) To connect to a large clevis or such on the pulling end. Double Bowline, Anchor bend, or Halyard hitch (hard to untie).

Are these good choices?

net knots
The Running Bowline is hard to beat.
 
Sounds like you've got things pretty well figured out. What's really worthwhile is to select knots that don't lock up tight when heavily loaded.

I pull a lot of trees, and like you my usual setup is to use a come-along anchored to a tree. Sometimes I anchor to a vehicle but I much prefer a tree. For hitching the rope to the come-along hook (or to the trailer ball, when pulling trees with pickup) I use the cow hitch. Very quick to set or undo.

I've got a real big clevis for my tractor 3pt hitch, I'll use to connect the rope to the pull end. Much bigger dia/less sharp than a chain hook so will be easier on the rope. I'll have a look at cow hitch. I also noticed since posting, the cats paw:


1 cats paw.png

Edit: not pulling with tractor, just using the big clevis, for the rope to comealong.
 
This is great


Looks good and stronger? Strong is good!

What I've gleaned, so far , that's used for a middle loop, good for climbers. Two loops can be different sizes.

I guess good on an end too, if strength is better?

FYI all I do fishing too, some fly ,so I get knots ones I've learned why and how.

Thanks!!!!!
 
Fishing rod with a weight.

Get yourself a bag and a throw line, much easier with a little practice than hauling a ladder around, and you will be able to set your line much higher. I have the Wesspur kit, works great.

http://www.wesspur.com//throw-line/throw-line-kits.html

Thanks for the ideas!

After looking at the link @The Satch posted, and @holycow s suggestion, I think I could make something up pretty easy.

A wrist rocket sling shot mounted on the butt section of an old fishing pole. Spool up an old spinning reel with some 30-50 lb line and make up a weight to connect the line to. The guide on the fishing pole would make the line spool off smooth.

A golf ball for a weight might work good. Screw in an eye screw to connect the fishing line to. Edit: or heavy ocean lead sinker.

I know I'd be more accurate with my slingshot, than trying to cast up into a tree with a fishing pole (I've caught my share of trees fishing already :surprised3:). I was pretty good with it as a kid, hitting varmints and small game.

Another idea, could mount the business portion of the sling shot and a fishing reel, on a junk rifle stock.........

I've got plenty of heavy used fishing line from my ice fishing tipups and used golf balls are cheap. If I loose a setup in a tree the cost would be small.

I'll have to think on best design. Any more suggestions would be appreciated.
 

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