log removal from steep embankments

[Arbor Vista]

We are always looking for better ideas to remove logs and brush from down steep embankments. As an arborist in a lake community, there are many times where we create site lines or remove dead or hazard trees along a shoreline. We have tried many techniques, with "gin poles/trees" and have had moderate success. Steel cable and hydraulic winches are useable. What about "main lines" and different means of "choking" up the hill?
Many thanks,
Phil

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

Horizontal sppedlines, travers/transfer or whatever work well.

I've used then to get laods over roofs, heard Jepson tell of getting stuff across a ravine last year.

Use a PW on the work end and a winch (GRCS) on the stack end so you can maintain tensionwhile cranking the load over to the staging area.

Easier on the cranker is to set the transfer line (tightline) static and use a tag to move the load. Just takes more time to set up.

 

[Kevin]

I had a few minutes while waiting for my dinner ...

 

[Tom Dunlap]

West coast loggers pretty well worked the bugs out of this type of system. Take a look on this page for ideas:

http://www.osha-slc.gov/SLTC/logging_advisor/mainpage.html

Kevin,

To make your system work even better, use a hoist to lift the log up to the traveling pulley. Then, have a haul back line to pull the pulley along the overhead line. Good to see the guy-outs for the ends. Using shear poles would be another idea. In case there isn't a tree in the right location. I've seen extension ladders used as shear poles for light loads.

This is a good source for rigging info:

http://www.adtdl.army.mil/cgi-bin/atdl.dll/fm/5-125/fm5-125.htm


Tom

 

[Kevin]

Here's another you can use where the trees aren't where you need them...

 

[Arbor Vista]

Well, this forum is already a lot of fun, and the information being forwarded is up the right hill. The material from Washington State is quite helpful. We have implemented some similar. Is there any principle or rules of thumb as to guying distances/location for said loads? Is locating the "skyline" higher always better? How about the use of Kevlar/tenex rope for mainlines and steel for chokers?
Thanks,
Phil

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Setting guys isn't any different than calculating rigging loads. Study what Don Blair has included in the chart on page 176 Of Arborist Equipment. Keeping the guy in as close to parallel with the load will give the lowest load. Always a comprimise.

Using high tech line for the upper is great but pretty expensive. Steel is cheap but harder to work with. Having some sag in the system is beneficial since it reduces the anchor loads.

Tom

 

[Kevin]

An easy method for sighting where the guys go is to stand directly under the line with your arms out the same direction as the line.
You fingers can point to where the guys should line up at each end.

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

Another one I seen for hauling light brush up a hill was to set a pulley high in a tree and pull the brush up till it gets to where the buts get in the air. The ease off the rope and control the ways the buts come down.