Howdy Folks I recently was given a 1 ton Maasdam come-along from a client that didn't want it. I have some leaners on my main cutting site, and I have never had the equipment, confidence, or desire to try to tackle them. Adding a come-along to the mix changes all that... My question is what else is required for pulling leaners other than the come-along itself? Specifically, I need some strap/chain/rope to anchor the come-along to a solid tree, and a much longer length of something to attach to the leaner. The most I've come up with via youtube and google is aircraft cable with the same rating as the come-along for the length that goes around the leaner. What about the anchor material? I see some vids where it looks like folks use tow straps for cars (seems viable) or ratchet straps (seems dangerous). Below is a pic of my likely first target, I posted it 6-ish months ago on a Pine ID thread. The plan is to pull the base until the tree clears the supporting tree. I'm thinking 50' of aircraft cable maybe? What does the brain-trust suggest for the other pieces in the come-along equation? Thanks in advance!
I just 3/8" log chain because that's what I have. I"m assuming you're going to cut the base first, but even then a 1-ton come-along is going to be a stretch to drag the butt end enough to clear the top. It is going to want to dig in pretty hard.
Ahh, ok good to know, thanks for the tip. How's about Plan B: attach the cable/chain as far up the leaner as possible and pull it down to the side?
I can't see what is holding the top, but you could try a 90* pull. The only thing to be very careful of is that when the top releases there will be enough slack in the line so the tree can drop freely to the ground...you don't want your pull line to take the force of a falling tree. The higher you go the less slack you'll get. Disclaimer: Lukem's advice is for entertainment purposes only. Come-alongs, cables, and chains are dangerous. Never attempt to pull down a tree.
You're going to have a heck of a time trying to get it to do something it doesn't want to do. The tree will probably win that fight. It should be easier to pull the top free from the canopy. I just did one like that this weekend. You want to get a rope as high as you can into the tree, and pull on it the way it's trying to go. But make sure you have enough rope, so you're not in the landing zone when it does come down! Regarding equipment used, my setup went like this: "To Fell a Tree" and "Knots at Work", by Jeff Jepson Brain Alertness Throw line + weight, to access a high point in the tree 200' bull rope, for pulling Tree Saver / tow strap, to wrap around anchor point Carabiners, to attach come-a-long to tree saver, and rope to come-a-long A pulley to redirect the pull line would be extremely useful in situations like this, in case there is no good anchor tree within range, and to keep your person out of the potential drop zone. Good Luck!
For sure better advice could be given if we could see the top. Without seeing that top, I might advise pulling it at the butt end but not pulling it straight away from the tree it is hung in. The reason is the butt will dig into the ground so you need to pull at an angle, although not necessarily at 90 degree; perhaps more like 45, but that is just a guess going from the picture. If it were me, I would probably not even pull it but I usually hesitate giving that advise unless one has some experience doing that. That is, cutting it into short sections, but that is very tricky and without some experience, I advise to not do that.
Perfect, thanks for this, I will look into acquiring these items. I appreciate the list including "brain" and "alertness" too, can't ever be too careful! I have a healthy fear of the situation, which definitely motivated me to post here to get some advice. When I get back out there, I'll try for a better pic at the top. Thanks again!
Thanks for the advice! Sectioning it up is way above my pay grade, so you are right, I won't be trying that!
I've done this on a number occasions. Notch the top and undercut the bottom and drop it in small sections until it clears the hangup. But I agree with Backwoods Savage, if you don't have experience/confidence in doing this, don't. It'll definitely get your heart rate going! Wait until a windstorm brings it down. Hung up like that it's not going to rot.
I'd let leave it alone. I tried that with a tree about half that size and got real lucky that I didn't get hurt. Keep an eye on it and wind will drop it for you one day.
That's actually what I'd try first too if Im reading the pics right. The come-a-long is a lot more to set up and I usually don't unless I really have to. That's where the first book comes in. It covers a lot of different situations and you may decide on something else seeing it face to face. And leaving it alone is also an option.
The fact that is looks like it's pine and is dead, makes me Leary. That stuff breaks anywhere unexpectedly even on green trees. Plunge cuts could work, but take skill and practice. If you do pull it with a come along, don't use rope, it stretches. It will stretch like a rubber band not move the tree and you will be out of cable on the come along, with a ton of stored energy.
That's what we had to do out at your place Dennis, not my first rodeo though. Cold is Dumb, I use cable, chain, rope, sometimes a combination, depends on the particular situation and how far away I want to be. Your come along is rated at 2,000 pounds so what you use with it, as long as it's that or higher you're good. I wouldn't have a problem wrapping my 3300 lb ratchet strap around a tree and pulling on it, wouldn't use it in line though, if that's all I had I would. If you have to invest in something rope is your best choice
If you have a lawn tractor it might be better than screwing around with the come along, or use them in combination
That would be OK with a small tree. I can't tell how big or small the tree is, if this is went sideways you could go for one hell of a ride on a mower.
