[College of ACES] [University of Illinois] [Illinois CES]

Mechanial Ascention Devices

sussextreeinc@ce.net
Tue, 29 Dec 1998 00:21:59 -0600 (CST)

We almost always use a split tail system and the hip thrust technique to get to the top of the trees. For long ascents we sometimes use a Gibbs device in place of the climbing knot in a self advancing arrangement.

I have two C.M.I. ascenders with webbing and foot loops for single line technique rope walking but have found the technique difficult without a chest harness, and clumsy with a chest harness.

We also use the footlock technique to gain entrance into the tree.

One of my favorite ways into a tree: Set a block in your climbing crotch from the ground in an arrangement that can be pulled back down from the ground. Place a block at the base of the tree. Tie in with your split tail system above the block at the base of the tree. Get the ground crew to pull you up by grabbing the tail of your climbing line and walking away from the base of the tree. We put loops in this line using figure eight knots for hand holds. With the climber pulling themself up and two or three others pulling also, 100 feet per minute is easy to do. NEVER USE ANY TYPE OF VEHICLE IN PLACE OF HAND PULLING.

How about some brain storming on the subject: "My favorite way(s) to ascend a tree". I know there is a lot of good information out there.

Dan Nelson