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Re: [TowerTalk] Taking down a tri-ex LM354

To: Gary Schafer <garyschafer@largeriver.net>, towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Taking down a tri-ex LM354
From: Grant Saviers <grants2@pacbell.net>
Date: Sun, 08 Jun 2014 19:16:13 -0700
List-post: <towertalk@contesting.com">mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
I made a new base (welding grade rebar of course) and put one (LM354 not HD) up last month. A mid size Kubota (35hp) front bucket wouldn't lift it as I predicted so Western Crane was hired to raise it. That was simple and $300 I think for the new owner. btw the cables were replaced and the seized sheave bearings as well. If you get into those fixes you might find some interesting issues.

My HDX589 is a bit more tower (2.5x weight) and for hoist uses a 7' mast of 2x6x0.25 rectangular tube with a 4:1 pulley system at the top and a 2550 winch. The forward braces are two 2x2x.25 sq tubes bolted to the holes above the pivot bolts and attached to the mast at 4' up.

If you are keeping the 354HD then you will need a new base and you can buy the lifting derrick at the same time or weld both up. The flange and holes on the leg about 7' up opposite the pivots is the attach point for the erecting cable. All the holes are in the existing base to attach such a derrick.

The HDX589 is a substantial bear to erect. The force needed 8' up the tower to lift from horizontal is huge. A little mechanics of solids and geometry and you can calculate it. At the top of the tower the max load is 1/2 the weight of the tower plus antenna, cables, rotator weight when it is horizontal. Consider that if you are thinking about supporting the tower partially elevated. I've seen a tower bent with a support too close to the base and your average step ladder is going to break even near the LM354 top.

Be safe! Hire a crane, only climb when the tower has all sections fully blocked, or best, with a decent size crane you can connect at the existing derrick lift point and not climb at all. The base can handle the pivoting loads if in good shape. Check the rebar carefully at the concrete surface.

Grant KZ1W


On 6/8/2014 4:43 PM, Gary Schafer wrote:
I just bought an LM354HD tower that is still standing. Weight is close to
1000Lb and it stands about 20feet nested.

Any ideas how to get it down safely without a crane? It does not have the
tilt over option installed. it will hinge at the base.

Thanks
Gary K4FMX

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