[Towertalk] Crank-up install thoughts

[n1nk]

when we installed W6HT's LM470 a number of years ago, this is exactly what
we did.  the crane picked it up, swung it over, and dropped it right on the
base which was already in place.  all we had to to was guide it onto the
tabs and install the bolts.  easy two man operation.  tom and I did it over
lunch one day.

that said, I just put up a crankup/tiltup.  I had a cart for moving it
around.  we did have a bit of adventure getting it off the truck but, thanks
to a well placed oak tree and a block and tackle tied to my jeep 4X4, we did
it.  getting it vertical with the fixture was a one person, no crane
operation.  tilting it over was trivial.  once leaning out into the back
yard, we put on all the antennas working at short stepladder height.  then
stood it up.

my plan is to lower and tilt it for major work, especially anything that is
above arm's reach over the tower top.  the top 2 meter spike is at least 10'
above the tower.  I don't mind scurrying up the tower in its lowered state
to do minor things but don't relish doing anything major even at 25 or so
feet..

jim
N1NK
----- Original Message -----
From: <JBaumgarte@aol.com>
To: <towertalk@contesting.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2002 12:44 PM
Subject: [Towertalk] Crank-up install thoughts


> Even though, at 60, I still do plenty of climbing on my 110' tower, I am
> getting smarter and tend to look a little further ahead then I used to.
>
> The fellow with the back-yard install sight for his US Tower 55' has
another
> option, not mentioned.
>
> Depending on a lot of circumstances, of course, I would consider getting a
> BIG crane and doing the job from the front yard, or driveway.  As
mentioned,
> he would have the base constructed and waiting for the tower.  Coordinate
the
> unloading from the truck and installation all at one time.  A big crane
> (130-140' or so), could easily pick the tower off the truck, boom out far
> enough to move it right over the house and make an easy install.  While
not
> cheap, if everything is set, the job could be done quickly, and I suspect
for
> $6-700 in my area.  This would make the tilt feature unnecessary.  I
believe
> that part costs a good portion of the expected crane cost, and think of
the
> hasstle factor!  As LXC correctly points out, most folks never use the
tilt
> fixture once the tower is in place.
>
> I plan on doing this when I move in 11 months!  New QTH requires a nesting
> tower.
>
> 73
> John, N0IJ
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