[Towertalk] re: Crank-up tower advice needed

[k0myw@att.net]

   When my U.S. Tower HDX-555 was delivered, I'd 
arranged with a local towing service to have one of 
their trucks with an extendable hydraulic boom be at my 
house. In five minutes time (and for a measly $20 fee) 
the tow truck driver plucked the tower out of the 
tractor-trailer rig (using a sling) and neatly 
deposited the tower at the edge of my driveway.
   I was fortunate to have pavement extending to within 
a few feet of the concrete tower base. So a few days 
later, when I was ready to erect the tower, I rented an 
automotive engine hoist ($15), lifted the tower with it 
and a tow strap, then single-handedly rolled it into 
place and mated the tower to the base.
   Yes, I did spring for the tower-raising fixture. And 
I actually have used a couple of times, although you 
can't lower the tower to anywhere near horizontal once 
antennas are atop. But anyway, standing the tower on 
end that first time was a snap -- no help and no fee 
required.
   That how we thrifty hillbillies operate here in the 
Ozarks...

   73,
   Mike, KØMYW