[TowerTalk] Raising Crank Up Tower to Vertical

[Paul Playford]

I used a wire rope winch, rated at 4000 lbs, to pull my LM-470 vertical.  I
buried an 8" diameter wheel 3 feet in the ground with a 1/2" dia x 36" long
threaded rod extending from the wheel to the surface of the ground and
installed a hook on the end of the rod to fasten one end of the winch to.  I
also placed a 3" x 3" x 24" steel angle ahead of the rod at the ground
surface so the rod would not drift toward the tower as I pulled.  Then I
placed 2 each 3" diameter x 9' long end posts (from commercial quality chain
link fencing) in the shape of an A frame at the base of the tower, the end
posts being vertical with another 1/2" diameter threaded rod through the
tops of the end posts to form a gin pole.  I then ran a 1/4" wire rope from
near the top of the tower, across the top of my gin pole to the rope winch
and pulled.  It almost broke the winch but the tower is now vertical.

de Paul, W8AEF

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bob Farkaly" <rfarkaly at san.rr.com>
To: <towertalk at contesting.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 10, 2004 1:35 AM
Subject: [TowerTalk] Raising Crank Up Tower to Vertical


> When I've erected my HG-70HD in the past, I always had a handy tree to
> which I could attach a rope (or wire rope). Then, using the recommended
> A frame, I could get the tower from a prone position to vertical (using
> a chain fall).
>
> This time, no trees. I've been searching for information on the US Tower
> erection facility, but nothing but dead ends. And I don't want to pop
> for $700 if their product won't fit or work. I can't get dimensions or a
> drawing anywhere.
>
> I'm looking for any thoughts, ideas or suggestions on how to get the
> crank up vertical.
>
> Bob, K9RHY
>