[TowerTalk] tower takedown

[WA3GIN]

I lowered a 100ft Rohn 25 with one cable and 73 Jeep.  The previous owner 
had the tower installed for about 15 years using aluminum ground 
wire...believe it or not. He had a tri-bander and a pair of 8 element 2m 
beams on the top. His house on a a hill top here in NOVA. I couldn't believe 
the thing stayed up Hurrican Eduardo.

I just tied off the steel cable at the 50ft point, ran the cable over to the 
winch on the Jeep. This Jeep weighed in at about 3800lbs.  The tower lowered 
nice and easy. At about 45 degrees the Jeep was pulled across the asphalt 
road and over the curb before the tower reached horizontal but we had plenty 
of cable to allow for that possibility. Yes, the brakes were locked and the 
tires just slid on the pavement.  This method is not recommended for the 
light hearted or were space is limited...I still can't believe the guy used 
soft drawn aluminum wire for guys...amazing!

73,
dave
wa3gin
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Roger (K8RI)" <K8RI-on-TowerTalk at tm.net>
To: "jim Jarvis" <jimjarvis at optonline.net>
Cc: <towertalk at contesting.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 15, 2008 6:54 PM
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] tower takedown


> <snip>
>>
>> There is a body of opinion which says, once you have the two sections
>> vertical and lashed, just
>> pull it over, and don't risk yourselves.   A large part of me
>> concurs, although I think that will put more
>> stress on the  "unobtanium hinge".
>>
>>
> I wouldn't do anything to stress that hinge, nor would I want one that
> had been "dumped over".
> Dropping one even 30 feet can put a lot of stress on it that may not
> even show.
>> If the hinge survives,  I'll be happy.   I have more 25G to replace
>> the old or damaged sections with.
>>
> Generally you can rent a bucket truck for far less than the value of
> that hinge even if you have to pay for being trained or hire someone to
> operate it.
> Working off the back of the truck (not the side) it should easily handle
> the weight of the what you have, particularly after removing the antenna
> and top two sections.
>
> Another approach might be to put up a guyed raising fixture and use it
> either as a straight raising fixture as I do my 40 footer with AV640 ,
> or as a falling derrick.
> With just the raising fixture and 2:1 mechanical advantage I can raise
> and lower the 40 footer by myself.
>
> I say this as I'd hate to see that hinge ruined. OTOH never compromise
> safety to save equipment no mater how valuable.
>
>> Thanks, again, to all who ventured an opinion, suggestions, and caution.
>>
>> And, before you remind me what happens after 45 degrees, I know.
> It only starts at 45 degrees <:-)) and grows from there.
>>
>> I've dropped 100' of 25g this
>> way, without a problem.    Although, the guy in the truck said it was
>> an exciting ride, once the mass of
>> the tower took over, and started dragging the truck.   The mere 30'
>>
> At my age (68) I can still lift 3 sections of 25G by my self.
>
> Roger (K8RI - ARRL Life Member)
> www.rogerhalstead.com
> N833R (World's oldest Debonair)
>
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