[TowerTalk] Winch needed

[Steve Maki]

On 9/30/2012 12:18 AM, K8RI wrote:

> On 9/29/2012 11:19 PM, Steve Maki wrote:
>> For light tower work (up to 1000 lbs load) most crews use capstan rope
>> hoists (catheads). After getting used to one, you will never consider
>> anything else.

> Unfortunately I do like the capstan, but it is completely unsuitable for
> solo work. IE, I need to be able to operate the winch alone, taking
> masts and sections to the top of the tower, guiding things into
> position, and then lowering them into place, yet still holding onto them
> while I climb up the back side of the tower to bolt things in place. IE,
> one person on the rope to the capstan and one or two for lateral
> movement of the parts works great, but I don't have that kind of help.
> There are several knowledgeable hams in the area, but scheduling is a
> problem.
>
> I can use the occasional gofer on the ground, but generally will be
> working with untrained (and likely unknowing) helpers.  That means
> planning ahead and depending on the equipment while practicing safe
> climbing.
>
> The capstan is great if I have someone on the tower that knows what they
> are doing, or some one on the ropes to raise and lower parts while
> controlling their position.  I'm not willing to depend on inexperienced
> rope handlers to the capstan or positioning while I work the tower. Also
> with me working the tower, I've still not built enough stamina for more
> than about an hours worth of work.  I have done this with a hand cranked
> winch including the placement of tower sections, but I'd like to
> minimize the work required.  To stay out from under things the hand
> cranked winch requires it be mounted away from the tower and that means
> building a mount that won't pull loose, or take up a bunch of space in
> the yard.
>
> In either case I will not be working under anything being raised or
> lowered, nor will I let anyone else do it.
>
> The heaviest parts will be less than 150#, hence I figure a winch with
> 1000# capacity should have plenty of safety factor.
>
> When climbing you have to always remember that people make mistakes and
> equipment breaks. So the simplest, mundane things can kill you when
> doing tower work. You have to know what you are doing, the people on the
> ground have to know what they are doing and you prepare yourself to
> handle anything that might go wrong.  You CAN NOT eliminate the danger
> but you can minimize it and minimize your susceptibility to things that
> do go wrong. One thing to never forget. "Tower work is Dangerous!"

I see.

Well, my advice is to not try to do it all alone, from the sound of it.

-Steve K8LX