How to pull a branch off a tree with a Tirfor T516 winch

peplers.blogspo... Tractel Tirfor winches are great! Here, I'm using our T516 to haul a large broken branch out of an oak tree.

[@mikepepler]

There's a shear pin in the winch handle, and all other components are rated well above that, so the shear pin is the weak link.

[@u4987]

Thank you for all the informative responses Mike and please keep sharing your videos.

[@mikepepler]

I agree. No worries about cables breaking in this one as they are in good enough condition, but certainly a good idea to have some protection on normally.

[@mikepepler]

3. Could do, but the other point of view is that a damaged tree provides excellent wildlife habitat. 4. I don't have a pole saw (well, not a chainsaw one), so couldn't reach it (I don't climb). Also, it'd have to be a very long pole saw to be able to cut it and not be below where it was going to fall.

[@u4987]

2. If you are exerting unknown loads on the equipment, would it be a good idea to insert a shackle with a lower breaking load - this would then break before the cable, and could be positioned where a break would present the least risk for the operator - maybe between the anchor strop and the tirfor?

[@mikepepler]

The winch has a shear-pin, which will break before anything else in the setup breaks.

[@Mumbo_Jumbo_Kiwi.1]

No mention of stability of anchor tree. Often native trees are rooted shallow so it would become unstable quiet easily

[@mikepepler]

Good point, I guess I just assumed that people would attach the winch to a strong, healthy tree!

[@u4987]

3. The wound left on the tree is an entry point for infection that could jeopardise the health of the tree - would you recommend pruning the wound site to encourage proper compartmentalisation of the wound? 4. Why not just use a chainsaw to make a pruning cut to remove the broken branch? I'm here to learn so appreciate any guidance you can give.

[@mikepepler]

Yes, cleaning up the wound would not be a bad idea. But this isn't actually my tree, it's just across the border. Also, I don't have a pole saw and I'm not trained in climbing.

[@u4987]

Thanks for sharing Mike, I had a few comments and questions - 1. Check for videos of winch cables breaking to illustrate the dangers of winch cables breaking - would it not be a good idea to wear a helmet and eye protection when doing this type of work?

[@mikepepler]

Yeah, helmet and eye protection would be good. Having said that, I think winch accidents are usually bigger than that!

[@jermainedorsey2397]

Where can I find one of the winch and straps used in this video? Jermaine from Chicago

[@mikepepler]

Any supplier of forestry equipment should have the straps, though they may be called slings. They should have winches too, but I expect you'll have a different choice of brands in the USA, but if you want a Tirfor winch, the manufacturer is Tractel - they have a USA office.

[@adamantbelief77]

John need some milk

[@ukbobby1]

Hi Mike. How did you get your snatch hook onto the end of your cable ?

[@mikepepler]

It came with it already fitted. I assume a specialist tool is needed to attach hook? Sorry I can't be of more help...

[@sammydog1959]

Please dont show how to if you dont do it safely it may encourage others who dont know any different. Maybe this is a how not to do it video , If not do us a favour and remove it

[@mikepepler]

Hi Tim. Which are the unsafe bits you're referring to?

[@sammydog1959]

The wally on the other video felling sycamores over barn with no safety harness

[@mikepepler]

Ah OK, well I agree with you there. That's someone we had come and do some work for us, before I'd done the training for larger trees. It was a bit risky... But you're OK with this winch video then? Mike

[@sammydog1959]

Looked ok