Official GRCS frame upgrade

[Frans]

Well my bid was shorter than I thought so I am back at the computer.

Not bunched, just trying to figure why they were there if not to guide ropes in. So it's ok to side load the winch, with the new frame you will just have to line things up perfectly or redirect with a block. Got it I have 2 GRCS vids, but couldn't tell you which ones I have

Do you?

Lets look at the big picture for a minute


Lots of folks seem perfectly content to take a 1/2", 5/8" or a 3/4" rope which is rated at some god awful amount of weight, and then use a 1/2 diameter bent rod which is attached on one end, to support the load forces of winching and of shock loading wood.

Does that make sense?
Would you use a key chain 'biner to support your weight?

Because their are numb nuts out in the world using the GRCS and doing this, the potential for failure is there. You get a retard unclear on the concept of safety and you have a problem.

So, Greg has re-designed the GRCS to eliminate this potential problem.
The solution is simple:

USE A RE-DIRECT BLOCK. Can I be any clearer?
It does not mean to use a redirect block on tuesdays, but not on fridays. It means to USE A RE-DIRECT.



I find I am in a funny position promoting this device. I am not a salesman, I am not paid by Greg Good, I am just a very small tree company business owner who happens to really like this device. If I was an employee, I imagine I would tone down my words and attempt to please everyone.

Talking about the device is something I am only willing to do here at the treehouse with my friends. I like it here and I like everyone here.

This is why I won't post this stuff over at the 'other' tree forum. I don't want to have to deal with some dim wit who really just wants to argue.

I have no issue with anyone taking any of the posted pix or anything I say and bringing it anywhere else.

If I had a mini, I would talk about it just as much I am sure. (anyone got a mini they want to give me? )

I have included a few pictures.

They show the two pig tails. Notice the position of them. the one on the left is higher than the one on the right. This is so the rope will have just a bit of less wrap no matter what side of the device your standing on. Makes it easier to do rapid slack removal.

The pin which captivates the pigtail in the upright position is now fixed on both ends. So it wont bend.

The upper fairlead is 5/8" Nice and stout.

 

[Frans]

... just trying to figure frans out

Good luck. Lemme know if you make any progress with that project. I could use all the help I get

 

[Wagnaw]

Do you know when this new frame be available? I'm about to take the plunge on one, and I'm wondering if I should wait a bit.

 

[stig]

Frans, without trying to derail this thread, I have a question about the GRCS. I was going to get one to use as a supplement to my Hobbs, this year, but the financial crisis has put a stop to "unnecessary" investments in tools.

When using the GRCS as it is, without changing to the bollard, can one use it to take out slack and then do dynamic takedowns of large loads, like one can on the Hobbs, or is that only possible with the bollard attached.

 

[lumberjack]

You can't do the "rapid slack removal" technique with the bollard, only the capstan.

 

[gf beranek]

Well, not unless you pulled really hard, Carl. And that would take quite the touch.

 

[Altissimus]

Do you know when this new frame be available? I'm about to take the plunge on one, and I'm wondering if I should wait a bit.[/QUOTE] .... I'm saving for one as well wondering the same thing !

 

[Frans]

It may be available now. I would check with your vendor and if that fails, call Greg Good direct.

As for rapid slack removal, the GRCS is great for that using the ratcheting capstan.
Like said already, the fixed bollard would not work so well for RSR

 

[sotc]

The pigtails look MUCH better! Thanks for the pics Frans, as for the other thing....... i'll keep trying

 

[stig]

As for rapid slack removal, the GRCS is great for that using the ratcheting capstan.
Like said already, the fixed bollard would not work so well for RSR

That was not what i was trying to ask about.
Let me see if I can formulate my question, so it'll be understandable to others than myself.

Using the GRCS, can you let large loads run dynamically. like you can on the Hobbs. Or can you only do that with the bollard mounted?

I'm not trying to do a" Hobbs versus GRCS" thing here, just trying to find out why you need the bollard.
I own (and love!!) a Hobbs, but have never used the GRCS.

 

[Frans]

Short answer, yes.
Depends on what your idea of large loads are. I like your use of the concept 'dynamically'. That is essential for any device

SWLL of the device is 2500 lbs.
The bollard is a huge drum made of alum. A pleasure to use when chunking for example.

I demo'd a unit for this moron who had just bought one.
He was chunking out 40 foot 3' dia. fir logs using a static line and just letting the logs slam into the device with no running of the rope. Just hanging on.
Worked o.k., but I told him to operate the device differently. His response was that he does tree work this way, and thats the way it is.
Some folks you just can't reach.
He was doing this with the ratcheting capstan.

 

[stig]

Ouch!

 

[Altissimus]

I will treat my GRCS better than that !

 

[sotc]

I've rarely used the aluminum bollard, only on the biggest stuff that has to be stopped on the way down. Before I bought my GRCS I thought they were a little on the light duty side. I believe the winch will take nearly what the Hobbs will take

 

[lumberjack]

I rarely use the bollard as well. THen again I don't rig that much and and when I do use the GRCS it's for pulling.

 

[Frans]

I believe the winch will take nearly what the Hobbs will take

I believe the GRCS will take more of a load than the hobbs. IMO.

 

[gf beranek]

I believe the GRCS will take more of a load than the hobbs. IMO.

If the stock fair-leads could hold up I would agree. In the drop load test both the hobb's and grcs were damaged by the volvo. Lagging the frame of the grcs to the trunk and using a heavier fair-lead proved it could take the hit without apparent damage. apparent being the word. but the guts were the same, and that says a lot.

the grcs is tougher than it's touted or given credit for, but still you must stay within the WLL of any device.

 

[No_Bivy]

seek and destroy.....just kidding. But 2500? itll go bigger then that. Never use my bollard. Porta-who for the mere mortal stuff. GRCS past there

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[Frans]

I searched youtube typing in GRCS.
Interesting what popped up.

But...no vid of the 'drop test'.

Ger, are you gonna post anything about that on youtube?

 

[brendonv]

Any idea how much just the frame will cost?

 

[Frans]

Any idea how much just the frame will cost?

No. Ask the vendors. I believe that no GRCS will be sold unless it is the new frame.


Heres a pix of using the new unit. I set a re-direct pulley above the unit, and climbed up to set the pulley by standing on the grcs. I used the pig tails to stand on. Man they are strong!

 

[lumberjack]

So that's a picture of how not do do it. Why such a bend on the running bowline?

 

[No_Bivy]

I always run the rope straight down through the fairlead....but frans knows best

 

[SkwerI]

I've never seen one in person but based on descriptions and instructions, I never would have thought the pictured setup was ok. What exactly are you trying to do in that picture, Frans? And why is the end of that rope tied in a running bowline 10' off the ground and turned 90 degrees away from the line of pull?

 

[Altissimus]

I bet there's a reason for those line angles ....