Thanks to all who stopped by our booth during the Memphis conference March 25th and 26th.
Pinnacle Arborist Supplies was proud to be a sponsor. We want to congratulate the following winners of the climbing championship:
1st place: Cormac Nagan
2nd place: Aquilino Amador
3rd place: Chris Bramlage
All climbers did a great job and faced the weather conditions.
Pinnacle Arborist had three customers who competed, we want to send special congratulations to Daniel Hurst, David Raines and Jeremy Williams-you did a great job representing us and the state of Arkansas.
We look forward to seeing everyone at the next competition.
For more information about climbing and other mechanical equipment, contact Pinnacle Arborist Supplies at 501-663-8733.
There are many types of climbing systems and equipment that can be used in professional tree work and other rope access industries. Mechanical Descenders act like rope friction hitches to slow, control or stop a climbers descent, and can be used as belay devices.
Made of aluminum or steel, descenders operate by providing friction to a rope running over the smooth surface of the device. The more rope in contact with the descender the more friction, thus more control of the speed of the climber’s descent.
Descenders fit into four categories:
- Figure 8
Figure eights allow fast but controlled descent on a rope. They are easy to set up and are effective in dissipating the heat caused by friction but have a tendency to put a twist in the rope.
- Rescue 8
Rescue 8’s has “ears” for added friction and easy tie-off. Racks consist of a ‘U’ shaped frame, attached to the rappeler’s harness, into which snap multiple bars that pivot from the other side of the frame. The rope is woven through as many of the bars as are required to provide sufficient friction. This arrangement allows for variations in rope diameter and condition, as well as controlled rate of descent.
- Rappel racks,or
- Cams
Cam devices are considered active belay devices which have a built-in mechanism that locks off the rope without the help of any other pieces of equipment. The GriGri, Rig and I’D by Petzl are examples of active belay devices, often used as descenders. The offset cam locks off the rope automatically to catch a falling climber, much like a seat belt in a car locks off to hold a passenger securely. The cam is released for descent by gradually pulling on the integrated handle.
Rope climbing with mechanical descenders is becoming more widely used, but requires knowledge and experience beyond more common climbing techniques.
For more information about climbing descenders and other mechanical equipment, contact Pinnacle Arborist Supplies at 501-663-8733.
There are many types of climbing systems and equipment that can be used in professional tree work and other rope access industries. Mechanical ascenders can aid climbers making their ascent more efficient and less tiring.
Typically, ascenders are made from aluminum to reduce weight. A curved cam opens when raised or slid up the rope, and captures the climbing rope when weight or downward pressure is applied. A ribbed or toothed surface on the cam face securely clamps onto the rope holding the climber in position for the next upward movement.
Hand ascenders come in one or two handled versions for either single or double lines, depending on your climbing technique. Hand ascenders are commonly attached to the climbers saddle, backing up a separate prusik for climber security on rope. Hand ascenders can also be used as hand-holds when pulling or lifting loads.
Foot ascenders work in a similar manner, though they are strapped to the foot or ankle. This allows the climber to use the larger, stronger leg muscles, to reduce worker fatigue when reaching the final work position.
Chest ascenders also use a locking cam to capture the climbing line, securing the climber as he/she ascends. Chest ascenders also help keep the climber in a more vertical position while ascending.
Rope climbing with mechanical ascenders is becoming more widely used, but requires knowledge and experience beyond more common climbing techniques. For more information about climbing ascenders and other mechanical equipment, contact Pinnacle Arborist Supplies at 501-663-8733.
Pinnacle Arborist Supplies will be a sponsor at the Southern Chapter ISA (International Society of Arborists), and Utility Arborist Association, Tree Climbing Championship on March 23 and 24th in Memphis, TN. The conference and trade show will be March 25th and 26th at the Memphis Marriott.
We will have a booth with all the gear the climbers will need and be providing prices for the climbing winners.
See you there. GOOD LUCK TO ALL THE COMPETING CLIMBERS!
Visit us online at www.pinnaclearboristsupplies.com or by phone 501.663.8722. We also post relative information on our blog: www.pinnaclearboristsupplies.com/blog.
There are many different varieties of carabiners on the market. This article will explain the ones used for tree climbing. Whether you choose SL (screw-lock), TL (twist-lock), or BL (ball-lock) is based on intended use and/or personal preference. Carabiners are made from aluminum or steel.
For life support (climbing), your carabiner must have a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 lbs. and be positive locking-meaning, it has 3 actions (triact) to open the gate: 1. Push the sleeve up or down, 2. Twist the sleeve, and 3. Pull gate inward.
Here are some hints on choosing the shape of your carabiner, using Petzl carabiners as an example:
WILLIAM – a large size locking carabiner can combine with a FIXE pulley and a split tail to create a self-tending climbing hitch.
AM’D – an asymmetrical locking carabiner for use at the end of a lanyard, D-shaped for an excellent strength-to-weight ratio.
OK – a symmetrical automatic locking carabiner which has versatile oval shape for optimal positioning of equipment (pulleys, rope grabs, etc).
Steel rigging carabiners can be non-locking or double-locking or triple action for extra security. Though steel carabiners are heavier, they generally have a higher strength rating related to size.
One type of specialty carabiner is the DMM Revolver which has a built-in pulley which allows for:
- Provide a redirect for the climbing line
- Making quick mechanical advantage systems, and
- Hauling gear up the tree.
A Corner Trap is a wire or rubber bracket that fits snug over the end of the carabiner to help prevent the attached rope from slipping into a position where it may side-load the carabiner.
A quality carabiner will have a smoother action, longer life, and usually, a higher strength and better testing methods. Carabiners should be marked with the manufacturer’s name, strength rating and related information. Carabiners made by Petzl are guaranteed for 3 years against any faults in materials or manufacture.
Remember to purchase carabiners based on their intended use, strength rating and material used. Inspect carabiners frequently for wear, debris or defects – retire, recycle and replace as necessary.
Shop for carabiners online at www.pinnaclearboristsupplies.com or call us, 501.663.8733 and we will be delighted to help you choose just the right carabiner for your climb.
Pinnacle Arborist Supplies will have a booth at the OKVMA (Oklahoma Vegetation Management Association) on March 4th in Oklahoma City, OK. There will be a conference and Pete will be speaking on Tree Identification. Drop by and see the equipment that will be for sale at the booth. You may also visit online at www.pinnaclearboristsupplies.com or by phone 501.663.8722. We also post relative information on our blog: www.pinnaclearboristsupplies.com/blog.
Posted in Sponsorships
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Tagged Arborist
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New from Safe Tree Products comes a variety of saw and tool
storage options that can hold up to everyday use and abuse.
 Tool Storage Made of high impact, UV resistant poly-carbonate plastics, these scabbards and storage systems are cut resistant and tree guy tough. Unlike fiberglas, these scabbards will not crack, splinter or fall apart over time.
Chain saw scabbards can be mounted inside or outside the bucket. Secure brackets and standoffs keep the scabbard in place when working or traveling. These scabbards will hold trim saws and larger saws when working aloft.
Boom mounted scabbards will hold hydraulic or manual pole saws securely in easy reach of the operator. Additional products for hand tools, hand saws and line tools are available, and can be custom ordered to design at pinnaclearboristsupplies.com. Call us at (501) 663-8733 or visit us online.
New tree staking systems can be installed below and above ground to provide secure anchorage for newly planted trees or support of storm damaged trees.
 ArborGuy Tree Staking Systems Specified in most professional landscape plans, ArborGuy Tree Staking systems provide a cost effective method to secure trees in their first year of growth.
ArborGuy anchor spades come in various sizes and for differing soil materials, and are the key to planting success. Easy to install, contractor quality tree anchoring systems will eliminate costly and damaging T-post and wire for long-term planting success.
Each anchor kit contains three anchors, webbing straps and tension bars for fast, secure and tree friendly installation in less than 10 minutes and just a few basic tools.
Call us at (501) 663-8733, come by , or visit us online at pinnaclearboristsupplies.com to see how easy ArborGuy anchor spades are to install.
Available this month, the Petzl ZigZag mechanical prusik
allows the climber to move around efficiently using the classic prusik/pulley system technique.
When climbing with the ZigZag at the Petzl workshop at TCIA in Baltimore, I was amazed at how smooth and easy it was. This will change double rope climbing.
 Petz; ZigZag The ZigZag combines the benefits of a pulley, swivel and friction bars to create an awesome climbing tool. The linked friction bars and pulley provide a smooth, secure ascent and descent system.
When ascending, the climbing line slides easily through the ZigZag, with little slack tending required. Limb walking and descent is simple by pressing on the release lever, varying pressure to control descent. When released the ZigZag grabs the line securely with almost no sit back.
Petzl innovation, Petzl quality, in stock at Pinnacle Arborist Supplies. Visit us online at pinnaclearboristsupplies.com or call us at (501) 663-8733. We are excited about this new product and are happy to offer it to you.
 ZigZag from Pretzl Pinnacle Arborist Supplies will have a booth at the Mid West ISA annual conference in St.Louis, February 6th through 8th. Stop by and see the new ZigZag from Petzl. Pete attended training on the mechanical device so we have one before the release of them. You can preorder yours at the booth, or on our website pinnaclearboristsupplies.com. We look forward to seeing you there.
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