The Anchor and Tension of a Speed Line

by Robert W. Phillips

For removing limbs from a tree, many methods have been devised recently. The idea of a speed line to remove limbs has been around for two years. While the techniques may vary with each tree, the method of rigging still involves an anchor and tension.

Running a piece of wood or brush overhead can save in terms of physical energy and additional manpower. With the aid of a 4:1 block setup and a locking cam, gaining the necessary tension to lift a moderately-sized limb will require the strength of only one person.

The use of a rigging block and limb tip tieing was first introduced to me a few years ago by Ken Johnson. He explained how to attach the speed line to the tree above the limb that is to be removed with the use of a double clove-hitch, leaving a tail long enough to tie onto a pulley. When attaching the pulley to the rope, use either a stainless-steel, pear-shaped screw link or a screw-locking shackle. Attach it on the tail with a bowline knot and a half-hitch keeper knot. Through the pulley run the control descent line, also known as the haul-back line, which is attached to a shackle secured to the rigging block. Leave a tail of rope at the shackle long enough to tie onto a limb with a running bowline or a clove-hitch. The length of this rope may be adjusted.

It is also possible to clip onto a limb with a webbing sling snapped into the rigging block. Often the tip of the limb is too long to clear an obstruction. If this is the case, you can use a sling and carabiner to assist in keeping the tip up. Attach a sling to the tip of the limb. Clip the strap to a carabiner which may or not be placed on a small pulley. Place the carabiner or pulley on the static speed line so that it runs ahead of where it is attached at the rigging block. When pulling up the slack on the static speed line, remember not to over pull. The forces that are created should be monitored so as to not pull apart your anchor or break the line. When pulling up tension on a 4:1 block setup, you should always take up the static line slack on another friction device and remove the cam from any potential shock load.

It will not be necessary to have every piece of equipment every time. When you begin using the speed line setup, start with simple methods and then layer in more ideas as the situation requires.

Mr. Philips can be contacted directly by sending a letter (with a S.A.S.E.) to:
Robert W. Phillips, 500 Los Trancos Rd, Portola Valley, CA 94028