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Blog - Archive
Friday, April 13, 2012

Tree saddles are made specifically with professional tree climbers in mind, usually consisting of straps, buckles, d-rings, leather and / or webbing. They fit comfortably around the waist and the legs and help to safely support the climber. A good, comfortable saddle is perhaps the most personal piece of equipment that a climber uses. Whether you are climbing recreationally or as part of your occupation, it is very important to have a tree saddle that fits properly. A proper fit ensures that the Tree Saddle will be safe as well as comfortable and easy to wear, supporting you in the right areas.

There are several tree climbing clubs, especially in the Pacific northwest, that offer training and equipment recommendations based on the knowledge they have gained from many years of tree climbing. Although less common, tree climbing techniques are also taught to foresters and firemen who would find themselves in situations that require being able to climb trees.

Two companies that are very popular and really stand out as market leaders in tree saddle manufacturing are Weaver Leather and Petzl. Our experienced customers have chosen these brands time and again for key features like comfort, durability and price.

Weaver has a wide selection of tree saddles to accommodate all users in all sizes. One of the most popular styles is the 4D Extra Wide Batten Seat Leather Tree Saddle. This saddle's very name hints at some of its great features. The back is extra wide and the batten seat is covered in foam and extremely comfortable. It is great for arborist professionals that log long hours in a tree on a regular basis. The saddle features forged aluminum d-rings and the black anodized finish offers great corrosion protection. The result is a d-ring that is strong yet lightweight, two great characteristics for climbers. The saddle is also easy to put on and take off, and you can adjust it to fit securely using the tongue & buckle straps.  The nylon loops, used for hanging saws and other gear, are protected with clear rubber tubing. Each loop can hold at least 15lbs of accessories. The back is tanned top grain leather, and the entire saddle weighs about 6 pounds.

Now, how about Petzl? They also offers saddles in a variety of types, sizes and prices. These saddles are made from very lightweight synthetic materials. These materials are of the highest quality and the workmanship is unrivaled. Petzl Tree Saddles are constructed with comfort, efficiency and safety as top priorities. So if you want a great lightweight saddle with an innovative design, then go with a trusted name like Petzl and you won't regret it.

Weaver offers a line of tree saddles that commonly feature a durable leather construction (one exception being the Cougar Tree Saddle), yet they are a little heavier than newer synthetic saddles.  Petzl, on the other hand, offers tree saddles made of synthetic materials. The result is a saddle that is lightweight, innovative and durable. No matter which brand of saddle you choose, just know that both manufacturers use top-of-the-line materials and both are extremely well-respected for producing safe, quality gear.

Friday, April 13, 2012

For any heavy-duty lifting and carrying operation, the sling matters.   What does this mean?  Well, it could mean a variety of different things.   It could mean the complete failure of an ongoing project.  It could mean the loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars for the business.  It could even mean the difference between life and death.  Certain circumstances require certain tools, so when the circumstances are extreme, depend on Pro-Edge Web Slings.  Synthetic web slings are among the most popular styles in service for industrial usage, and they are popular for personal use as well.  The web sling is generally defined as a type of nylojn or polyester sling that has loops at both ends for attachment purposes.  They can be arranged for use in simple straight picks or more complex multi-leg picks.  They are extremely versatile, great for use in many different applications. The eye & eye style (aka double loop) is the most popular and allows for customization in building a sling system appropriate for all types of situations.

One of the greatest advantages with synthetic web slings is their impressive strength-to-weight ratio.  The industrial-grade webbing used to make them is extremely light, yet tough and strong, and makes handling and transportation more manageable than when using wire rope or alloy chain slings. Another benefit of nylon web slings is that they are relatively inexpensive compared to other steel sling options. Manufacturing and proper treatment of steel used for slings is a high-overhead game, while nylon can be produced more quickly and efficiently.  Nylon slings are used by many different people, from workers in manufacturing plants to soldiers on the battlefield.  These slings are indispensable tools for all types of people, in all kinds of places.  Pro-Edge slings are some of the highest quality slings on the market, and that is a fact.  But no matter how strong the slings are, they must always be used according to specifications.

There is such a thing as the right tool for the right job, and this is an important aspect to keep in mind.  In order to use web slings safely, make sure that the size and weight of a load is accurately gauged beforehand.  Every piece of equipment has its limits, so it is essential to know those limits before any action is taken.  Never load a sling past its maximum Working Load Limit because this is a sure way to have something go wrong.  Additionally, sling angles are very crucial to the amount of weight that a sling can carry. A good general rule is to never position slings at angles less than 30 degrees from horizontal.  Finally, avoid shock-loading your slings!  This is a safety hazard that could result in serious injuries or death.  Make sure that every precaution is taken every time you perform a pick, no matter what kind of sling you're using. This will ensure the safety of everybody in the vicinity, and also protect the load from being damaged.