Tech tips
Stump being pulled Snatch (pulley) block
‘Tirfor’ hand winches
Second anchor point
Hand winches (‘Tirfors’) and kit A lot of hand winches are called ‘Tirfors’ but the proper Tirfor is made by a company called Tractel. More recently lots of ‘clones’ have appeared on the market and are made by many different companies; internally all operate by a very similar method. The general principle is best described as “handover-hand” - they pull on a cable as if using two hands that are pulling on a rope. Whilst the internal workings are pretty much the same, the casings that hold everything together vary considerably. Also there are many different working capacities, be it for lifting and/or dragging. Types/models also vary as to how the machine is set up and the positions of the operating handles/levers. They can be used for either lifting or pulling. If the former then the Tirfor can be either anchored to the ground or above the load; it could also lift a load via a pulley block. If used for pulling then it can be a direct pull along the ground, pulling down a tree or pulling up a post with the cable going up and over a pulley on a tripod or similar.
These machines and their sundry equipment must always be used by experienced personnel who have been trained in their use.
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Always ensure that all items being used are in good condition and are fit for purpose. The correct PPE must be used, particularly when handling the cable. Ensure that you have a clear area in which to operate, and that there is plenty of space - particularly if pulling down a tree. If pulling down a tree, only operate the Tirfor as directed by the chainsaw operator. Never overload the Tirfor and always use the correct handle. Take care not to drop the Tirfor to
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Martin Ludgate
Using them safely
Anchor point
Using a snatch block to double the pull
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avoid possibly damaging the casing. Never step over the cable if it has a load on it.
‘Loose kit’ This is the general term given to all of the other items that will be needed while setting up and operating the Tirfor. The top picture opposite shows:
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Tirfor, with its correct handle. Cable stowed in its tyre, some cables are wound on to a ‘spider’, both methods have their advantages/disadvantages. Snatch (pulley) block.