Winching Strength of Aspen Trees

[jh.]

Admittedly, this is an odd question and an odd problem to have.

Long story short, due to the huge amount of snow we've received recently and the idiocy of where I parked my snowmobile in the fall, my adventurous dog has a 4' platform of snow to aid in backyard escapes (in the summer it's hole digging...in the winter it's 6' fence hopping - you would think that he hates his home...).

Clearly I need to dig out the snow machine and there's no denying that sweat equity is going to be involved; however I am thinking about getting the high lift jack out (cant get my Disco w/ winch back there) and try to make things easier.

I have about 4 aspen trees that average 6" (some 4" some 8") in diameter within chain distance of the 'bile. Assuming I clean off the sled a bit to reduce weight, can I throw a tree saver around the 4 trees, attach chains, insert high lift jack, and winch?

Or would the small tree diameter and heavy snow pack (literally 4' high) instantly turn this effort into an epic fail?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Quest4ADV]

To find the Winching strength of a tree:

Step 1 Obtain a video camera and setup with clear view of operation
Step 2 Make sure above camera is running
Step 3 Hook said object to tree in question
Step 4 Begin winching

:sombrero:

 

[jh.]

To find the Winching strength of a tree:

Step 1 Obtain a video camera and setup with clear view of operation
Step 2 Make sure above camera is running
Step 3 Hook said object to tree in question
Step 4 Begin winching

:sombrero:

hahahaha

The only reason I even thought of this was because it was in my backyard and no one could see me fail. Unfortunately the snowmobile is right below my bedroom window, so the crashing noise of chain-on-window would probably tip the neighbors off...

 

[cdthiker]

Aspen trees are sketch...
I have " pulled" several smaller ones over when doing bear hangs and trying to get stuck ropes out of the tree...

The thing with aspens is you never really know what is rotted out and what is not. even harder to tell in the winter...
be safe and good luck

 

[summerprophet]

Admittedly, this is an odd question and an odd problem to have.

Long story short, due to the huge amount of snow we've received recently and the idiocy of where I parked my snowmobile in the fall, my adventurous dog has a 4' platform of snow to aid in backyard escapes (in the summer it's hole digging...in the winter it's 6' fence hopping - you would think that he hates his home...).

Clearly I need to dig out the snow machine and there's no denying that sweat equity is going to be involved; however I am thinking about getting the high lift jack out (cant get my Disco w/ winch back there) and try to make things easier.

I have about 4 aspen trees that average 6" (some 4" some 8") in diameter within chain distance of the 'bile. Assuming I clean off the sled a bit to reduce weight, can I throw a tree saver around the 4 trees, attach chains, insert high lift jack, and winch?

Or would the small tree diameter and heavy snow pack (literally 4' high) instantly turn this effort into an epic fail?

Thanks in advance.

Trees (generally speaking), are incredibly variable in their pull strength due to a multitude of factors, including soil type, soil/water density, shallow vs deep root systems, and whether you are winching in line with, or perpendicular to the tap root (the easiest way to tell is to pull out the tree). I have seen 3 inch sagebrush support 10,000 lb loads, and I have also seen old growth cedars lift roots when leaned on.

If it were me, I would accept the risk and do the following:

Step 1.
Determine the direction you will be winching from, and go inline with the tree and opposite to the tow position by about 15 to 20 feet and drive a 1 inch by 3 foot rebar into the ground angled at 30 degrees away from the trees.

Step 2.
Attach short slings around the trees as high as you can reach. Connect these slings to ropes leading back to rebar. Place as much tension on these ropes as you can (blockers hitch or 3:1 system if you know of such things).

Step 3.
Group the trees to a single node point AS LOW ON THE TREE AS POSSIBLE with straps and attach your winch cable to this.

Step 4.
If possible, have observers witness the rebar and the tree tops for possible movement while you winch.

Good luck

 

[jh.]

Thanks for the kidding around AND the advice. Tomorrow I'll start working on the escape zone. Found a pvc roller solution for fence-climbing dogs on the interweb that I will install...adding chicken wire to the top of the fence to increase the height...and then comes the hard work. I'll dig out as much of the snow machine as possible. If I get it to the point where I can lift the track myself, I'll give the hi-lift winch a whirl with the tree advice above.

The other option I have is to clear out IN FRONT of the machine and then just use it to pull itself and the weight of the snow away. We'll see.

 

[fishEH]

I'm assuming your snow machine doesn't run?

 

[jh.]

I'm assuming your snow machine doesn't run?

We'll find out. The only part that isn't buried under several feet of snow/ice is the back and I have more space that direction and no reverse gear...

Clearly poor planning on where I parked it this year.

 

[jh.]

Trees held but the rail on the snowmobile began to bend. Failure, but not an epic fail worth a video camera. Thanks again for the help.