Synthetic Rope Synthetic Rope in Loggingin Logging

Rafael Chou, Ph.D.Rafael Chou, Ph.D.

Michael DaughtersMichael Daughters

Danielle StenversDanielle Stenvers

SamsonSamson

COFE 2006COFE 2006

AmSteel-Blue

Logging SystemsMultispan Skyline – with double tree intermediate support & tailspar

Shown above is a multispan skyline system with double-tree intermediate support and tail spar lift tree. The intermediate support lift lines (which also function as the guylines in a double tree system) and guylines (2 shown) for the tail tree. Typically the support jack lift lines are 200 feet in length and guylines 150 feet 5/8-inch by 150-foot steel lines weigh over 100 lbs.

Simple two drum tower yarder systems are typically run as highlead systems. AmSteel-Blue can be use to replace all the wire in the system.

Rigging variations on the working lines and the addition of winch drums increase the flexibility and productivity of these types of systems.

The Highlead system uses two operating cables. The mainline pulls the logs to the landing and the haulback pulls the empty chokers back to the logs on the hillside. Note the elements in the figure that are common to most all cable systems.

-Rigging Straps

-Chokers

-Strawline

-Guylines

AmSteel-Blue can be used to replace the highlighted applications in this system.

Highlead System

GUYLINE

TAG GUYLINE

GUYLINE

GUYLINE SHACKLE

HAULBACK LINE

MAINLINE

HAULBACK BLOCK

HAULBACK STRAP

STRAWLINE HOOK

RIG-UP BLOCK STRAP

RIG-UP BLOCK

STRAWLINE

CHOKERS

Live Skyline – Shotgun or flyer systemThe skyline system shown uses a tag skyline (skyline extension) to extend the reach where the yarder cannot spool sufficient length, or to facilitate rigging up (setting up) the system on the other side of the stream. Samson has various products which can be used to replace the wire.

Skidder Winch Line

AmSteel BlueAmSteel-Blue

Tree rigged with AmSteel Blue

Whoopie Sling

Samson’s “Whoopie Sling” provides an adjustable length of rope with an eye on each end. The splicing technique can be modified for additional length for use as an adjustable length sling, rigging strap, or as a guyline extension that can quickly be set to a required length.

Whoopie Sling

Adjustable guyline (shown) using AmSteel-Blue and Whoopie Sling splicing technique. Extensions, tiebacks and long straps are other possible applications of this system.

Skyline Landing

HaywireAmSteel-Blue reduces the weight of your haywire by 80%. This drastically reduces the time needed to rig the haywire.

AmSteel-Blue Do’s and Don’tsDO take care of rope during winching – AVOID pulling over or around abrasive surfaces such as rocks, stumps, and trees. PLAN for straight pulls; avoid hang-ups, running over logs, and “siwashes”.

DO clean (smooth) fairleads and other rough machine surfaces over which the rope may rub. If steel wire rope has cut through fairleads or steel plate, the abraded steel will cut the AmSteel-Blue rope.

DO maintain eight (8) wraps (minimum) on the winch drum prior to pulling loads. AmSteel-Blue rope has less frictional resistance on steel, resulting in more tension applied to end of the line at the drum connection.

DON’T - when loaded on a drum, run line out to its attachment point (leaving only the nubbin or other line ending point attached to the drum). This likely will lead to pulling the line off the drum when winching the load in.

DO tension spool AmSteel-Blue rope onto the drum when first installing. This facilitates the rope’s ability to spool cleanly and avoid “diving”.

DO set the winch drum free spool drag adjustment to zero. The resistance to keep steel wire rope from snarling upon winch free spool is no longer needed. Failing to do this only creates pulling resistance greater than the weight of the AmSteel-Blue rope you are pulling.

AmSteel-Blue Do’s and Don’tsDO train and monitor operators to care for the rope. The employer is incurring additional capital expense, with the likelihood of greater economic returns on this investment. The employee is benefiting from the reduced stress, strain, and fatigue. However, rope abuse resulting in premature failure eliminates economic gains for the employer and ergonomic gains for the operator if the employer returns to steel winch lines.

DON’T install AmSteel-Blue rope without first cleaning (dressing, smoothing) fairleadsand other machine surfaces of sharp or rough edges.

DON’T expect the rope to take the abuse steel wire rope does. However, remember it is repairable with either the Buried Eye Splice or the End for End splice.

DO clean (smooth) fairleads and other rough machine surfaces over which the rope may rub. Abrasive surfaces such as this must be dressed smoothly prior to use of Samson AmSteel-Blue. AmSteel-Blue rope will not tolerate such abuses as long as steel wire rope. Continued operation in this mode will create unnecessary shortening of operational life of AmSteel-Blue rope due to fraying of fibers, cutting of strands, and resultant reduction in rope strength. AmSteel-Blue ropes should not be used until edges such as this are dressed smooth or otherwise repaired.

AmSteel-Blue Do’s and Don’tsDO take care of rope during winching – AVOID pulling over or around abrasive surfaces such as rocks, stumps, and trees. PLAN for straight pulls. Rubbing on logs show one source of abrasion in operation and need for planning of extraction to prevent rubbing on abrasive locations such as rocks, stumps, trees and logs. Turn selection and planning the lead will avoid rubbing the winch line on stumps and standing timber, especially when the rope is under tension. This is also a good technique to avoid siwashes’ which can create “in the bight” safety hazards. You have made an investment in AmSteel-Blue rope – protect your investment.

DO maintain 8 wraps (minimum) on the winch drum prior to pulling loads. Note the need to maintain a minimum of 8 (eight) wraps on the drum during log winching operations to avoid pulling the end connection off the drum.

DO tension spool AmSteel-Blue rope onto the drum when first installing. This facilitates the rope’s ability to spool cleanly and avoid “diving.” Tension spool the winch line onto the drum once 8 wraps are achieved by pulling the skidding machine backwards with the winch. This facilitates tight wraps and avoids future “diving” of the rope between layers during log winching.

LOGGING WITH AMSTEEL-BLUE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it last?• This is dependant on the application and care given to the rope. If the end

user is careful, it can last as long as wire, and sometimes even longer. Keep it away from sharp objects, and rusted metal. If running on any piece of hardware, make sure the hardware is smooth.

How strong is it compared to wire?• Size for size, AmSteel-Blue is the same strength in general. If you are using

swaged wire, use the next larger size of Amsteel-Blue.How much does 100' of AmSteel-Blue weigh when compared to Wire of

the same size?• AmSteel-Blue is approximately 1/7th the weight of steel.Where can I buy AmSteel-Blue?• We sell through distributors. Please go to www.samsonrope.com to locate

your nearest dealer.How much does it cost compared to wire?• Check with your local distributor for a price quote.

Can I tie it in a knot?• A knot will reduce the strength by as much as 50%. We recommend a splice

as a termination for AmSteel-Blue. Due to the slippery nature of Dyneema Fiber, knots often will not hold.

Who’s going to teach me how to put that fancy eye in the end of it?• All of our splicing instructions are available for download at

www.samsonrope.com.What is the main benefit for switching to synthetic?• Lighter weight (1/7th the weight of steel), easy to splice, easy to repair, no

jaggers, will not rust, will not kink, torque free.What happens to it when it’s left in the sun?• AmSteel Blue is made from HMPE fiber, which is essentially a high strength

plastic, similar to a gas can. UV will not degrade rope.What happens to it when you spill diesel on it?• There is no effect from hydrocarbons. The only thing that will damage the

fiber is Bleach.

LOGGING WITH AMSTEEL-BLUE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

LOGGING WITH AMSTEEL-BLUE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What happens to it when it hits the exhaust manifold of the carriage?• It will melt. The critical temperature of HMPE fiber is 150°F.Will it run through the blocks?• AmSteel-Blue will run through the blocks as well as or better than wire, and

will not retain a memory like wire will.What happens to it on a winch?• When spooling it onto the winch, follow the usage instructions covered in

this guide. Once it is on the winch, it will perform as well as or better than wire.

Will it dive on a winch?• It may still dive similar to wire. However, if it does, you can easily pull it from

the spool without the use of any tools.Will AmSteel-Blue kink?• No, if you severely bend ASB, it will naturally return to it’s original position

without harming the rope.