Tow Strap Recommendation to Pull Down a Tree

Updated 05/08/2013 | Published 05/03/2013

Question:

I want to put a tow strap high in a tree and pull it down. tree is on a steep clope

asked by: John C

Expert Reply:

Assuming you are cutting a notch on the fall side of the tree, you should have no problem using a tow strap, like part # EM59802 to pull the tree down. In fact, it is a good idea to use a guide like a rope, strap or chain to help ensure the tree will fall in the direction you want. You could even go with a lower rated strap, like part # H10177, since it will be acting as a guide rather than pulling the entire tree.

Simply relying on gravity could turn into a guessing game when cutting trees, especially if you do not cut a notch on the fall side or a wedge on the opposite side.

If you intend to use the strap to pull the tree down without making any cuts, there are many factors to consider such as the size of the tree and what you use to pull the tree down. If you have a very large tree that you feel would require a 55,000 lb strap, I would not recommend pulling the tree down without cutting first. There are not many vehicles out there (maybe some commercial vehicles) that would be able to pull a tree down of that size.

expert reply by: John H