NZ made arborist rigging bollard almost ready

Work on the Pro Climb Rigging Bollard  (PCRB) is almost complete according to its designer Andreas (Rossy) Ross. This New Zealand made rigging bollard has generated quite a level of interest from arborists around the country since Treetools blogged about it a few weeks ago. Enhancements to the unit include repositioning of the load eye on the top of the drum. The eye on the original model was positioned in such a way that it could cause the rope to jam in certain situations. Another new feature is the addition of a 'rubber' pad to the back of the unit to cushion the effects of the PRCB on the bark of a living tree when it is cinched up tight.

The Port-A-Wrap will be the PCRB's main competition but there are some major differences betweenthe two. The PCRB has a larger drum and is easier to set-up. And most people like the way it can be cinched up to the tree. The bollard remains uprightat all times unlike the Port-A-Wrap which only stays upright under load. The formation of pig tails are also less common on the PCRB when it is used correctly.But there will be a price difference. The PRCB is likely to be around $500. One imagines the productivity benefits will be well worth the differential.