Friction Please!: Port-A-Wrap

The tree care industry has seen numerous innovations over the years, but few have had as significant of an impact as the Port-a-wrap! This device has been around since the early 90’s and is in use to this day; it’s a staple in the tree care industry. This amazing friction device has transformed the way we, arborists, manage heavy loads in tree rigging operations, making the process safer and more efficient. In this blog, we’ll explore the creation of the Port-a-Wrap, explore its functionality, and discuss its invaluable contributions to the world of tree work.

Creation

Sometime in the early 1990’s, the Port-a-wrap was co-invented by Scott Prophett and Norm Hall, they both shared a vision to enhance safety and efficiency during tree removal operations. Before its creation, we relied heavily on the traditional method of taking wraps around the tree trunk- which did work, however it proved to be cumbersome and potentially hazardous, and time consuming. Think back, after every cycle the “rope manager” would have to unwrap from the tree, coil the rope once again, and then re-wrap around the tree; talk about wasted time.

A few different manufacturers now make their own design, but all of these Port-a-Wraps are designed to do the same thing, create friction by wrapping the rope around the main body and allow control of a load being lowered in a safe manner.

Design

The Port-a-Wrap is a friction device widely used in lowering operations. The design is simple yet effective, consisting of:

• Cylindrical drum or long leg. This is the main body where the rope would wrap around giving the user the desired amount of friction.
  
• The short leg is past the guide loop and the sling loop, it also has a retaining bar on the underside of the short leg.
  
• On the long leg, there is a small loop which is also called the guide loop. The lowering rope feeds through the guide loop and goes around the short leg.
  
• On the underside of the long leg, you will find the large loop or known as the sling loop and that is because whatever sling you choose to use, attaches there.
  
  

Functionality

Attachment:

The Port-a-Wrap is attached to the base of the tree with a sling, above the root flare but nowhere near chest height, if it is that high, stop and reassess. Now, sling choice will be based upon preference, however I prefer to work with dead-eye slings as they have proven to work best for me. That may not be the case for others, as some slings may simplify the attachment process. If you have chosen to stick with a dead-eye sling, Cow Hitch will work the best, allowing you to keep the throat of the splice closer to the sling loop. Sling isn’t long enough? There’s always the Timber Hitch but remember, there must be a minimum of five tucks/wraps, no less. Don’t add a connector to link between the sling and the friction device. If you do, the risk of failure in the system greatly increases!

Once the Port-a-Wrap has been successfully anchored to the tree, it immediately inverts and that is because there is no rope and load to keep it in an upright position. I have met and seen individuals attach and anchor another sling to the guide loop in order to keep it in an upright position throughout the length of the tree removal operation. I have tried it before but decided to keep it classy and let it hang.

Rope Management

To reiterate, no more coiling rope before each load! You will, however, need to place the rope in a bag or set it aside to avoid stepping on it during the lowering process; getting a foot caught in it while loaded will not be a pleasant experience- YIKES! Rope insertion is simple but requires attention when taking wraps around the long leg. Follow me, when the rope passes through the guide bar and wraps around the short leg, make sure to have the rope stay within the retention bar. Once that is done, follow the bite and begin wrapping around the drum in the same direction. If you do not, a harsh bend is created and can potentially lock or shock the climber above.

Before we begin with the rest of the operation, tension or sweat the line. Tensioning the line means drawing out all the slack possible. After the initial tensioning is complete, grab the rigging rope and pull towards your self (laterally) rather than a downward motion. By pulling to the sides, you are creating creating a new vector, which enables you to draw out more slack from the system.

Controlled Descent

If you are the rope manager, communicate with the climber aloft and work together to determine how many wraps will be necessary but it should not be their sole responsibility to tell you how many to take around the long leg. You should know your tree species and their characteristics to give you a general idea of how many will be needed; as you may know, the climber might be in go-go-go mode and may not communicate with you. A good rope manager is an invaluable team member! The number of times I have been shock-loaded while aloft and then finally having a good rope manager come onto the team, and experience superb roping skills – I had tears of joy rolling down my cheek!

Something I haven’t mentioned yet are the leg pins or retention pins at the end of the long leg cylindrical drum. These retention pins have purpose and aren’t there to make the device look even more badass. They keep the rope from sliding off the drum and enable the rope manager to lock the load, keeping it suspended (if need be). To lock the load onto the retention pins, take as many wraps as possible around the drum and half hitch onto the retention pins – simple. If one doesn’t take the additional wraps prior to locking off the load, the rope might fall under complete tension, and removing the half hitches may prove to be an annoyance.

The Impact on the Tree Care Industry

Since its introduction, the Port-a-Wrap has become a staple in the tree care industry. Arborists worldwide appreciate its simplicity and effectiveness, making it a go-to tool for complex rigging tasks.

The Port-a-Wrap has also influenced the development of other rigging tools and techniques. Its success has inspired innovation, leading to the creation of additional equipment designed to improve safety and efficiency in tree care operations.

Conclusion

The Port-a-Wrap is a testament to the power of innovation in the tree care industry. By addressing the challenges of traditional rigging methods, it has revolutionized the way we arborists manage tree removal and pruning tasks. Its simplicity, safety, and efficiency make it an indispensable tool.

As the tree care industry continues to evolve, the Port-a-Wrap remains a symbol of progress and ingenuity. Whether you're a seasoned arborist or a newcomer to the field, understanding and utilizing the Port-a-Wrap can greatly enhance your rigging operations, ensuring safer and more efficient tree care practices.