A net hauler helps to make my life easier.
This tool is used by fishermen to pull their nets out of the water.
But I use it to pull climbing ropes. The idea of changing something at one of my jobs came up two years ago. However, it took me until last year to get the final result done.
Several theories were put together, many people were asked and a few other tools, familiar ones and new ones, were tried before.
This solution, the Net Hauler from NorthLift, pulls more than one rope at a time with a speed of about 30 meter/minute. Most winches only have a speed of 10 to 15 m per minute and can only pull one rope at a time.
Manual was yesterday. Today is machine time! SkyNet has a total different meaning for me now. As I work closer to the sky, metaphorical, and because I misuse the net hauler, or rather don't have a net. Instead, we have LAN. 😜
And that's how we use it.
Usually it's just two people who pull up the ropes. But my colleagues were curious about the new workmate and of course, let's play together.
I changed the plug to terminals to be able to run the device from a battery, as it's way easier instead of using a cable. Further, removing an u-section, the foot and other smaller parts that are not relevant for the job to reduce weight. The device weighed almost 24 kg. The modification saved about 4 Kg. Every kilogram is important when you have to carry it.
Organising a fitting 12V battery with, 55000 mAh to run the tool for about 108 minutes plus charger.
My calculation was: Two people each pull 2 ropes (4 ropes together) at the same time, á 4 times, makes 16 ropes. Each rope has a length of max 140 meters. Pulling at a speed of ~30 m/min, 90 kg hauling power, 12V torque motor and a draw of 25A need roughly 75 minutes pure working (hauling) time. ~30 minutes of spare time.
For that improvement, I got a bateau star.
My idea for further improvement is to create a stand that fits in the holes in the steel beam (roof's edge) or on the roof so that the tool can be used standing. That would improve the grip of the cylinder as more surface touches the ropes.
Let's see when that will turn into reality.
