Zip Line Brake Anchor

Consider wrapping a rigging sling around the tree, with a carabiner to attach the ends of the sling to the end of the zipline cable. A sling about 3" wide should distribute the force enough to keep from injuring the tree. You could even move it a little up and down from time to time.

[We have a Zipline Adventures thing locally, but I haven't been there. My wife has, and in the afternoon I can ask if she has seen how they do it here.]

http://www.backyardplayplaces.com/Zipline-Tips.html

Thanks for the replies. Backyard playspaces has good tips but doesn't get too detailed on anchoring to trees for the brake. The straps were my first thought but the straps will move a little with use. I'm afraid that movement will damage the bark. I think the eye bolt seems the best choice. I have also considered using the eye bolts with cable and turnbuckles to connect the "Y's" in some of my trees. Thanks again.

Another idea, if you really don't want to damage this tree, would be to call your local utility company and see if they have any used telephone poles, (which they will probably give away), dig a hole, and set it in concrete.

Looks like you could even use a 8"x8" post from Home Depot.

http://www.youtube.com/v/UBYfNTtwBOE&hl=en&fs=1

Turnbuckles don't work too well. First there is usually not enough draw on them to jack the Y closed. Second they take a beating with the force of the wind and break. Use straps and jack the Y closed if its split with a come along or chain hoist. If just securing it so it don't split. Jack it in a little to take some of the stress of the Y. Then set a straight cable. He uses the cable that they use to anchor telephone poles. Weaves a loop though the eye bolt.

i think straps would be the best option. they won't damage the tree. get slings long enough to take one or more wraps around the the trees or a "choke" the slings by running one end of the sling through the eye of the other end. you will need a least one turn buckle. i recomend one one each end. a heavy duty spring between the turn buckle and wire rope will aborb the sock on the cable. look at a spring loaded truck binder for a clearer picture.

i don't understand the type type of braking system you are planning to use.

"i don't understand the type type of braking system you are planning to use."

Then why are you giving advice?

Just my opinion, but this looks good to me: You may want to start a pilot hole to keep from splitting the tree.

1/2" x 6" Stainless Steel 316 Lag Eye Screw

If they get any chubby kids over there, it looks like a lawsuit waiting to happen, to me.

It's to anchor a rubber band that stops the carriage, not to support the weight of the chubby kid.

Different set of (milder) forces at work here. Chubby kids take longer to stop.

Oh. I was visualizing the eye bolt popping out of the tree while some kid was in mid flight.

Good answer! I was about to enter a similar response until I saw yours. No point in repeating what you have already said. Although, I have never been to Thailand - but I was a tree feller and made use of zip lines on occasion.

http://www.tourismswanseabay.co.uk/resources/Microsites/Go%20Ape/images/goape01.jpg

The wood around and tie on is used around here as well, because it must be removeable and leave no trace.

There was a fatality at a park we go to, on day one of the new zip ride. It was the body harness that came undone. Poor lad.

cnc jim