Mastodon 5/8 in. Rigging Rope

Mastodon 5/8 rigging rope is a 12-strand single-braid line for lowering heavier limbs and wood on removals. The 5/8 in size steps up from the 1/2 in version for bigger pieces, and the 12-strand braid is simple to inspect and splice.

A step up in size

The 1/2 in Mastodon line handles everyday pruning cuts and small wood. When the removals get bigger, the 5/8 in version adds strength and a thicker line that is easier to grip and wrap on a lowering device. It is a good main lowering line for crews who regularly take down large trees.

Single-braid construction shows its damage on the outside, so you can see cuts and pulled strands during inspection. It also takes a spliced eye quickly with a fid. Compare other lines in rigging rope.

Bigger rope is also kinder to the hands when lowering heavy pieces, and it gives a ground worker more to hold onto when taking wraps on a lowering device. The trade-off is weight: a long 5/8 in line is a heavy coil to carry, so many crews keep it in a dedicated rope bag ready at the truck.

Rigging with it

Match the rope to blocks, rings and lowering devices that accept 5/8 in line. Rig within the working load, and allow for shock loads from dropping pieces, which can be several times the weight of the wood.

Inspect before every job and retire the rope if you find cuts, heavy fuzzing, glazing, stiff or crushed sections or chemical damage. Keep it away from saw fuel and bar oil. This is a rigging line, not a climbing rope, and rigging should be done by trained crews following ANSI Z133.