CMI Lowering Control Device (LCD)

The CMI lowering control device (LCD) adds friction to the rigging line so the ground crew can let a piece run and bring it to a controlled stop. It anchors to the tree or a solid point and takes the heat off the groundie's hands.

Why use a lowering device

When a piece is cut and falls into the rigging, the line needs friction to slow and stop it. Wrapping a rope around a tree trunk works, but it wears the bark and the rope and the friction is hard to adjust. A lowering device gives a set number of wraps on a dedicated surface, so the operator can feed or hold with steady control.

That control matters for letting a piece run so it does not shock-load the rigging point.

The ground crew can also use it to hold a piece in place while the climber repositions, then lower it in a controlled way to a clear landing spot.

Setup and limits

Anchor the device as CMI's instructions specify, use a rope diameter it is designed for, and match the friction to the load. The whole system, from rigging point to anchor, must be rated for the forces involved, and dynamic loads can far exceed the weight of the piece.

Inspect the device for grooves, cracks, and sharp edges before each job, and retire the rigging line if it shows glazing, cuts, or crushed sections. Clear communication between the climber and the ground operator is part of every rigging plan.

Rigging should be planned and run by trained crews. See all lowering devices.