Marlow Raptor 16mm Rigging Rope

Marlow Raptor 16mm rigging rope is a lowering line for arborist rigging, sized for wood that is too heavy for light pruning lines. It suits crews running blocks and lowering devices on regular removal work.

Where a 16 mm line fits

Rigging rope diameter follows the size of the wood you lower. A 16 mm line, around 5/8 in, is a common choice for crews lowering mid-size limbs and tops, where a light 1/2 in line would be pushed close to its limits. It is also a comfortable size to handle on a lowering device.

Match the line to your blocks, lowering device and slings: sheaves and bollards are rated for rope diameter ranges. Confirm the rated strength and construction with the seller and size the system with a safety factor for dynamic loads. Compare other rigging rope.

A heavier line also has more mass to absorb shock and more surface for wraps on a lowering device, which helps the ground crew control a piece with less effort. The trade-off is weight to carry and pull up into the tree.

Care and inspection

Rigging lines take shock loads, heat from lowering devices and abrasion over bark. Inspect the rope after every job for cuts, glazing, crushed sections, and core showing. Retire it after a severe shock load or if you find damage.

Store rope in a bag away from fuel, oil and sunlight. Rig only within the rated strength of every component, and make sure the crew is trained under ANSI Z133 and the manufacturer's instructions.

Keep a log of big catches and hard use so you know how much life the rope has left.