Crane Slings for Tree Removal

Buying guide

Round slings and rope slings

Endless polyester round slings have a load-bearing core inside a protective cover. They are soft on bark, grip well in a choker hitch and are color-coded by rated capacity on many products. Rope crane slings with spliced eyes are durable and easy to set on rough stems.

Whichever you choose, the sling's tag shows its rated capacity in vertical, choker and basket hitches. A sling without a readable tag should not be used for crane work.

A tree sling for crane work should be long enough to wrap the stem with room to spare and to reach the hook comfortably. Many crews carry several lengths and capacities so they can match the sling to each pick. Round slings fold small for storage, which helps on trucks that are already full.

Round slings and rope slings each have a learning curve. Round slings can roll on smooth stems, so set them with a choke that bites, and rope slings can be stiffer to set on small stems. Try both on lower-stakes picks to learn how they behave before a big job.

Hitches and capacity

A choker hitch reduces a sling's rated capacity compared to a vertical lift, and a basket hitch can increase it, depending on angles. Sling angles matter: the flatter the angle, the more load on each leg. Work with the crane operator and the lift plan so the pick stays inside the rated capacity of every component.

Crane straps and crane slings should be rated with margin above the expected weight of the pick. Tree sections are hard to estimate, and green wood is heavier than people think. Work from weight charts for the species and diameter where possible, and use the crane's load indicator to confirm before cutting free.

Protecting crane slings

Saw chain, sharp stubs and rough bark can cut a sling. Set slings away from the cut, use sleeves or protection where they pass over edges, and cut well clear of the sling. Store slings clean, dry and out of sunlight.

Never let a sling get pinched in the kerf or cut by the climber's saw. Place slings with enough distance above the cut so the saw stays well clear. Some crews use protective sleeves on slings where they cross rough bark or edges.

Inspection and standards

Inspect crane slings before each shift for cuts, burns, broken stitches, exposed core and chemical damage, and remove damaged slings from service. Crane-assisted tree work should follow ANSI Z133, the crane manufacturer's instructions and applicable crane rules, and involve qualified riggers and operators.

Crane slinging is a specialized skill. Climbers and ground crew working with cranes should be trained in crane signals, rigging and the specific hazards of crane-assisted removals. Keep a clear exclusion zone under the load and follow the lift plan.