Endless Loop Round Slings

Round slings are endless loops of load-bearing polyester fiber inside a protective cover. They are soft, flexible and grip wood well, which makes them a favorite for crane-assisted removals, heavy rigging anchors and lifting logs with a loader or excavator.

Why tree crews use round slings

An endless sling has no eyes to wear out and no fixed contact point. You can rotate it so a different section takes the load each time, which spreads wear. The soft cover conforms to the wood and grips, and it is gentle on bark when you anchor a block to a tree you are keeping.

On crane removals, round slings are fast to set: choke the piece, drop the loop over the hook and go. With a loader or excavator, they wrap logs without the steel-on-wood slipping you get with chain.

They also pack small. A few round slings take up less room in the truck than the equivalent steel, and they do not rust or kink.

Reading capacity and choosing a hitch

Round slings are usually color-coded by rated capacity, and each sling carries a tag with its ratings for vertical, choker and basket hitches. The color helps you pick the right sling quickly, but the tag is what counts. A sling with a missing or unreadable tag should come out of service.

Hitch choice changes capacity. A choker hitch is rated well below vertical; a basket hitch can be rated higher if the legs are near vertical. Wide sling angles reduce capacity fast. Pick a sling with margin for the hitch you will use, and remember that tree work brings dynamic loads that static lifting tables do not show.

For rope-based crane slings, see the 5/8 in x 20 ft crane sling.

When a pick needs two slings, set them so the piece hangs as planned once cut. A choker set too close to the end lets the piece tip; one set near the balance point keeps it level. Talk through each pick with the crane operator and the ground crew before the cut.

Protecting the sling

The cover protects the core, but a chainsaw cuts through both instantly. Keep the saw well clear of slings, and never cut a piece with the sling across your cut line. Sharp edges, such as metal or a freshly cut stub, can cut a loaded round sling; use wear pads where needed.

Keep round slings away from heat and chemicals. Bar oil, fuel and battery acid can weaken polyester. Store them dry, out of the sun, in a bag or bin.

Inspection

Before each use, check the cover for cuts, holes and burns, and feel for knots, lumps or soft spots in the core. Exposed core yarns mean the sling is done. Look for melted or discolored areas from friction.

Retire any sling that is damaged or has been overloaded. Follow the maker's instructions, applicable sling standards and ANSI Z133 for tree work.

Keep a log of the slings on the truck and when each was put into service. Round slings tend to get used hard on crane days, and a record helps you spot the ones due for closer inspection. Clean mud off with fresh water and let them dry before packing.