Erecting the tower and motor

[Mike]

Hi all, I'm new to this awesome forum. Learned so much. I am erecting an Aermotor A702 and 33 ft. tower in the next few days with a crane. I have been told you can lift the entire assembly by the pitman guide in the gearbox. Is this true? I guess all the weight would be on the nut at the top of the mast pipe right? Will it carry the entire assembly including the tower?

[larrychilton]

You can lift the motor assembly with guide hoop, but would probably avoid lifting the entire rig.

The ones I put up were accomplished like Bryon posted with heavy nylon strap.

[mtblah]

The crane that lifted my Aermotor A702 used straps , & lifted motor & tower together by the loop .
3 legged tower is lighter , 28 ft tall.
lifted assmbly over the 6ft fence and lowered into the back yard .
All is well .

[Windcatcher530 Dan]

If it was me I wouldn't trust the nut lifting the weight of the tower, that's just my opinion.

[Mike]

Thanks! The more I think about this, the loop would be carrying the entire assembly, but the nut on the top of the mast would only be carrying the weight of the tower. Still makes me a little bit nervous but I'm pretty sure the nut would handle the tower...

[Mike]

If it was me I wouldn't trust the nut lifting the weight of the tower, that's just my opinion.

Oh, just re-read your post Dan. That's exactly what you are saying. Thanks

[PaulV]

I'd lift from the top of the tower and not the head. Any girt above the platform will do.

[Kenneth]

I agree with Paul on this. I would not trust the hoop.
Also most likely could bend it as well while getting it from horizontal to vertical. I would set the tower and use fast setting concrete, and then you can lift the head assembly by the hoop. Just my 2 cents.

Kenneth

[mtblah]

Larry C . are you out of harms way ? Wild fire in your area near Georgetown Lake .

[Mike]

Thanks for the great advice. I'll let you know how it goes.