Griphoist tifors

by Matthew D. Wittmer

These hoist boxes are what enables a wire rope to be tensioned with over three tons of pressure.

009_tu35tu32

009_tu35tu32

This is a Griphoist TU-35 (top – out of production but the same type Philippe used in his WTC and Sydney crossings) and the TU-32 (bottom).

008_frontTU3532

008_frontTU3532

The front ends of both hoists.

DCIM103GOPRO

DCIM103GOPRO

Here’s a clear view of how the tifor works.

DCIM103GOPRO

DCIM103GOPRO

A steel sling goes around the tree; a 25-ton shackle links it together that the hoist links into.

DCIM103GOPRO

DCIM103GOPRO

The hoist cable goes out and clips into the walk cable.

007_griphoistcable

007_griphoistcable

A special 5/8″ diameter cable the is made for these hoists is cranked through the unit by levering the large handle back and forth. This cable has to withstand the clenching force of the hoist that is equal to the amount of resistance being pulled.

006_linktogriphoist

006_linktogriphoist

This is the sling and shackle that the hoist links into.

DCIM103GOPRO

DCIM103GOPRO

Here’s the hoist tensioned.

001_hoistinaction

001_hoistinaction

My first time using the T-35 in July of 2010.

010_griphoistT35front

010_griphoistT35front

This is a closer view of the older T-35 by Griphoist.

011_griphoistT35sideA

011_griphoistT35sideA

And a side view. As you can see the bolt in the end is not the original.