In tree work, the climber might make the cut, but a successful rigging operation takes a whole crew.

From managing ropes and controlling loads to keeping the job moving, groundies play an important role in every stage of the operation. They anticipate what's coming next, communicate with the climber, and help keep everything running smoothly. It takes experience, coordination, and the right equipment to get the job done well.

That's where Hold Fast Rigging comes in.

We're excited to introduce Hold Fast OG and Hold Fast XL at The Arborist Store. These two systems bring winching and lowering capabilities together in one compact setup, giving arborists more control and flexibility when managing rigging operations.

Hold Fast was developed with working arborists in mind. Its founder, Nathan, is a certified arborist with more than 20 years of experience. After dealing with bulky and complicated rigging equipment, he set out to develop a system that was easier to transport, install, and use in the field.

The result is a rigging system that combines a self-tailing winch with a fixed bollard. This setup allows the crew to lift and lower loads using one integrated unit, rather than relying on separate pieces of equipment.

Both the OG and XL can accommodate one rope or two separate ropes, allowing the crew to manage different rigging tasks within the same setup. They can also be mounted vertically or horizontally, depending on the application.

While the two systems share the same concept, they are built for different requirements.

The Hold Fast OG is the lighter, more compact option in the lineup. Weighing approximately 18 lb, it's designed for arborists who want a versatile rigging system without adding too much bulk to their gear.

At its core is a Harken Radial 20 self-tailing winch paired with a fixed bollard. The winch helps with lifting and line control, while the bollard provides a controlled way to lower loads.

A few features worth knowing:

• Compact design: Its lightweight construction makes it easier to transport and incorporate into a rigging setup.
• Self-tailing winch: Helps maintain control of the rope during lifting operations.
• Dual-rope capability: Allows one or two separate ropes to be used.
• Flexible mounting: Can be installed vertically or horizontally to suit the job.
• Durable construction: Built with a powder-coated steel plate and a coated bollard.

The OG has a bollard working load limit of 2,000 lb and accepts rope up to 9/16" on the bollard.

For crews looking for a compact, portable system for everyday rigging applications, the OG is a practical option to consider.

Explore the Hold Fast OG Rigging System at The Arborist Store.

When the job calls for greater lifting capacity, the Hold Fast XL steps things up.

The XL features a Harken Radial 40 dual-speed self-tailing winch, offering two gear ratios to help balance speed and lifting power. The faster setting helps take up slack quickly, while the higher-power setting provides more mechanical advantage when lifting heavier loads.

Compared with the OG, the XL is built for more demanding rigging applications and offers higher working load limits.

Here's what sets it apart:

• Dual-speed winch: Switch between faster line take-up and increased lifting power.
• Greater mechanical advantage: Offers approximately 13.5:1 and 39.9:1 gear ratios.
• Higher working load limits: The winch has a 1,500 lb WLL, while the bollard is rated at 2,500 lb.
• Larger rope capacity: The bollard accepts rope up to 5/8".
• Flexible mounting: Can be mounted vertically or horizontally to suit the setup.

At approximately 30 lb, the XL is heavier than the OG, but it offers additional capacity and mechanical advantage for crews working with heavier loads.

If your rigging applications regularly demand more lifting power, the XL may be the better fit.

Explore the Hold Fast XL Rigging System at The Arborist Store.

Both systems combine a self-tailing winch and a fixed bollard, but the winch design, working load limits, rope capacities, and overall weight differ.

Here's a side-by-side comparison.

Specifications are based on the manufacturer's published product information. Always consult the current product documentation for applicable limitations and operating requirements.

The OG is worth considering if portability and a compact setup are priorities. The XL offers a dual-speed winch and higher working load limits for applications that call for greater lifting capacity.

The right choice comes down to your typical rigging applications, equipment requirements, and crew setup. Always work within the manufacturer's specified working load limits and follow appropriate rigging practices.

Rig smart. Work together. And give the ground crew the credit they deserve.