STEIN RC-2001 User manual

Please read this document carefully, it gives instructions for the correct use of this product
RC-2001
Part Number: RC-P9008

Language: English
1
Please read this document carefully, it gives instructions for the correct use of this product
CONTENTS
Page
Description
2 Warnings
3 Product Identification and Markings
Product Life
4 Box Contents
5 Part Identification
6 Product Information and Warning Labels
7 Mounting Methods
Tree Protection Mounts
Work Zone
8 Ratchet Strap Mounting
Base Anchor Point
Top Attachment Point
9 Device Mounting Instructions
10 Routing The Rope
11 Inspection Record
Manufacturer Details
Fletcher Stewart (Stockport) Limited
Newby Road Industrial Estate
Hazel Grove
Stockport Cheshire SK7 5DA
United Kingdom
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.fletcherstewart.com
This product is Produced Under Licence

RC Instruction Manual
2
WARNING
Activities using this type of equipment are inherently dangerous. It is not possible to cover every eventuality
relating to the use of this equipment. Purchasers and users of RC devices should seek professional training from
a fully qualified and competent instructor prior to engaging in any activity. If you are not able, or not in a position
to assume this responsibility, do not use this product. The manufacturer its distributors and retailers do not
accept any liability if users do not follow the instructions correctly. Only the techniques shown in the diagrams
are authorised. Any other use deviating from those shown may result in serious injury or death.
Prior to each use a complete risk assessment must be carried out to ascertain that the device chosen configures
with and is appropriate to the work being undertaken. The RC device chosen must also be compatible with all
the other components within the system.
Users must always ensure that all components of the work system are suitable for the foreseeable loadings that
may be applied during use. Poor technique and shock loading may cause catastrophic failure of this equipment
and should be avoided. Where a failure of the product may occur a suitable backup system must be installed
and used. All components of the system used with the device must be inspected before and after each
lowering/lifting operation. Retire the RC device from use if there are any tactile or visual signs of wear or
damage. The retention devices must also be inspected & checked for both tension and wear after each lowering
or lifting operation to ensure they are securely attached to the RC device and the mounting point.
The RC Lowering Devices should only ever be used with the correct diameter of rope, You must never exceed
the recommended maximum diameters. Each device has a Working Load Limit (WLL) – This is the maximum
load allowed to be applied to the device either for lifting or lowering above which catastrophic failure will occur.
These values are based on a vertical load being applied and used as specified within these instructions.
Although these devices have been issued with a Working Load Limit (WLL) it is your responsibility to ensure that
all the components used in conjunction with the device are matched equally with their Working Load Limit (WLL)
or Safety Factor (SF) or Safe Working Load (SWL). If you are unsure on a products individual specifications
you should contact the manufacturer. You should never exceed the lowest rated section or component within a
rigging system. When calculating any rigging system the strength of the anchor and attachment points must also
be taken into account.
�RC devices must never be used for lifting or lowering people. They are not intended or rated for use as
Personal Protective Equipment. (PPE)
�Always keep body parts, loose clothing, and debris away from the device when in use.
�Always use appropriate hand protection when operating the device.
�When holding the working line NEVER wrap the line around your hands or other body parts. Always ensure
it can run freely in case you need to release the line in an emergency.
�Do not stand or allow others to stand directly under the load being lowered or under the work being
performed above. Ensure users and other persons are working and operating the device from a safe distance.
�Any potential shock loading must always be kept to an absolute minimum when using the RC device as with
all rigging equipment.
�All connecting devices or components must be retired from use if they are subjected to impact loading.
�To avoid damage to the device you must minimise all if any free fall distance.
�Always maintain control of any lowered load.
�All pivot points and moving parts must be lubricated regularly using a suitable lubrication spray. Ensure no
excess lubrication comes into contact with any area of the textile fixings or working line. Remove all excess
lubrication immediately.
�Products covered under these instructions should never be resold or used by a third party after it has been
used by the original purchaser.
�The manufacturer recommends this product should be inspected prior to use along with periodically
independent inspection in line with UK LOLER 1998.
As part of any method statement we recommend that all users of this equipment must be given a copy
of these instructions. They must read them, understand them and explicitly follow all instructions and
cautions attached. Any person using this equipment should be fully trained and competent in its use
before carrying out any rigging operations.

Language: English
3
Product Identification and Markings
Each RC Device is fitted with a Product Identification label as shown below.
1 Manufacturers Name
2 Trademark
3 Product Model Number
4 Type Of Use
5 Working Load Limit
6 RC Device Weight
7 Individual Serial Number
8 Country of Origin
Model Maximum Rope Diameter Working Load Limit (WLL)
RC-2001 16mm 2000kg
The RC Lowering Devices should only ever be used with the correct diameter of rope, You must never exceed
the recommended maximum diameters. Each device has a Working Load Limit (WLL) – This is the maximum
load allowed to be applied to the device either for lifting or lowering. These values are based on a static vertical
load being applied and used as specified in these instructions. However, a dynamic load can multiply the forces
incurred on a rigging system; a dynamic load weighing considerably less than the WLL of the device can still
exceed the limit due to the multiplied forces caused by its motion. Therefore, all potential dynamic loads should
be carefully calculated and minimised where possible.
Product Life
If the product shows tactile or visual signs of wear, chemical contact, abrasion, or crushing it should be retired
from use immediately. By misuse it is possible to destroy this product during its first use. These times are for
guidance purposes only.
Daily Use: max 2-years
Weekly Use: max 3-years
Occasional Use: max 5-years
The total maximum life of this product (storage before use + lifetime in use) is limited to 10 years. In good
storage conditions this product may be kept for as many as 5 years before the first use without affecting its
future duration in use. The working life depends on the frequency and type of use.
1 Fletcher Stewart (Stockport) Limited
2 STEIN
3 RC-2001
4 Lowering Device
5 2000kg WLL
6 5.8kg
7 RC-2001-serial number
8 United Kingdom
�You must ascertain that the device chosen is appropriate to the work being undertaken.
�Working Load Limits will vary depending on the type of mounting used (see page 7)
�The Working Load Limit is based on using the supplied mounting Ratchet Handle & Strap and backed up
with a sufficiently rated Anchor Sling.
�If you are using both the Top Attachment Point and the Device at the same time the Working Load Limits on
both areas should be taken into account. Example: the devices WLL is 2000kg the top attachment point is
250kg so the devices WLL will be reduced down to 1750kg.

RC Instruction Manual
4
1
1 RC-2001 Lowering Device SS-RCP2001
2 4.8m Ratchet Strap Tail c/w Hook End SS-RCP5101
3 Ratchet Strap Handle SS-RCP5100
4 Pair of Rubber Protection Mounts SS-RCP5005
5 Instruction Manual SS-RCP9008
Box Contents
2 3 4
Your RC Device will consist of the the following items:
5
Model: RC-2001

Language: English
5
1 1
2 2
33
4
4
5 5 5
6 6
7
7
1 Attachment Point (250kg WLL)
2 Bollard
3 Rear Fairleads
4 Front Fairleads
5 Side Anchor Point
6 Base Anchor Point
7 Rubber Protection Mount Slots
Model: RC-2001
Front View Side View
Part Identification

RC Instruction Manual
6
1 Product Warning Label (RC-L2011)
2 Anchor Point Label (RC-L3004)
3 Product Warning Label (RC-L3001)
4 Attachment Point Label (RC-L3005)
5 Product Information Label (RC-L4006)
Model: RC-2001
Front View Side View
Product Information and Warning Labels
1
22
3
2
4
5
WARNING:
It is important that all Safety Labels are visible and present. It is
recommended that you replace these immediately if they are removed
or un-readable. New labels can be ordered using the appropriate part
numbers.

Language: English
7
Mounting Methods
The Working Load Limit is based on using the specified mounting Ratchet Handle & Strap and backed up
with a sufficiently rated Anchor Sling.
Must be use with
a sufficiently
rated Dead-Eye
Sling
Tree Protection Mounts
The device is supplied with a set of rubber protection mounts.
To fit these insert one in the top channel of the device and one in the
bottom, these are designed to be a tight fit.
The mounts should be inspected carefully prior to use and rotated
each time the device is used.
Never use the device with only one of the rubber protection
mounts fitted
When mounting the device it is recommended to locate it at a height where the rope will be
tailed out as close to horizontal as possible. This will ensure the maximum use of the fairleads
Method 1
Protection Mounting
Method 2
Sunken Mounting
Working Load Limit 500kg Working Load Limit 2000kg
This method of mounting is used
where selected limbs are being
removed but the tree remains. This
method helps protect the tree from
damage.
This method of mounting is used
where the tree is being dismantled
and the limbs lowered are of a
heavy size and where impact
loading may occur.
Must be use with
a sufficiently
rated Dead-Eye
Sling
When using method 2 the sunken
cut should not exceed 2cm. Any
deeper than 2cm and this will
interfere with the base anchor
point and will make the top
attachment point unusable.
Maximum cut
depth 2cm
Maximum cut
depth 2cm
30cm
Working Zone
The user should position the
device so there is a clear
working zone of 120 from the
front of the device. The lowering
line must stay within this
working zone to ensure correct
rope alignment. This also
prevents the rope from
overlapping on the bollard and
makes full use of the fairleads.
Working Zone
120°

RC Instruction Manual
8
Ratchet Strap Mounting
When fixing either end of the Ratchet Strap ensure the hook faces outwards as in diagram (1) and is pulled
horizontal. By fitting the Ratchet as pictured in diagram (2) the hook could slip out during use. Never pull
the Webbing Straps at an angle as shown in diagrams (3) & (4).
(1) (2) (3) (4)
When tightening the ratchet ensure the webbing enters the ratchet evenly (5) and is not in contact with the
side guide plates (6). This will cause premature wear to the webbing and possible webbing failure.
The retention devices must be inspected & checked for both tension and wear after each lowering or lifting
operation to ensure they are securely attached to the RC device and the mounting point.
(5) (6)
Base Anchor Point
The Working Load Limits (WLL) are based on using the specified
mounting Ratchet Strap and backed up with a sufficiently rated
Anchor Sling. This is to be connected directly to the base anchor point
as shown in the diagram below using a chocked hitch and terminated
around the tree using a suitable self-tightening hitch such as a
cow-hitch or timber-hitch.
This must be inspected & checked for both tension and wear after
each lowering/lifting operation to ensure it is securely attached to the
device and the mounting point.
Anchor Sling
WARNING
The RC Device should never be
operated or used without a base
anchor sling fitted and secured
properly. We strongly recommend
that you use the Stein RCP-6002
Anchor Sling.
Top Attachment Point
The top attachment point has a
Working Load Limit (WLL) of
250kg. This point can be used to
attach a pre-tensioning system or
a lifting system such as a fiddle
block assembly.
This can also be used to support
the weight of the device to help
with the initial mounting by an
individual person and with the
removal of the device from the
mounting point.
Top Attachment
Point

Language: English
9
Device Mounting Instructions
(8) Using the supplied Ratchet Handle and Ratchet
Strap attach the device to the tree.
(9) Ensure the Strap Hooks are fitted correctly and
the Webbing is fed through the Ratchet Handle
as shown on page 8
(10) Tighten the Ratchet System as tight as possible
ensuring the device is securely mounted to the
tree.
(11) Once the Device is securely mounted a backup
Sling must be attached to the base anchor
point. and tied off using a suitable termination
hitch. Ensure the sling is of a sufficient length to
terminate the hitch properly.
(12) Once the device is mounted correctly the top
attachment sling can either be removed or
detached from the device.
(4) For ease of mounting we recommend that you
place a sling above where the device is to be
mounted.
(5) Attach a suitable Karabiner to the sling
(6) Using the Top Attachment Point attach the
lowering device to the Karabiner.
(7) Ensure the device is suspended at a height
where it can be safely operated.
(1) When selecting the best place to mount the
device try to locate an area where there is little
or no stem taper. If the tree is being removed
this can be achieved by shaping the stem to be
parallel.
(2) You must then decide which type of mounting
method is required for the job you are
undertaking (see page 7)
ENSURE THE WORK AREA IS FREE & CLEAR OF ANY OBSTACLES AND A FULL
RISK ASSESSMENT HAS BEEN UNDERTAKEN BEFORE USING THE RC DEVICE
These mounting instructions are the same for using both methods of mounting as described on page 7
NEVER USE THIS DEVICE WITHOUT AN ANCHOR SLING ATTACHED
We strongly recommend that you use the Stein RCP-6002 Anchor Sling

RC Instruction Manual
10
Routing The Rope
(1) Ensure the working line enters the device from a
vertical point directly above the device.
(2) The line can enter the device from either the
left-hand or right-hand side of the bollard.
(3) The rope must take a single wrap,
passing behind both rear fairleads
(4) Pull the rope tight and continue with
further wraps in between the rear and front
fairleads
Once you are in a position to commence lowering, stand well clear of the drop zone ensuring the working line
will not be obstructed by the item being lowered. Where a load is being cut from above the rigging pivot point
the operator should draw slack out of the system. This can be achieved by quickly pulling on the working line
as the branch/log begins to fold and then release the working line as normal as the load passes the rigging point.
If it is necessary to pre-tension the working line tighter than what can be achieved by simply pulling down on it,
a mechanical advantage of 3:1 can be achieved by incorporating the Stein RC-3100 Pre-Tension pulley. This
pulley has been design specifically to be used with the range of RC Lowering Devices.
(5) Apply a couple of wraps, more wraps maybe
required subject to the size of timber being
lowered. More wraps give more friction.
(6) If at any time you need to suspend/lock a load,
simply wrap the working line a minimum of 4
times around the bollard and finish by applying 2
half hitch's on opposing exit fairlead’s. Subject to
the size of load being suspended extra half
hitch's maybe required.
The following instructions demonstrate the correct routing of the working line. Never use alternative routing as
this may result in serious injury or death.

PERIODIC EXAMINATION RECORD
Date Reason for entry Examination Notes Name signature
Please read this document carefully, it gives instructions for the correct use of this product
Inspection Record
Model Serial Number Purchased from
Purchase Date
Date first used
Comments
The manufacturer recommends this product should be inspected prior to use along with periodically independent
inspection in line with UK LOLER 1998.
The manufacturer reserve the right to change specifications or modify these instructions without prior notification. E & O E