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Tower anchors

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scoraigwind:
"You may know this(I think Bergey say it in their instructions) but just in case, it is only necessary to have a line of site from each side anchor through the base pivot point, the side anchors can be at different elevations."
This is a dangerous statement.  If the guy anchor is at a level above the hinge and the guys are tight, then the tower is hazardous to lower.  As you lower the tower, the guys will stretch and break.
If the guy anchors are below the hinge level then they will get slack as you lower it which is OK usually.  If one is high and one is low it will swing off the line sideways which is usually OK too.  But it may mean the gin pole ends up under a side loading of some kind.
another note:  If the ground is too low, and you wish to keep the guys tight during the lowering then you can attach a secondary (branch) guy to the main guy at the level of the hinge (above anchor level) and run this secondary guy away from the direction of fall to a small anchor, so as to hold it at this point.  This will create a pivot point at or close to the hinge level without having to build up the ground level to the hinge level.  Let me know if  you need a diagram of this.  Or is it clear?
It is terribly important to make sure that guys do not get tighter during lifting or lowering operations as this can lead to failure of the guys, the tower, and destruction of the machine.  Beware.

97fishmt:
Thanks for stepping in Hugh!!
I have followed your advice for many years. This is why I tried to be as

accurate as I possible.  I'm clear on the elevations and site lines that

affect the motions. I only settled on making it level because of the problems

and experiences I've had with the last pole. It worked flawlessly for 10 years.

Aside from it being stressed in one way or another.
I can be assured of smooth motion by going the extra mile.  

I am going to leave everything exposed for a few sessions to see if there is

any movement.  I don't expect any, and then move earth around the bases.  

I'm sure it will add stability to the above ground anchor points.  

This also was considered in my design though.
I receive about 4 or 5 feet of snow in the winter and have the tower down.

I snowmobile in and put it up. Out of the ice and snow might help.
More mass around the anchors may be in order,  I will keep a good eye on it,

I was going for the perfect lift and lower.
I have already had experience with the secondary guy points and did have to

employ them before.  
I tried to avoid that this time, but my gin pole scheme was an after thought

and it will require attention for its lift but it is minor.
Thanks Hugh

Hope to meet you some day

Mike Lawson

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