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NRG_34m_TallTower_Installation_Manual_and_Specifications_Rev_1.05.docx
19 April 2011
Figure 8
Tower Lowering
Lowering the tower is the reverse of raising the tower, though there are a few additional precautions to be taken.
Just as side guy wire tension may vary during the lifting process, the same is true as the tower is lowered. Side guy
wires will have to be tended in order to maintain proper guy tension.
If the ginpole was removed, set up the ginpole as described previously. Remember that the extensions of the
coupler plate will now be facing the ground. If the tower will be lowered onto blocking, place the blocking now while it
is still safe to work under the tower. Lift the ginpole and transfer the lowest level lifting guy wire from the anchor to
the ginpole. Remember you will be holding the tower: maintain tension while transferring the wires. Winch in or out
as needed to maintain the correct amount of tension in the guy wire when it is transferred.
The winch cable must
always spool and unspool from the bottom of the cable drum in order for the winch brake to work properly.
Transfer the lifter guy wires from the anchor to the ginpole, in order from lowest to highest. Tension must be applied
to the back guys to pull the tower away from the winch as you begin lowering. This keeps wind loads and/or the
weight of the ginpole from suddenly pushing the tower back upright, which could cause guy wire or anchor failure.
Leave the guy wire attached to the anchor and pull outward on the guy wire to take out the slack. The safest way to
do this is by tying a rope around the guy wire. This allows the crew members to maintain tension by hand without
being under the tower.
