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Measuring distances in deep forest conditions is easily done by using a device known as a Hipchain. These are also known in some parts of the world as Topofil machines. These Hipchains economize over the use of measuring tapes and metal chains because it is not necessary to have a second worker holding the end of the chain or to rewind the measuring element.
Using a measuring chain (hipchain) might seem out of step with today's GPS enabled world until, in the forest, one finds that GPS signals are badly distorted and blocked by the tree cover especially when the trees are wet or snowy. Chains and Hipchains do not lose their accuracy.
Hipchains are simple tools that allow speedy accurate relative measurements to be made by one person. Being belt mounted, they leave the persons hands free to do other tasks. An additional useful aspect of using a hipchain is that since the measuring fiber is not removed after measuring, it is still there in the bush, marking the surveyed lines when a crew follows up with other work like brush clearing with chainsaws or re-planting.
At Construction Safety Products, we carry Hipchains manufactured by Fremaco Devices, Inc. Fremaco is a manufacturer of top quality hipchains. Fremaco uses rugged all-riveted construction and sturdy metal hardware in ways that are truly appreciated by field crews out where the going is dirty and tough. Fremaco offers three hipchains. One is called the Chaining Buddy Hip Chain and carries 2500 metres of disposable fiber so it can continuously measure up to 2.5 km before re-loading. Another Fremaco hipchain is called the FieldRanger 6500 Hip Chain. The FieldRanger 6500 Hip Chain holds 6000 metres with a 5 digit display for continuous readout of the distance covered. Fremaco also manufacturers the ChainMan II Hip Chain. |
