- #1
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Would you do this? Video of tower-climbing excavator
- Thread starter Ivan Seeking
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around a video showcasing a tower-climbing excavator, exploring the feasibility, safety, and perceptions of such a stunt. Participants express their views on the construction, mechanics, and personal willingness to attempt similar feats, with a mix of skepticism and admiration.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
Main Points Raised
- Some participants express fear of heights and a reluctance to attempt the stunt, while others find it impressive and exciting.
- One participant questions the construction of the tower, suggesting it must be specially designed for such use.
- Another participant notes that the excavator appears to be secured by a retainer block, which raises questions about the mechanics involved.
- There is speculation about the material of the tower, with differing opinions on whether it is concrete or steel.
- Some participants express skepticism about the authenticity of the video, citing past experiences with hoaxes.
- A participant mentions the possibility of additional hooks for stability, indicating a technical interest in the design.
- One participant expresses a desire to attempt the stunt but emphasizes the need for training beforehand.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally do not reach a consensus, as there are multiple competing views regarding the safety, construction, and authenticity of the stunt. Some express admiration, while others remain skeptical or fearful.
Contextual Notes
Discussions include assumptions about the mechanical stability of the excavator and the tower, as well as unresolved questions about the materials used in construction and the overall safety of the stunt.
Who May Find This Useful
Individuals interested in engineering, construction safety, stunt performance, or those curious about the mechanics of unusual machinery may find this discussion relevant.
- #2
Danger
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No.
I'm terrified of heights. Sure looks cool, though.
- #3
Astronuc
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Impressive operator. I hope he is well compensated.
I presume someone did the appropriate mechanical analyses.
On the other hand, some people have way too much time on their hands.
What height?
- #4
misgfool
It would have to be of really special construction. Especially the third picture makes me skeptical.
- #5
Danger
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misgfool said:
If you're referring to the apparent defiance of gravity, notice that the front of the tracks is wedged between the step and a topside retainer block. It took me a while to figure that out.
- #6
misgfool
Danger said:
Oh, I didn't spot that. I was thinking first that the digger was creating a gravitational hill in space geometry.
- #7
Cyrus
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Hellllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll no.
- #8
DaveC426913
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I have fallen for too many cool things that have later proven to be PhotoChopped or otherwise hoaxed. I have no reason to think this is fake - other than precedent.
You can blame my cynicism on the 'Stunt pilot lands with one wing' video, which shook my faith.
Actually, you can trace my cynicism farther back to the break up of Brad and Jennifer but let's just go with the stunt pilot landing on one wing bit...
- #9
Danger
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I dunno... that looks entirely real to me. The lighting is consistent throughout, and there seems to be way more detail than a fraudster would bother with.
I'm quite interested to know what that tower is made of. It looks like concrete, but it's hard for me to think of that being strong enough (especially referring to the dimensions of the retainer blocks). I don't know much about structures, though.
- #10
Topher925
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F yes I'd do that! Thats awesome!
- #11
dyosa
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whoa! that's suicide! no thanks...i won't do it. i salute him anyway(that's a world record)
- #12
Moonbear
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No thanks! I wouldn't even be willing to stand as close as those spectators were to watch.
- #13
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There is a video of the same demo.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RobaJKGMMiE
- #14
Cyrus
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It's a clever trick. If you look at the tower, it locks the machine in place. It isn't sitting in it, so much as the machine pins itself into place. So it's self locking. Still, I wouldn't do it.
- #15
Borek
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Obviously the tower is made of steel, not a concrete.
Take a look around 5:17, looks like there are additional hooks to make the thing more stable.
What I don't get is - did he get down, or is he still up there?
Take a look around 5:17, looks like there are additional hooks to make the thing more stable.
What I don't get is - did he get down, or is he still up there?
- #16
Wellesley
- 274
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If I could do that, I would do it in a heartbeat, but only after some training...
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