EARTH AUGER Another high-production piece of line equipment is the earth auger. This truck-mounted unit, as shown in figure 4-39, is designed to dig holes up to 7 feet deep and comes with different sizes of auger bits to enable you to vary the diameter of the hole. The auger truck usually has a winch attached that enables it to be used to set poles and other attachments that allow it to install some types of guying anchors. These features are normally used when a framing crew is assigned with the auger truck. They install all line hardware on the pole before they set it in place (except when the hardware is too heavy) and place the anchors. This method is used when long power lines are being constructed. It requires less pole time for the linemen and enables them to devote more time to stringing conductors, installing the line equipment, and making connections on the poles. 

MANUAL LIFTING EQUIPMENT There are many different types of manual lifting equipment used in line work. Some of the various types and uses of manual lifting equipment are discussed in the paragraphs below.

Pole Gin The pole gin, as shown in figure 4-40, is designed for temporary attachment to a pole. It provides a secure point for attaching other lifting equipment, such as a block and tackle used in lifting heavy objects, for mounting on the pole. Transformers, capacitors, regulators, heavy lighting fixtures, and heavy crossarms are a few examples of the types of equipment that may be lifted by using the pole gin.

When you are lifting a distribution transformer, it should be handled carefully. Bushings and other equipment on the transformer can be damaged easily. The windings of the transformer may be damaged if the

Figure 4-39.- Earth auger

transformer is dropped or severely jolted. The lifting equipment, including the slings, should be carefully inspected before the operation is started. The linemen and groundmen should stay clear, while the transformer is raised into position. Appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn at all times.

Block and Tackle Block and tackle are used for applying tension to line conductors when sagging in, for applying tension to guy wires when hoisting transformers, and for other general-purpose hoisting. The use of block and tackle has two advantages: (1) the user can stand on the ground and pull downward while hoisting or lifting a load and (2) the manual force applied need only be a fractional part of the load lifted.

To find the pull required to lift a given weight with a block and tackle, divide the weight by the number of ropes running from the movable block. The lead line, or haul line, is not to be counted. Some friction loss always occurs around the sheaves. This can be estimated at 10 percent per sheave and added to the load to be lifted. The load that may be lifted is therefore the mechanical advantage times the safe load on the rope. Safe lifting load requirements for rope can be found in chapter 3. The block and tackle, as shown in figure 4-41, is called a four part block and tackle because it has four times the mechanical advantage for lifting an object. Again this is

Figure 4-40.- Pole gin. determined by the number of ropes (four), not counting the hauling line running from the movable block.

Lifting Straps and Slings Whether lifting with the block and tackle or a winch, you will also need lifting straps or slings to se-cure the equipment being lifted to the lifting apparatus.

Figure 4-41.- Block and tackle.

Figure 4-42 shows examples of a lifting strap and a chain. For a detailed explanation of uses, strengths, and various types of lifting straps and slings, refer back to chapter 3.

Snatch Block A snatch block (fig. 4-43) is a single sheave block made so that the shell opens on the side at the base of the hook to permit a rope or line to be slipped over a sheave without threading the end of it through the block. Snatch blocks ordinarily are used when it is necessary to change the direction of the pull on a line.