Tripod head for crane

[carbon3c]

I've been looking at the Cobra Crane 1 Plus: http://www.cameracranes.us/cobracranes/crane1plus/index.html

I contacted the company, and they said the jib, plus a 5 lbs camera, plus counter-weight would come to 45 lbs. He said it would likely work on my Libec LS-38M even though the head is rated for only 17.6 lbs (the legs are rated for 98 lbs). He said he uses a head rated for 20 lbs without a problem and his customers all use heads that aren't rated at 45 lbs because those are too expensive. My concern was that the heavy weight might damage the fluid mechanism. Is that possible? Or will it just mean that the tilt springs won't work while the jib is mounted? Anyone know about this?

 

[carbon3c]

No one has tried using their fluid head with weight significantly heavier than rated?

 

[Chris Beller]

No one has tried using their fluid head with weight significantly heavier than rated?

We have had customers put our cranes on smaller fluid heads, like the 501 and it "technically" functions, but we do not recommend it.

The head is not designed to support that kind of weight, and should it fail, you have the chance of losing your equipment and injury, not only to yourself, but possibly someone else.

 

[vcfilms]

I have a kessler I just received recently. I tested it with a 519 fluid head rated for about 23 lbs and it works but only for a short while before falling over as the fluid head comes unlocked. He is very right, you could destroy your head, and cause injury if on set as the tripod becomes unstable. I am looking into their k-pod system right now though I really do not have the extra cash on hand right now, then again ruining a 519 would not be wise either.

 

[John Morrison]

We have had customers put our cranes on smaller fluid heads, like the 501 and it "technically" functions, but we do not recommend it.

The head is not designed to support that kind of weight, and should it fail, you have the chance of losing your equipment and injury, not only to yourself, but possibly someone else.

Chris, is the KPod still on backorder? I've been saving up for a Kessler rig, and am just about to pull the trigger. Also - any idea when you'll have track available?

 

[carbon3c]

I see the K-Pod is on backorder. Will the Hercules head work on a regular tripod?

 

[Chris Beller]

I have a kessler I just received recently. I tested it with a 519 fluid head rated for about 23 lbs and it works but only for a short while before falling over as the fluid head comes unlocked. He is very right, you could destroy your head, and cause injury if on set as the tripod becomes unstable. I am looking into their k-pod system right now though I really do not have the extra cash on hand right now, then again ruining a 519 would not be wise either.

If you already have a good set of sticks, you would only need the Hercules 2.0 head.

Obviously, we feel the K-Pod is the best tripod out there for crane support, but if you are worried about ruining your head, and you have a good set of sticks, you could get by with just the Hercules head.

Chris, is the KPod still on backorder? I've been saving up for a Kessler rig, and am just about to pull the trigger. Also - any idea when you'll have track available?

Yes, unfortunately the K-Pod is still on backorder. We are working with the machine shop to get us the parts as quick as possible. Last update we received was the parts should be in by the week after Labor Day. I'll see if we can a more definite date, and get an update posted on our website.

Hopefully our persistent nagging will get them shipped to us sooner.

I see the K-Pod is on backorder. Will the Hercules head work on a regular tripod?

Yep, it will mount to a standard video tripod. If you have any other questions, just let me know. Thanks

 

[vcfilms]

Hey Chris,

I have the 525mvb manfrotto tripod. It is rated, up to 33 lbs. which seems really close, with hvx200, jib and counterweights. How much does the 8 ft crane weigh?

Thanks again

 

[Chris Beller]

Hey Chris,

I have the 525mvb manfrotto tripod. It is rated, up to 33 lbs. which seems really close, with hvx200, jib and counterweights. How much does the 8 ft crane weigh?

Thanks again

I would have to double check the exact weight for the KC-8 with Eric, but I believe it is right around 22-23 pounds. That's assuming it is just a basic crane with no accessories.

If I'm not mistaken, the 525mvb has a max capacity of 13kg (roughly 28.5 lbs), so you would be pushing over the recommend max weight of that tripod. I honestly would not recommend taking a chance, if it were my equipment.