Hows it work?
What does it do?
The Butterfly Lift is an intuitive manual counterweight flying system for human payloads up to 350 lbs or non-human payloads up to 500 lbs. in weight. With a Butterfly Lift you can:
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- Swiftly lower a payload line to a stage.
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- Attach a load or performer on the payload line.
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- Immediately unlock a pre-set counterweight and raise/lower the load or performer with minimal manual effort.
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- Smoothly fly the load or performer at variable speeds perfect for live performance. Max speed varies with operator technique and strength but speeds of 6 fps (feet per second) to 8 fps are typical.
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- Land the load or dismount the performer from the apparatus while retaining control of the counterweight via a foot-operated locking system.
- Immediately retract the payload line from view.
Installation
The Butterfly Lift is adaptable to rig in nearly any location of sufficient height and suitable support structure to fly a performer. Careful consideration must be given to suitable anchors and rigging methods when installing the Butterfly Lift. Only individuals properly trained in theater or aerial rigging should perform this task.
What’s Included
The Butterfly Lift consists of four main pieces: the case or ballast, head block, brake assembly and mounting board. All pieces, except the mounting board, fit within the Butterfly Lift case in precision-cut foam for efficient transport and storage. The Butterfly Lift is sold in configurations that bundle textile rope in various lengths.
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- Butterfly Lift
- Head Block
- Slewing payload block with fiber rope sheave (Wire rope kit available)
- Operating line double block
- Payload line pass-through becket
- Handled case with wheels
- Adjustable arbor rack
- Top and bottom arbor blocks
- Payload line yoke
- Base lock assembly
- Base rope lock with foot pedal
- Rope tensioner
- Folding base plate
- Payload loft block with fiber rope sheave (Wire rope kit available)
- Head Block
- Butterfly Lift
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- 120′ 5/8″ Operating line
- Double braid poly/poly
- 5/8″ (16mm)
- Tensile: 14,400 lbs
- Weight @ 120′: 15 lbs
- 2-4% Elongation
- 120′ 7/16 static Payload line
- Double braid poly/poly
- 7/16″ (11mm)
- Tensile: 6,600 lbs
- Weight @ 120′: 7.7 lbs
- 2-4% Elongation
- 120′ 5/8″ Operating line
Specs
BFL Case weight with components: 70 lb
Base and bag: 30lbs
Total rope weight (2): 22.7 lbs
Operating Line: 5/8″ diameter x 120′
Payload Line:7/16″ dia x 120′
Max Counterweight: 350 lbs (case weight + counterbalance weights)
Max Payload: 350 lbs (human weight + apparatus) 500 lbs (non-live load)
Min Operating height: House height -10′
Max Operating height: 40′
How to Purchase
Butterfly Lift Packages
A signed liability waiver must accompany each purchase prior to the processing of the order.
