When the Rope Snaps: What One Dropped Motor Taught Us About Rooftop Safety

Most safety discussions around lifting equipment focus on personal injury risks—and for good reason. But recently, one of our clients gave us another angle to consider: the cost of cutting corners with makeshift lifting systems.

A Florida Rooftop, a 150 lb. Motor, and a Broken Rope

During a brutal Florida summer heat wave, a crew was lifting a 150 lb. HVAC motor to a rooftop through a hatch using a homemade rope-and-pulley system. With high humidity, blazing sun, and an unbearable heat index, they were trying to move fast.

They almost made it.

Just as the motor neared the hatch, the rope gave way. The motor dropped 20 feet and smashed into pieces. No one was hurt, but the consequences were immediate and expensive.

• The replacement motor wasn’t in stock—overnight shipping wasn’t an option.

• The building’s cooling system stayed down for several more scorching days.

• The customer was furious.

• The contractor had to pay for a new motor—out of pocket.

• Workers on site began threatening to walk due to unsafe heat conditions.

All of it was avoidable.

The Simple Fix They Should Have Used

Cranky Portable Winch & Post is an OSHA-compliant, portable lifting system designed specifically for situations like this. It safely lifts up to 300 lbs. through a roof hatch or over the edge—without makeshift rigging or risk of failure.

• Mounts to a fixed or portable post

• Controlled lift with hand brake and back pulley

• Reduces strain, improves control, and keeps hands off the load

Why It Matters

The safety conversation doesn’t end at fall protection harnesses. If your lifting method isn’t reliable, your entire project—and your people—are at risk.

With the right tools, this story could’ve been just another routine rooftop job.

See how Cranky Portable Winch & Post can prevent costly accidents—visit our site to explore the full system and specs.