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Nevin Davis made the first well-known engine-driven ascender for caving. Others made earlier claims to having made motorized ascenders, Since they never published details (e.g., one never even mentions what the power source was), I tend to discount them. Nevin published details and photos of his ascender, demonstrated it at caving events, used it in Golondrinas.
Nevin made his plans available to others. James Wells made a copy from these plans. I am unaware of anyone else copying his design.
Carroll Bassett eventually made an engine driven ascender of his own design, using the engine from a harbor Freight post hole auger. He also made a 24 v. motorized ascender, but found that the battery technology at the time was not adequate.
Now, of course, there are many commercial engine-powered and motor-powered ascenders. These are quite expensive compared to unpowered ascenders, often selling for many thousands of dollars. All the rich young cavers and climbers have one, but I have not purchased any of them.
| Image | ID | Device ↓ | Description | Acquired | Weight ↓ | Height ↓ | Width ↓ | Thickness ↓ | Std. volume ↓ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
3607 | Bassett Metal Studios Electric | 24V, 5.5A, 58:1 (36RPM out) Geared Electric Motor. Weight listed is wothout a battery. | Bassett Metal Studios, 2023 | 6040 | 288 | 158 | 138 | 6280 |
 |
3606 | Basset Metal Studios Gasoline | 1.5 hp gasoline engine, trigger throttle | Bassett Metal Studios, 2023 | 11100 | 400 | 330 | 285 | 37600 |
 |
208 | M.A.D. Mark II | 1 hp gasoline engine, handlebar throttle | James Wells, 2006 | 10800 | 315 | 455 | 285 | 40800 |
 |
110 | M.A.D. Mark III | 1 hp gasoline engine, handle grip throttle | Nevin Davis, 1989 | 10400 | 330! | 280 | 280 | 25900 |
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