Crank-up towers allow instruments to be raised and lowered via easy-to-operate winches. The instruments may be lowered to approximately the 11-foot level. A hinged base plate is provided to permit further lowering of the instruments to the ground. Crank-up towers should not be climbed, even if they are completely nested. They have a hot dipped galvanized finish to resist rust and corrosion, so they will provide years of trouble free service.