GOD HELP ME

[Muddy42]

Good plan to delay the climbing courses until you have masses of experience on the ground. Chopping up logs with both feet on the ground is excellent training and enables you to learn about kickback.

 

You can buy chainsaw PPE kits with most of that included.  A 50 cc saw with a 15/16 inch bar is ideal to start with and a Husqvarna 550 is good. 

 

Id query a few things on the list.  At the end of the first bullet it says "& 1 spare" do they mean you to bring a second chainsaw? What is a "bar cleaner" -  solvent, a file or tool for cleaning out the bar groove? Also generally the way they write is noddy, please make sure this is legit.

 

[Dan Maynard]

If you're going Stihl the 211 is a waste of money, I'd say the only one to look at is the 50cc. equivalent to the 550, which is the 261. Costs more, may last better, some people hate them, actually very similar power and cutting speed.

[Muddy42]

I hate the stupid flippy caps on any stihl, which have to be the worst bit of chainsaw design for the past 50 years, other than that my 261 is flawless.

[pleasant]

18 hours ago, Dan Maynard said:

If you're going Stihl the 211 is a waste of money, I'd say the only one to look at is the 50cc. equivalent to the 550, which is the 261. Costs more, may last better, some people hate them, actually very similar power and cutting speed.

In a domestic use situation or even gardener type application there is nothing wrong with the MS211..........a good reliable saw. Ok, it's not for going out to work for several hours a day, whereby using a chainsaw is near 100% of the tool required, but in a job whereby it can be part of your machinery that gets occasional use, then it is fine......and that's it's intended use.

 

I do agree a 261 in a pro environment, whereby trees are your job, then you can't go far wrong.

 

Horses for courses.

 

 

[manco]

youre looking at about £3k for that kit.

why 8 carabiner and 5 prussick loops? sounds like a lot.

 

[kram]

Those are interesting lists, as it states ground saw OR top handle. Training providers, HSE and insurers generally like to forbid top handle use on the ground. You will need to buy two saws if doing both courses and expecting to use your own kit. While you could possibly do the climbing course with a ground saw, you'll be making it harder for yourself as there will likely be some awkward positional cuts in the test.

 

Expect the trainer or anyone in this industry to be an unreliable fkwit who may not bring the required equipement even if you have asked to use theirs, there are few reliable people in this industry, so expect to have a great deal of your time wasted.

 

As an absolute beginner it would be worth you getting some experience before the course. Buy some basic climbing kit and practise assending, climbing and rope stuff.

While its not the same, you could try going to your local rock climbing centre and check that your not scared shtless at heights.

 

There are a few cheaper options that would suit a beginner who hasnt yet commited to becoming professional.

Chainsaw, Lidl recently had 53cc petrol ground saws for £60, 18" bar -which you can easily swap to a 15-16" for the test. Seems decent enough and I have been using mine all week, I quite like it and already paid for itself.

 

You can get a heavy chinese top handle for about £60. I've not tried one, tempted but I wont. One would likely get you through the test and do well for occasional use.

 

Farmertec sell clone saws and I have one, it works well. Mine is a G372XP butbthats a bit large for a beginner. They do a G111 which is clone of a 020T climbing saw, however that too, has a bit more power than a beginner needs in a top handle.

 

I would highly recommend an Echo CS2511-TES, as the lightest climbing saw and much easier on your arms. They are about £400 new.

 

Harnesses, I quite like my Simarghu Fire, they were heavily discounted around £160, may be some shops that still have some stock.

 

RadmoreTucker are a good shop for nearly everything, good prices, service and quick delivery.

 

Marlow 3.5m cows tail makes a good rope flip line (not metal). They are cheap at £15 and its one of the most likely items you could cut. They do wire core ones for £50.

 

HoneyBrothers cost more, a pain to deal with but good range and cheaper ropes. Liros Ignite/Leaf are the ropes Im using, again they are a cheaper option but have lasted well - no point having fancy ropes if you cut them on the first day!

 

 

PTEshop are also good.

 

 

Edited October 25 by kram

[parkertrees]

 

[Stubby]

I have to disagree when some people say " that's a bit too much power for a beginner "  If you are a beginner you won't know any different . More power is much safer than not enough . The last thing you want is a piss weak saw bogging down when you are making that back cut . Contrary to what people say IMHO its much easier to control a pro 50cc/60cc saw with a sharp chain than it is a piss weak under powered saw that you are trying to force . Husqvarna 550 mk2 would be my recommendation . If you get a non pro saw it won't be long before you get a pro saw anyway . Save youself some money .  @KernowLuke

Edited October 26 by Stubby

[Mick Dempsey]

Buy cheap, buy twice.