Female's on the tools?

[Mike Hill]

This is going to prove touchy,I have employed two female climbers so far this year.Neither have worked out for me,as they both were preoccupied with the idea of staying in the tree all day and not doing their share of ground work.I understand that generally a female is not as strong as a male and don't encourage anyone to lift excessive weights or use saws that are bigger than needed whilst aloft.However we do far more felling than pruning so using a 066 to block down with is common,I bought an 046 for the second climber but with a 3 foot bar it was still to much for her to handle,a three foot bar on the 036 would kill it so the 046 it was.I don't have enough pruning or small fells to dedicate one climber to,nor would it be fair to be sexist when advertising for another climber.

[Mr Ed]

I'm surprised, I did'nt think there were that many female climbers around.

We've had 2 female climbers over the years, and niether were that good.

I do know there are some good female climbers around, but the upper body strength needed when doing big takedowns will always be an issue.

[Yorkshireman]

technique beats brut strength

I feel that if at all strength is potentially more of an issue for groundies

cant comment on individuals but have I have seen some very techically competent female saw operators.

[Steve Bullman]

if heaving a huge saw is an issue up a tree you can get away with a longer bar on a smaller saw, it will just be a slower process, and with tools coming on the market like reg's block driver, where theres a will theres a way!

[Andy Collins]

I'm all for ladies in the workplace, in a totally non-chauvanistic way of course!!

[RC0]

and with tools coming on the market like reg's block driver, where theres a will theres a way!

 

JUST WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU IMPLYING STEVE, ARE YOU TRYING TO TELL ME THAT THE BLOCKDRIVER IS NOT A MAN’S TOOL??????.............................................................................................................................................................................................................Just kidding Steve, I know what you meant. I daren’t say too much about this topic for fear it will come out wrong. However, I’ve worked with plenty of brute’s who have continually proved themselves uncoordinated morons who can’t even screw on a fuel-cap without cross threading it.

 

I’ve always had reservations but have been pleasantly disproved on a number of occasions now.

 

The biggest sacrifice for me is that of having to talk and behave in a more appropriate manner!

[madmatt]

I can't comment about female climbers, But I have a girl who works for me, She works as hard as any bloke I've ever worked with, she'll drag brash all day long and is an excellent saw operator and maintainer, she will quiet happily drive a tractor or a digger when the need arises. If I was recruiting I'd be looking for another girl like her. Half the blokes in this industry seem to be matcho in a rush and abuse the kit! No offence ment to anyone on here.

[Mike Hill]

Yes,all very valid points made by all.I appreciate the replies and would employ another female if she was capable but thats the thing,we do mostly felling here and its bloody tough on your body.One day,when things are different and pruning and felling are in equal demand then sure it would be hard to pick the difference with gender.Untill then,my crew's motto will be the same as the "Yorkie Bar".If any female climbers would like to come over and have a go at some big trees,have the experiance and the right attitude,pm me.

[Rentachimp]

How a woman could do this job, I'll never know.

 

The main issue for me is genital.

 

How the hell does a woman go pee on site???

[bill]

ugly ones please apply, theres enough distraction as it is for our groundies.