Do i Buy a Chipper

[Czlowiek Drzewo]

I know someone who has a very successful tree surgery business and still does not own a chipper - mashing down still...but very professional outfit and good clients.

 

Woodchipper, nice van, all the gear does bot mean anything....rogue traders has shown this on many occasions.

[skyhuck]

I know someone who has a very successful tree surgery business and still does not own a chipper - mashing down still...but very professional outfit and good clients.

 

 

Why???

 

Chippers have never been cheaper or more plentiful, my chipper has to be the most cost effective and profitable machine I own.

 

The day I bought my first chipper my business was revolutionised, I just cannot understand why anyone would even consider tree work without one

[Steve Bullman]

Probably for the same reason why some people insist on climbing on prussiks still

[Tom10]

Some great, correct and valid replies but when looking at the original post everythings swerving off topic slightly.

 

The answer to Pos's question in my opinion is why the BEJEESUS would he spend thousands on a chipper at this stage.

 

He hasnt yet completed a 30/31...

 

Aim your funds at completing all of your basic courses (30/31/38/39), getting some decent PPE, buying a decent saw, buying a climbing kit, buying public liability insurance and of course a decent reliable set of wheels.

 

In time of course I agree with Huck - a chipper for a busy, professional outfit is an incredibly useful bit of kit and fundamental on most jobs... but I think that this comes months after having fundamental arb equipment and of course a steady stream of work to put the chipper to use...

 

I would be hesitant to buy a chipper to exchange this for work experience. I could see you spending a lot of time chipping for other people, then chipping some more... and some more chipping... and a bit more.... for no decent money in your pocket to cover the cost of said chipper and of course an expensive asset thats just going out to other peoples jobs...

 

If you gain the items I list above (Im sure others will have ideas on basic kit too) then Im sure you'd be more of an asset to an arb company in respect of gaining experience - you can turn up on jobs with PPE, the insurance to do the work, and basic equipment and youd more than likely learn a larger cross section of work.

 

Good luck in a rewarding career!

[Stephen Blair]

Probably for the same reason why some people insist on climbing on prussiks still

 

Prussiks, the knott that will last a lifetime and tow tractors out of fields!!

[Tom D]

You need your own transport, boots, trousers, helmet and a Hi viz top. that is all that is required.

 

If I am looking for an extra guy this is what I am after, all the guys who don't have the above don't get a chance. possibly with the exception of the hi viz, but although I have spare helmets and hi viz someone who has all that shows that they are keen and know what is expected of them. As others have said a good attitude is the most important thing and having the above items shows you are serious about the work.

[Robert_S]

Don't bother with a chipper, spend the money on buying a pick up getting some advertising and start a company, don't expect anyone to help you with experience go and get your own, yes you will make mistakes that's how you learn!! You could spend an hour trimming a hedge and weeding some beds for the same money you would get working all day dragging brash.

 

If you get stuck ask some questions on here, yes you will get some dummy throwing replies but you will also get some excellent advice. Go for it, the only person stopping you is you.

[pos1981]

Thanks for the replies guys. Tom10 some very vaLid points thanks for that.

 

I appreciate your input tom d thanks for that, I have in fact bought all new ppe now, I don't have the hi viz though!

 

Robert.s your comments are very positive and I appreciate them, I would love nothing more than to leave my current job and go it alone, but I'm not sure I can make that plunge just yet. I do believe what you say though about it's only me that's stopping me!

 

I am determined to make this change of career work for me and I will succeed!

 

On another note and also another reason for asking about the chipper what would be an ideal multi purpose/use vehicle to potentially get?

 

Thanks again for all of the input it all means a lot.

 

Ed

[skyhuck]

Probably for the same reason why some people insist on climbing on prussiks still

 

Not really comparable.

[MattyF]

Not really comparable.

 

its a slow hard way of doing things , so it is really