Starting sub work...

[Little Butch]

Just after some help regarding becoming a subby.

I finish my course in 3 weeks, I've got 30 and 31 but hopefully will have 38 and 39 by the end! I've got my own ppe but what else would I need to start off with?

[Paul Barton]

Saw, rope and harness.

 

Fuel and chain oil.

 

Basic saw maintenance tools.

 

Flask.

 

Realistic attitude towards what kind of work you can do and realistic day rate.

[Billy]

Experience, were you climbing and doing tree work before the course?

[Little Butch]

I've done a bit of tree work but only dragging brash, helping lower branches etc. I am a hard worker and have been labouring since I left school so I'm hoping people will realise that if they give me a chance.

 

I'm thinking I need to buy a ground saw, fuel can, oil, maintenance tools, silky, climbing kit and a top handled saw?

[combined tree services]

The best advice i can give you is to go and work for a company for 18 months-2 years , even then you will have a steep learning curve on your hands when you become a subby , make your mistakes on their time and get as much experience from as many people as possible . if i were to bring in a subby whether it be as a grounds person or climber i wouls expect them to have experience and be able to do what ever they are asked to do (depending on level of certification) is this something you feel yo will be able to do from day one ? if not you run the risk of either being paid very little or not being invited back for more work .

 

 

Im sorry if i sound harsh , it really is not intended to sound harsh BUT your taking a big leap into an industry that is saturated with experienced guys who are looking for work doing exactly what you want to do.

 

Cheers

Dave

[Little Butch]

That to me sounds like sound advice, thanks for that mate.

[Paul Barton]

You don't need to be experienced to be a subbie, you just need to be honest about your current level of experience and set an appropriate day rate. Start low and build it up slowly.

 

In these hard times some firms may prefer to have a no-commitment low day rate subbie than an expensive employee.

[Little Butch]

I've got a bloke I can get some experience with, felling some pines on his land for free.

How much would you say is a reasonable day rate to charge for somebody with not a great deal of experience, and with 30, 31, 38 and 39?

[Paul Barton]

Depends where in the country you are. Probably between around the £65-75 mark?

[Acg128]

minimum of £60 maximum of £80 depends on how you work and your capabilities.