MEWP Usage

[skyhuck]

I see no problem with people who WANT to use MEWPs to use them and good luck to them, it nearly a free country,but what I don't like is people telling me I'm a fool for not using one.

 

We have, in our capitalist system a wonderful thing called market forces.

 

When chippers first came along some people had them and some did not,but would any firm try to work without one now?or would any one try to say that a chipper does not make them money?

 

If you MEWP lovers are right its only a matter of time, die hards like me will find our selves out of work as smarter guys with there super MEWPs under cut us at every turn.

 

But you know what I ain't worried.

[igottacabstar]

I can't see mewp users ever undercutting non-mewp users - except when they're absolutely necessary. This is due to the fact the price of the job would have to cover the cost of the purchase of the mewp plus associated running costs (including a second vehicle to get the thing to site) - not to mention the fact that most tree jobs can be done just as quick, if not quicker by climbing.

[Dean Lofthouse]

Fair comment,but using your argument Pecontools can only compare his own skill/speed as a climber with his own skill/speed in the MEWP.

 

So I stand by my point that imo its a generalisation.

 

Skyhuck, I am only generalising, everyone has their own way, I am only talking from my own experience.

 

I wouldn't dream of dictating to you

 

It is the opinion of a few though, not just mine. I hire my picker out to other tree surgeons in the area and has been hired out up as far as Newcastle for taking down a split beech.

 

It was hired with me as operator and once non mewp minded Arbs have seen the benefits / Speed/ saftey issues most are gobsmacked at how versatile they are.

 

....and I get repeat business quite regularly. So I am not really speaking for myself but quite a few others.

 

The conifers I did with the mewp were unclimbable, seriously, I would liked to have seen someone try to climb them, I would have been the first to film it and sell the video.

 

At the end of the day they have their place, no one can argue that. I mean, what did we do before mewps and all other safety equipment came along.

 

The casualty/ death figures, if someone dug them out would speak for themselves.

 

Each to their own though, no problem

[skyhuck]

Skyhuck, I am only generalising, everyone has their own way, I am only talking from my own experience.

 

I wouldn't dream of dictating to you

 

It is the opinion of a few though, not just mine. I hire my picker out to other tree surgeons in the area and has been hired out up as far as Newcastle for taking down a split beech.

 

It was hired with me as operator and once non mewp minded Arbs have seen the benefits / Speed/ saftey issues most are gobsmacked at how versatile they are.

 

....and I get repeat business quite regularly. So I am not really speaking for myself but quite a few others.

 

The conifers I did with the mewp were unclimbable, seriously, I would liked to have seen someone try to climb them, I would have been the first to film it and sell the video.

 

At the end of the day they have their place, no one can argue that. I mean, what did we do before mewps and all other safety equipment came along.

 

The casualty/ death figures, if someone dug them out would speak for themselves.

 

Each to their own though, no problem

 

Cheers mate!

 

I had got the wrong end of the stick,sorry.

 

I totally agree we should all do things the way we want, and not try to say our way is the only way.:wave:

[igottacabstar]

but mewps still are a waste of time and money in 99% of cases ay skyhuck:crazy:

[skyhuck]

but mewps still are a waste of time and money in 99% of cases ay skyhuck:crazy:

 

IMO,yes:wave:

[Amelanchier]

No they're not.

 

Its all down to your risk assessment. Just because your happy to climb some dead, shady wobbly piece of cr*p doesn't make you a better arborist.

 

As for blocking down a stem. There is no way you can move down a stem faster on spikes than a mewp can.

 

On spikes - Having finished previous cut. Slacken lanyard and/or lifeline. Spike down into next work position. Adjust lifeline and lanyard into safe positions. Make cut. Chuck piece.

Repeat 20 times.

 

Mewp - Having finished previous cut. Press down button/lever. Make cut Chuck piece.

Repeat 20 times.

 

Oh yeah spikes are so much quicker.

[Steve Bullman]

Oh yeah spikes are so much quicker.

 

sorry, but i think they are for the most part.

[skyhuck]

No they're not.

 

Its all down to your risk assessment. Just because your happy to climb some dead, shady wobbly piece of cr*p doesn't make you a better arborist.

 

 

One thing that really puzzles me,on your risk assessment for a take down of what is considered to be a tree that is not safe to climb,how do you mitigate the risk of the tree failing and striking the MEWP?.

I am not trying to be smart, just interested.

[skyhuck]

 

As for blocking down a stem. There is no way you can move down a stem faster on spikes than a mewp can.

 

On spikes - Having finished previous cut. Slacken lanyard and/or lifeline. Spike down into next work position. Adjust lifeline and lanyard into safe positions. Make cut. Chuck piece.

Repeat 20 times.

 

Mewp - Having finished previous cut. Press down button/lever. Make cut Chuck piece.

Repeat 20 times.

 

Oh yeah spikes are so much quicker.

 

As I said in my earlier post,if you guys are right my days in the industry are numbered,climbers like me just won't be able to compete with this much faster method.

But I just don't see it.