newbies ; top 10 do's and don'ts

[Shane]

Be professional.

Show some respect to the customer - simple things like

Using the footpath rather than dragging knuckles across the lawn

Check if any 'weeds' around the tree are special and must be preserved at all costs

Never let the customer hear you saying things your granny wouldn't like to hear

Don't expect tea and cakes - you will not be disappointed, but might be pleasantly surprised.

If the customer asks you to do something that would not look right, don't tell them they can't, explain what the effects would be and suggest an alternative.

 

Look after your climber -

Like many said, keep that rope clear of debris

Keep it clear of the highway - there have been fatalaties

Agree a communication system with the climber

Predict the worst outcome, then plan around it to prevent it

 

Look after yourself

Know what's going on

Know when the climber is dropping stuff

Never forget the audi and BMW drivers when you are working roadside

Maybe set the chipper/van facing the oncoming traffic - (squash reduction)

 

Keep cool

When neighbours/passers by get arsey - you are just doing what has been agreed, if they have an issue feel free to discuss it with the customer, but for HS regs they must keep oput of your way!

 

Loads of other things - keep eyes and ears open and absorb the experience.

In five years get five years experience, not 6 months ten times over!

 

Smile and enjoy the work! It's fun

[Andrew Gale]

Listen out for the climbers saw, if it pitches a higher tone chances are it's running out of fuel, try a be at the bottom of the tree ready to receive the saw before the climber has to shout for you.

 

Speaking of fuel, keep it out of direct sunlight, you'll be amazed how much those things can expand and subsequently splash hot petrol everywhere when you go to fill the climbers saw, including the climbers saw and the clients lawn - see burnt patches.

 

Even on the crapiest of days when the rains hammering it down, listen, learn and be positive; as has been said, a negative attitude is intolerable.

 

And I think one of the most important of all things, think!, Think about whats going on, think about the last time you filled his or her saw, think about what they're going to need next, think about asking them if they want their water bottle sent up; think about 3-4 moves ahead of the climbers and you'll be fine.

[Graham]

Listen out for the climbers saw, if it pitches a higher tone chances are it's running out of fuel, try a be at the bottom of the tree ready to receive the saw before the climber has to shout for you.

 

Speaking of fuel, keep it out of direct sunlight, you'll be amazed how much those things can expand and subsequently splash hot petrol everywhere when you go to fill the climbers saw, including the climbers saw and the clients lawn - see burnt patches.

Even on the crapiest of days when the rains hammering it down, listen, learn and be positive; as has been said, a negative attitude is intolerable.

 

And I think one of the most important of all things, think!, Think about whats going on, think about the last time you filled his or her saw, think about what they're going to need next, think about asking them if they want their water bottle sent up; think about 3-4 moves ahead of the climbers and you'll be fine.

 

Don't fuel saws on the lawn or Tarmac.

[Andrew Gale]

Don't fuel saws on the lawn or Tarmac.

 

Very true; chain oil's a bugger to get of paving slabs too.

 

As an aside I know a guy whose teams carry builders 'knocking up' boards to fill on, any spills are contained, no mess on lawns or drives.....

[Tractor62]

Remember that the only stupid question is the one that doesn't get asked, better to ask it, be laughed at/mickey taken and know the answer than not ask and get shouted at or have an accident later on