Peter

VH whatnow? Iv got two channels, in black and white, on a massive 12" screen. What more could I need?

They could probably programme your newfangled betamax thingy while theyre at it!

does anyone know if new 660s still come with screw in oil and fuel caps, or if they have the new type now? And if they are still on screw in, why? The 880 has locking caps, so it must be possible. Or is the 660 due for a replacement, 661 perhaps?

They hold a lot of weight when it is directly below the anchor, its when you start side loading the stems that things get hairy. I had to get out quite a long way on the side branches, to about a 30 degree rope angle. Good technique to have in the toolbox, as long as you understand what will happen should you break an anchor. Definetly not an all purpose solution for tree work. Can you imagine reducing a conifer hedge with 2 ropes?!

You had time to change out of your stilettos then!

Cant go wrong at that price. If they dont sell stick them on ebay, bet people would pay more than that for them!

Reduced an ash pollard today, the spec was 15%, knocked down by the tree officer from 20%. The main pollard heads were at about 10 metres, with the same again in regrowth. There were decay pockets at the pollard points. I decided to use 2 seperate climbing systems, one set about halfway up the regrowth, and the second one as high as possible, at a stem diameter of about 75mm. I switched the higher anchor point from one side to the other as I worked around the tree. My reasoning for this setup is that if the high anchor snapped, the second anchor must be able to hold not only my weight, but also absorb a shock load from the first anchor being roped onto it. Using two high weak points would merely result in merely result in a domino effect. The downside is that you end up climbing above the low anchor a lot. It was probably unnecessary as no anchor, high or low, cam close to breaking. It was interesting to see how much of a pain using two systems is. Ropes tangling, swings pretty much impossible, restricted movement, especially above the anchor point. It was quite easy to control two hitches with one hand on descent though, just like doing an aerial rescue!

This big

Ash reduction, from the next tree.

Beech fell, riddled with ganoderma.

Get some experience working for a firm first of all. Then you can decide whether you want to run a business or go free lance. Surrey is chock full of tree firms, so you should be able to find work.

Deano never misses!

I would never advise somone to go into tree work, especially not right now. The financial commitment required to complete even the most basic training, the amount of time working for a firm getting experience on a very low wage, all for the chance of getting good and running a business or being self employed. Its not worth it imo.

Find an easier and more lucrative industry to go in to.

Steve Angello - Gypsy (Laidback Luke Gypsy Women Remix) [ame=http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=1VkFxfXPOxU]http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=1VkFxfXPOxU[/ame]

Nice work chaps. Dead willow, ewwww!

Anyone tried the new helmet with stein on the front yet?

Brookes Brothers - Drifter (feat. Furlonge) [ame=http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=WFlfiPMbe68]http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=WFlfiPMbe68[/ame]

Cheers guys. I always think thinning beech is a little pointless in the long run, but it keeps my pockets lined and the client happy!

Oh well, call this a dummy run/ taster session!

Duke Dumont, Mystery Jets - Two Doors Down [ame=http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=FT3lu_3eG-s]http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=FT3lu_3eG-s[/ame]

Crab Apple

Some sort of ash

what it says on the tin. Sugar maple

Copper beech thin