RC0

Cant get away from them, it seems. I was 46 on Friday....never thought Id still be scrabbling out to the ends of branches. Its all work I suppose. And I need the money. Gary oaks are native to the region. Similar to English oak, but seemingly weaker, and generally a more gradual taper on the limbs. This tree shed a big one a couple weeks back. Summer limb drop. So I was asked to come in and do some reduction work. Nothing major.

The 6.0 Diesel, the most troublesome truck engine ford have produced. Dont ever be tempted. Its predecessor, 7.3 is the one to buy.

I should add, if youre wanting to chip onto the back, you should really look for a Dually (6 wheels) to be safe. Like the pic posted earlier.

I had 3 Dodges through 5 - 6 year period in the UK. Lots of parts availability through companies who specifically deal in, service, MOT, Americans. I never had a problem. No regrets whatsoever. They are also very selective when sourcing and importing vehicles, usually low mileage and west coast vehicles. By the time theyve been inspected, serviced and are for sale....youre getting a great truck for the cost. Dodge 2500-3500, 5.9 Gasoline or Cummings deisel are pretty bomb proof....in particularly 96 -2002 models. Ford F250-F350 5.8 Gas, or 7.3 diesel are on par. Later models became more computerized, therefore more complicated if they go wrong. Otherwise they pretty basic mechanics. Stay away from the Ford 6.0 diesel, or later Ford diesels at all costs. Same as the Ford 5.4 Gas. Chevrolet and GMC, nice driving trucks but weaker components. I used to insure through Adrian Flux, probably the best deal by far....but thats not as a work vehicle it should be said. My advice would be go to a reputable dealer for a test drive and see how you feel about it thereafter. Its always easy to find reasons not to do something. You only live once. Ignore the naysayers.

A Jewel on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. A must see if you're planning a visit out this way. 30 mins to watch. If you like big trees and wilderness, should be worth it.

Yes it has been climbed Mark. I know a couple lads who been up it, although there was a few more live limbs at the time.

Thanks all ! Matty I think that patch was cut over 10 years ago. I highly doubt itll get re planted.....same as countless others in the area where re-planting wouldnt be cost effective due to access, and I dare say the slim chances of being held to account. The Corporations that own the tree farm licences are like locusts. I suspect they would clear cut the whole if BC If given the chance. But its a big subject and i dont want to get all negative about it here. Its a great place to spend time. Just needs more visitors. At which point I think thered be a lot less and smaller clearcuts. Certainly theyd be a lot less abandoned sites too.

Its the biggest Douglas fir in the world, ad about two and a half hours from where I live. Video from a road trip to see it and a couple other cool sites in the area. Its 25 mins so you need a bit of time to watch.

Thanks. Logs will all be used up by the owner and neighbours. Firewood is a big thing over here. I think a 12 in on the 150. Has a muffler mod and ignition timing advanced. Its a little monster now.

Job from this week. Not too long. Nice views. Phone might be a little small to watch it through.

Septic field beneath us, so low impact required. Nice tall fir to set a rigging block.

Yes Steve. Sales have never really dipped. Although I'm guessing most of them are from the US at present. Can't believe it's 3 years since this thread started

Rupe. Hello mate. You still doing the triathlons ?

What a memory you have. But no, that ones still stood up.

It can be a pita at times. But you don't really lose much time. Thanks

Victoria, Vancouver Island

I used a couple redirects at times for positioning and support on the rigging point at times. Then after all the limbs were gone and we were into the heavy stuff, I re-set the rigging point much lower into stronger wood. I repositioned it twice actually, and switch ed to a thicker rope. Thanks.

Not particularly....but I do miss characters

Thanks all It was about 110 - 120 ft, at a guess. Took 2 days for 3. We chipped up to 6 in diam. Stihlmadas, no work on the guns mate. I've never had a big frame, but I do seem to have inherited some sort of good engine.

We get them in BC too

Ok. Between us, but something to consider....a face cut actually achieves very little, if anything for crane work. You're just creating resistance. Very useful for conventional rigging where you are often trying to steer a section towards the rigging point....but in cranework the rigging point (The boom) comes to you instead. Which often makes a facecut, counter productive. The key to good and safe cranework is accurate boom, sling placement and pre loading. So when you cut through a section it just separates. This can be critical in tight spaces or at the wrong end of your SWL. If you want to get better, that's where you should be aiming. But for a first time you did great. Spectacular setting and video too.

Looks like you are having a great time out in NZ. I was out there too in 99-2000, as a contract climber. Sketchy tree for your first crane job. Well done for grinding it out. Did someone tell you to use face cuts, or was that your own instinct ?

I'm not saying I don't get on with people in general....its just that I'm not Canadian. We speak the same language but culturally and socially there's huge differences. There's plenty good workers around....i just don't want to open my front door every morning and see them stood there. Nor would I wish it on another to have to see me in the same context. I do a lot of solo work, and use sub contractors to help if that's an advantage.

Yeah just trying to manage time and find better ways to do so. Not looking to grow my company, but is difficult to keep on top of the demand otherwise. Identifying potential timewasters is becoming ever more significant. For example, I never answer my phone nowdays....and if they can't even be bothered to take a few seconds to leave a message, then they probably not the sort of person i want to deal with anyhow. That alone has worked out pretty well so far. Other than that I can't complain, thanks. I don't expect to ever truly fit in here, but there's still plenty enough good stuff and potential to stop me leaving. Speaking of videos, I actually did by a drone with the intention of filming some of the scenery here....but I've been waiting for the good weather to arrive. Attached photo from a remote beach on the coast me and our kid had a drive out to. There's always that wild edge to the place that makes it a privilege to be here

Alright Wes. I did one in December I think but nothing since. I've just been a bit stretched, so not much for that stuff of late.