raafbeard

Yup! They have but from their point of view - unseen what else could they reasonably offer?? Larry, if you want to, and you CAN, then you will - having said this not everyone has your progression at heart so proper development is generally self driven. Allow yourself to develop at your own pace and do not underestimate the importance of doing the relatively mundane tasks properly. A said eyes and ears!! As ex-services though I am sure this is integral to your approach anyway, best of luck and remember trees have feelings

Nice sounds as the stem lands...

Good saws - depends really what you want it for ?? Firewood = ok, As a saw to get started on then also ok .. I would guess at paying about £200 - 250 for a decent one

Wishing her well!! Sure you coped admirably mate..

Looks like a nice job mate

You can only hope things do pick up, I wouldn't want all that shiny equipment sitting around for to long...

Wow!! Great prizes indeed...Big big thanks to the sponsors and Steve who make this possible.... Didn't know we were going to get another raffle this year

Just an excuse to eat prin**es...!!!

Lots of good posts on the merits of dragging brash here... I particularly like the way this is described:

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

088 with 36 " bar is indeed sweet and a bigger bar is useful for Larger stems

I feel your pain I am getting lots of these to do at the mo...but you have made feel a bit better about the climbing rose covered **** i have to go back too sometime soon.. top work mate...

Posted for work and after a while I got offered a good opportunity. Possibly more by coincidence but an opportunity none the less. From an Employer point of view I would definately look here, As Peter says the forum documents work/ development and also offers some personal insight. Additionally if I hadn't just moved away I too would have bitten Monkeyd's hand off for an interview...

MasterBlasters list is a good document of practical and aspirational qualities which a good/excellent groundsman would have or try to achieve. Possibly more helpful would be a short list of points on how to avoid being a crap groundsman. I'll start of with a couple: Remember what kit you use on a daily basis, and what is required for more specialised tasks/operations. Help as much as you can in the loading of the truck at the beginning of the day, the unloading on site, the loading after work (be careful to ensure you have everything with you that you brought and be concious of where pieces of kit are during the job), make sure you help unload at the end of the day and remember what goes where and how it is stored. Remember you don't clock off until all the kit is away and you have been told to go. Home time isn't always on the bell. Watch the Climber and as said learn to pre-empt their next move and assist as appropriate. HOWEVER watching the Climber does not mean endlessly staring at them for the duration of the climb. Be aware when they are working and where they intend to work next. Whilst the Climber is working try to clear as much brash as possible without endangering yourself. Ultimately the tidiness of the work area is your responsibility and you must therefore control brash levels and ensure it is chipped and processed effectively whilst maintaining a safe work site. Communicate clearly with the Climber when you will be entering the drop zone or establish a period where they will cease work for you to clear. I think these are the most important areas for your focus initially. 2 quick ones: - don't take a handful when you can manage an armful, or two - never go anywhere empty handed unless absolutely necessary ie. time is a significant factor. Also finally remember time is money, it is in your interest as well that the job is done in an efficient manner and doesn't drag on longer than needed. Hope that helps - enthusiasm and interest also are very positive. Currently thinking I am a right git to newbs, whilst I am still new myself. However in my short time I have seen some right no-hopers and by simply following the above they would have shown so much more potential.

Posting on behalf of a friend: "Looking for work after recent break. I am qualified with NPTC's 30,31,38,39 and hold a full clean pre 97 driving license. I also own PPE and Climbing Kit. I gained my tickets in 2006 and have worked on local authority contracts as well as insurance and private client work, as part of a 2-3 man team. I have good experience of Timberwolf and Stihl products and understand their correct use and service. In summary I am a hardworking and competent Groundworker who is looking to expand and build their climbing experience. Ready to start work immediately I am looking for a vacancy anywhere in the Southern region. Any opportunities gratefully considered. Please call Jon on 07548533061 or 07503753735"

Would love to come along but can't be definate....If I am able i will

I lol'd when a co-worker cheerily piped up that the Boss would be "happy as a p**f with 2 a-holes" because we had just done an extra £500 ...

Sounds like I am not the only one to have had this put to me by clients recently...."Don't worry its ok you can keep your crappy leylandii logs if you want them" Don't know about pricing the job in hand sorry...would recommend "High" though

Good show - can't wait to spend my first night in a canopy..

Actually buy stuff on line for convenience if I know exactly what I want....otherwise I just have a browse for information before going to buy - generally like to touch things before I commit and pay for them

I like the concept...but think it would be a nightmare to design and build you obviously have some ideas on this though. Also I would question if it is that practical compared to a standard chipper??

Just finished a hedging job 14 odd days here and there ...also very glad to get it out the way.. so know exactly how you are feeling...

I hate that game....

Football in chainsaw boots is always a laugh though ....randomly punting it about like the guy in your photo....

The steam powered replacement "88" had about as much grunt as a whoopie cushion!!! "But it was CHEEEEEPP!!" Cried the Boss in his best "pity my poverty" voice!!