Dom

I purchased a tw150 second hand from a timberwolf dealer about 18 months ago. It made a horrible grinding noise as we finished chipping yesterday, and noticed the rotor bearing housing was smoking, so I took it to the nearest TW mechanic. I've been told that it looks like the bearings were removed in the past with a gas torch rather than a press, and this has caused the damage to the rotor, and over time has broken the new bearings. Is this something that the dealer I purchased from should have picked up on and rectified before selling me the woodchipper? What would be my best course of action? Thanks

If you find a place that wants lots of chip, please let me know! A large part of my work is in Ashtead, and usually have to unload at Mid Surrey Farm.

On behalf of a good friend and colleague, I'm looking for a climber to help out with work in Hampshire and Surrey areas. Good rates of pay, and flexible days. Climbing for a small but busy owner-run tree firm, carrying out varied domestic work, to replace lead climber, who left recently to go travelling. Must have own transport. Call for more details - 07725 634157 email [email protected] or email Alasdair Marr directly at [email protected]

Kev I think it was £600 all in.

Alright Mr Currie, Try Max at Mid Surrey Farm, in Epsom. Cheaper than I expected last time I asked about one, and a nice guy too. 020 8393 1095

The second is a European Hackberry, Celtis australis, and the third is Ostrya. But the first one is a bit trickier. I think it might be Sophora japonica, although the leaflets aren't opposites. Mysterious

Not that anyone in their right mind would want to in this day and age (hopefully).. but, if a tree of this size needed to be felled, (maybe if it had sprung up out of a patio, or the customer didn't like the shade, or the leaves..) would we do it any differently from the age-old way of using a two man handsaw? Or is there a big enough secret industrial chainsaw somewhere to manage it?

I've always found an old axe is best, to slice it into lumps that can be eased out with a good strong trenching spade. Sharper the better.

I'd have been careful, sounds like you might've been in a little bit of shock. Good idea to have a bunch of sugary crap to raise your blood sugar a little after something like that. But what do I know, I'm no doctor, just a simple tree chopper

On the flipside... About six years ago I changed from a lanyard to a wire core flipline with a rope grab and a nice heavy steel snap hook. I find it easier to push over and through forks, it feels sturdier, and it doesn't flop about as much as a bit of rope would. I think it's all about finding out what works best for you, I still know good climbers who only use both ends of their rope and somehow never use a seperate lanyard.

Got some nice 4-5ft lengths of box about 10inch diameter, but with quite bad splits. Few lumps of laburnum lying around as well, let me know if you're down in Surrey with a trailer.

I'm loving mine, plenty of power, and the bar sticks out further than on a 200t, so a 14" bar is actually 14". Fuel and oil filler holes are too small though, does anyone know which oil filler spouts for combi-cans fit the holes? Feels nice and solid, well balanced. Only other thing is the exhaust comes out at a different angle to the 200t, so have to consider positioning slightly more to avoid a face or leg full of hot air. Oh and the off switch is the opposite way round to the 200t which takes a bit of getting used to. Still love it though.. much cheaper, and with a warranty. Stihl have lost my favour lately.

Really enjoying the new echo (350tes?). Also been using the 260 for a couple of years now, it's like the cheaper AMA saws but better build quality. Both are a joy to use, and the larger echo really has some grunt to it. Won't be going back to Husky or Stihl, Echo make some great tools, and they have 2 year warranties. It's a no-brainer for me now.

I've heard that 90% of stag beetles in UK are in Surrey and London, South of the river. Have seen a couple today, often see them here, and see them fighting quite often too.

Have used the groundsman 2stroke oil for a few years now, seems better than a lot of more expensive branded oils.