arboriculturist

Thanks for the insight - I thought it would be a steepish learning curve with the SJ 3. It would be good to hear any feedback after another weeks climbing use. I think you will eventually master those anomalies.

We use an AP on a Lanyard and on a Yale flipline with the cam changed and have never ever had an issue with either. Silky smooth and releases perfectly under load. Small learning curve easily negotiated. We would never change to anything else. Paused on buying the Spiderjack 3 until the feedback is posted on the Forums.

Alycidon estimation is close to accurate. To make a sufficient margin to make the investment in equipment worthwhile, then around the 1000 cube in sales is required. It is not until you get over 1500 that things become more comfortable (well thats what I hear). Importing does not sit well with a lot more suppliers and customers than was in intially the case and we work hard at promoting locally grown timber. A lot more customers are asking about provenance. There are 10's of 1000s of tree surgeons and landowners who sell the timber that they did not have to buy. If you speak to a cross section of them, it becomes clear that most have not considered changing their prices that may have been the same for the last 5 years, as they haven't had the financial outlay. I would suggest that it is that section of the retail market that keep prices low. High level quality control is where we differ and we accept that 1/3 of the customers will base their decision on price and look elsewhere. Interesting how peoples view differ depending on their setup, and how financial v moral can have an influence.

You won't see a used one on the market, as people hang onto them when they change their processor unless closing their Firewood operation.

It''s not you Steve ! Even when new, the tolerance between the drive links and the bar groove sides are enough to allow the chain to lean to the right or to the left in relation to the bar in certain cutting situations. Cutting at 90 degrees to the timber in a GOOD ergonomic work position and this will not happen, as the tie straps on either side of the chain are pressed down on top of the bar rails as you cut. Similarly cutting at other angles to the timber in a GOOD ergonomic work position and this will not happen Cutting at different angles to the timber in a POOR ergonomic work position and the chain can lift off the rails on one side when in the kerf, resulting in the cutting angle geometry altering hence the issues you have been experiencing. At reach, awkward positions etc. the pressure exerted on the bar is often not exactly following the line of the initial start of the cut and the chain is lifting one side off the rails as the cut progresses, leading to a curved cut / chain binding. The smaller the pitch of the chain, the greater the level of risk of this anomaly occuring. Smaller pitches have many advantages as we all realise, but there are also negatives. I hope this helps.

Liked your awareness of the risks of felling onto brash - you had escape routes planned for each tree and it was on the last tree that your attention to detail payed off. We tend to process each tree as its felled - keeping on top of the housekeeping make life sweeter for all concerned. Nice image format changes in the Vid.

One of the most important factors to address if you plan to process Arb. arisings is having a fast splitter - a cycle time of less than 5 second max. is literally 'a waste of time'. Visit all the Tree Surgeons within a 10 mile radius to start, many of which will be pleased to offload timber on occasion and if you are serious, get all the legalities correct. Best of luck

Hey TCD - your messages are full. RR

Multichoke? I'm looking for one with little use and nice wood.

Is that a 325 or 425 Stubby and which Grade?

Yes solidly built! Only 2 drawbacks - It's not easy to adjust under load and it's heavy enough to act as a counterbalance to the 150 on the other side of your harness (or perhaps that is an advantage:001_smile:)

Yale Maxi-Flip Sport Flipline + ART Positioner with cam change option - Lightweight, and ergonomic - Comes at a price but you'll never want to use anything else:thumbup1:

The exchange rate is already making an impact on fieldsports ammunition and chainsaw bars, to name just 2. Imported Kiln Dried Firewood price increase is soon to follow, which will impact on the amount that arrives on our shores. At least those that dry in the UK are supporting the regional economy to a degree. (Those EU driven Tariffs need to be curbed though ! )

No way, I wonder if SPUD has a view on this? We held off on the 2510 fortunately and will await others feedback on the 2511 before shelling out for one. STIHL 150C / 150TC - We find ourselves waiting for both these saws even when you have fitted a new still chain, so hoping the 2511 excels ! Any power failings with it after it has had some serious use and it will packaged up and sent to SPUD to work his magic

Don't forget it will take 15 - 20 refills before the saw 'beds in' and reaches full power.

Exchange rate - yes Brexit - no

Don't underestimate Firewood production on a large scale. Those that make a success of it have invested a huge amount of capital, time and effort, to be able to produce a high end quality consistent product. In order to build a customer base you need to offer something the competition cannot and you won't find that easy. Every hour you spend on the business, wether it be processing, delivering, servicing, repairing or admin. it needs to be factored in and if you actually do this, which many don't, you will find that the margins are tight to say the least. Spend time with someone out of your region on a desktop study before you go any further. Good luck should you choose to persue this.

Offering to move and stack Firewood for free is a non-starter. No professional supplier would even consider it. Charge £15 per m3 and it is worth doing - provided they have barrow access - if not £20. In this business you can not afford to do anything for nothing. To make a reasonable margin you need to set your sights on being fully automated, with machines replacing the human element. We no longer lay a hand on the timber. There are far, far easier ways to make a living that are less mundane - but Good luck.

6 wheeler and drag - mixed hardwood species 1.5 - 1.75m3 per tonne split at 200mm. All Beech closer to 1.5m3 per tonne.

What species of timber was the load and did the lorry have onboard weighing?

This thread reminds me of me asking the dog not to chase the cat for the last 10 years - just don't seem to be through to him:001_rolleyes:

Forget all about weight - 5.5m3 = 10m3 approx. 200mm Firewood. Partly decayed Scots! , so value no more than £125 if you have to handle, process and then transport yourself.

AS ABOVE - but it won't work with some. If they don't pay on the specified date in the above - follow it up with a copy of the completed Summons, which can be done online giving them 24hrs to settle or the Summons will be registered. If no payment - file the Summons. Get those T&C's sorted right away though and only take written instructions in future. Good luck.

HAIRONYOURCHEST is the best advice of all the posts. Get your local friendly AG. engineer to give you 1/2 hr of his time. Wellington Welding in Plymouth like Cornish says, 2 x 50 metre extension cables and an auto-dark helmet and you will be set up for the next 20 years. Good fortune with the welding:thumbup1:

Give Richard Milton a ring 01823 674 422. Quality Douglas kindling in plain yellow bags. Quick efficient service and will deliver in a 7.5T tail-lift if you have no forklift on site.