John Hancock

I thought TechCert was level 3 ?

I sent off for the details of their membership scheme a few months ago as I thought membership at technical level would be a move forward. The details arrived and basically I had to list every qualification to date and a detailed history of work to date, complete with a letter stating why I thought of myself eligible for AA Technical membership. It gave the impression of me being put before a board so they can sift through my details and decide whether or not I’m good enough to join the old boys club. I’m too busy for this nonsense. Thanks but no thanks. I’ll stick to the ISA.

....and charging £600 per day!

Just like to say sorry I couldn’t make it guys. Gutted I couldn’t make it down for the weekend as it looks like you all had a really good time – everything you could ask for in a show, esp. sitting round a campfire with a few cans and good company! Roll-on spring!

I second that Dean – I guess everyone is entitled to their opinions but this particular one was very single minded. If was to give such an opinionated response I would have spent some considerable time researching on this forum first.

I did 4 Turkish Hazels years ago entirely with secateurs, felcos and loppers. Got a pic somewhere, I’ll try and dig it out.

We used them for the first time this morning. Pollarding highway limes with a MEWP. Initial impressions are very good! The experience of being able to talk normally with Chris in the MEWP while we have the chipper running and chainsaws buzzing seems bizarre at first! As I saw potential hazards like pedestrians approaching, postman doing the rounds and cars shooting up and down the street, I could calmly point them out so Chris was fully aware. If I was using the helmets while climbing within the crown of a tree I’d try and modify the cable that connects the two headphones (see pic 1) Perhaps these could be routed internally through the helmet so it wouldn’t get snagged and damaged by branches etc… In the meantime, I’ll just tape it down. There have been a few comments about the fixings of the ear defenders/headphones to the helmet. Jonesie picked up on this and has actually bolted them into place, through the helmet (see pic 2) problem solved! This was done un-prompted, at no extra charge and in my mind is an excellent example of a top quality service. I wasn’t sure how I’d like the smoked visor, but so far-so good. Its nice not to have saw dust falling down from above and getting into my eyes (I wear contact lenses). Vision and clarity through the visor is excellent (today was cloudy and overcast). A small bug-bear is the type of springs fitted to the ear defenders. (see pic 3) If you normally use a ‘Stihl-type’ set-up on your helmet you won’t notice and difference. I’ve always used (and preferred) the ‘Husky’ type springs, which hold the defenders hard against your ear. Like I said, a small bug-bear but to me the advantages far out-weigh the disadvantage. Perhaps the manufacturer could offer an option..? One thing that I didn’t think of - because Chris and I were calmly chatting away to one another while working (and not usual SHOUTING) our third man, Tom felt a little disconnected, bless him. Normally he’d be aware of me calling out the hazards as they happen. The answer to this would be either turn the volume down (and speak louder) so Tom could hear, or buy a second set and link them in to one another, so the whole team could enjoy calm, crisp communication. I’ll keep you posted with anymore thoughts as they come…

Cant even remember being a 30” – can just about remember being a 32” though. Hand a thought this morning – We’ve just purchased the most expensive hands free Bluetooth kit in history! I didn’t ‘arf get some funny looks on my drive into work this morning!

Was it windy Stevie? Or did you have a bad case of the shakes??

Berries mate.

Commando – ITV 4, just starting – Classic!

Three words BBB - Health and Safety.

Would you believe I’ve got a G1 flying jacket just like Toms – I was so tempted to don a white T shirt and a cheesy grin!

My knees just started aching looking at that job Stevie!

Silky Saws, bless the little darlings...

These arrived from Jonesie today so I thought I’d take a few pics while they were still beautifully clean and un-scathed. First impressions are very good, but I’ll give them a road-test asap. A big thanks to Jonesie for all his help in sorting them out, excellent price and prompt delivery. I’ve bought the set-up for highway MEWP work, so hopefully there will be clear communication between myself and whoever is up in the basket – no more yelling at the top of my voice! I’ll do a full review when I’ve lived with them for a while. Right then, where did I park that fighter-jet…..

Canter Fuso buddy.

Fair play to them for even giving it ago! I’d never of thought a boat like that would have the power – I know they put the pull-rope up high – but still, well impressed.

....If only everything in life was this simple [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EocpkmoohH8]YouTube - The Birch Tree Experiment[/ame]

Your right Steve, it shouldn’t be an issue. I wouldn’t swear in front of my mother, and I wouldn’t swear on here. Its not just the public that are viewing the forum, some esteemed, highly regarded professionals are regularly viewing and I for one wouldn’t want to be associated with bad language. Save it for the work site.

I've just ordered a set today!!!!!!!!!

Stunning!

You were closest Mesterh……(mind you, your were still 1.36 Tons out) Truck (with no load), complete with climbing gear, chainsaws, half a tank of fuel and three L/A Arbs – 4.61 Tons.

Nikon every time my friend - Go for it, treat yourself Have a look at my profile - everything taken on there was with my D80.

You don’t need a written daily inspection on climbing gear. Yes, give it a visual; tactile inspection before using but it doesn’t need to be recorded (unless its your company policy and your were pulled by a internal member of staff) As you should be aware, it should be LOLER'D, as I understand at 'regular intervals', be it two weeks, 3 or even 4 - depending on how often the kit is used, by yourselves and then every 6 months by an independant.