Taupotreeman

Had a 200t cut straight through a pair of Clogger chainsaw pants (class 1). Didn't even slow the saw down. Months of washing and then contamination and then washing again etc had weakened the fibres so doesn't matter how well they hold up straight off the shelf; as soon as you start contaminating them the integrity diminishes. We're getting new every six months now. Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

Some antihistamines work better than others. I find Zyrtec works better than claratine for me. No issues with being drowsy and been on them for years. Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

Originally I would have said; no chance. But, if you're keen, fit and enjoy the job, why not have a crack. Better the man that tries and fails than never tries at all. Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

If in doubt, shut it down.You only live once.

That's a nice looking bit of kit. Just wondering, is that tool locker really low to the floor? Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

I might have one somewhere. Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

I can only pass this on from a New Zealand point of view but; We looked at doing private work in conjunction with our Council duties but we decided it wouldn't sit well with local private contractors or ourselves. It also proved way to complicated to work out how to operate and our main concern was to provide the rate payers a service. We have more than enough tree work to keep us occupied. Council equipment is budgeted for in capital expenditure just like most arb companies. We didn't get the best of equipment and we certainly didn't get the worst. Often, where it falls down is with wages. We have a set pay structure which isn't based on industry rates but, rather, a an internal pay scale. This means that we no longer attract the best arborists. Also, it's council and arborists tend to know they won't get the cream jobs like they would at an outfit which is solely dedicated to tree work. It's not just Councils who can cover the costs of over runs elsewhere. I know, and have worked for, several large tree outfits who are able to "hide" private contract over runs on other large contracts including state owned assets that are being paid for by the tax payer. It's easy to hide a few hundred bucks on a multi million dollar contract on a very regular basis. Auditing is very rare and those doing the auditing really have no idea what they are looking for. From a personal post of view and in regard to the lax attitude of Council staff; I can honestly say I spent years trying to encourage a private entity mindset when it came to production and work ethic but eventually, you get beaten down. Ive spoken to many ex and current council employees and they feel the same. Most don't come to council with the intention of doing naff all but it really does become a case (eventually) of monkey see monkey do.I know staff who have been at Council for over 25 years. They know it's a cushy number and they know how to play the game. My private work is what keeps me sane. In fact, I'm considering giving up the cushy, well paid lifestyle because I miss the hard work, the interaction with others who actually know what they are doing and being able to run a job from go to whoa. There is also the issue of having Managers that have the council mentality ingrained in them as they have been there that long or have never worked in private industry. Managers and supervisors that have been put in the position without having the necessary qualifications or knowledge or skills to be able to do the job (there's a phrase for it but I forget). Very often in the arb industry, you have managers, supervisors etc who have come through the ranks or, in some cases, business managers who are just that and leave the day to day running of operations to those who know what they are doing. Unfortunately, in council, this is often not the case so everything is controlled by a person who knows nothing of the industry. That includes time frames, processes, finances etc. It is very easy for subordinates to "manipulate" managers as the managers have no idea how long a job should take, costs, etc. Under H&S law in NZ the PCBU (person controlling a business undertaking) is now in the gun if a workplace incident/accident takes place so council spends a lot of time and money making sure that they have systems and procedures in place to cover the organisation, CEO etc. We get the usual BS about wanting everyone to go home safe but you can read between the lines with some people. Plus, less accidents equals lower ACC fees in NZ which can be in excess of $1 million. Ive waffled quite a bit and some of it might not make sense in relation to the OP but I'm happy to answer questions I can.

On which points? There has been several raised. Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

I'm in the lucky (or unlucky) position of working full time for local Council while at the same time, running my own business so I'm possibly able to speak from both sides of the coin. Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

I think there is more than that. Been doing some research for safety processes on chippers etc. and there's at least five a year in the US. Untrained staff, not familiar with the gear, no second person helping, operators feeding while wearing climbing harnesses, operators leaning in to the hopper. It's pretty simple stuff really. The dripline is a good source for reading up on accidents and fatalities within the industry. Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

My old stomping ground. Would have imagined the locals would have had that lot gone in an instant. Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

Why does it seem that every time I look at a thread now Matelot seems to be arguing without discussing? Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

Had a tree here that went over at the root and landed on the roof of a house. Local volunteer fire brigade decided to attend and cut the tree off about 2m up from the root plate. Nice big Pin Oak now balancing precariously on roof of house seesawing away with fire brigade looking on, scratching heads and no idea what to do. A few more cuts to try and remove limbs now leaves said limbs also balancing on the roof and hanging in mid air maybe 4m up. Cue rapid departure from site and a call to me. Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

A guy I met here in NZ was using the stuff for furniture due to its pliability after being soaked in water. Made some beautiful dining chairs out of it. Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

I pulled out all the step cuts to see if and how they'd worked. When the tree was still attached all the cuts had compressed but once I cut it free of the stump you could see where every single step had compressed, broken and then compressed into the next one. I agree though, it ain't pretty. Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

Had some time to play so thought I'd try a soft Dutchman. Only a small Pine but got it to swing around 110 degrees against the lean. I was actually surprised how well it worked. not the best photo mind. Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

Yep, mine too. Have to watch the videos on the laptop. Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

We get both in NZ and both burn incredibly well. Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

Acacia burns hot and long. Needs to be well seasoned and split small unless you have a huge burner/fire. Also usually needs a fair bit of grunt in the fire to get it going. Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

Great kindling, dries fast, burns hot but doesn't last long. I used it to get the fire going and some heat into it before throwing on something longer lasting. Like stubby said; keep it dry. Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

Outstanding. Giggling away like a school girl at the thought. Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

Specs? Engine size, towing capacity etc. looks good. Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

Does the Rolls Royce Merlin count? Nothing like the sound of the Lancaster warming up for taxiing and then the noise as that and the spitfire and hurricane approached. Also like the Blower Bentley and most V8s of older vintage. Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

Be interesting to know what the knot was and how he tied it incorrectly. Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

I don't think that's entirely true, at least not here. If you provide the safety gear, the training etc. and then the employee fails to follow the correct procedures or use the safety gear provided then it's pretty much the employees fault. If, however, correct PPE isn't provided or procedures aren't set out correctly or taught or correct training isn't in place then it's on the employer. Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk