monkeybusiness

Get it done by/with someone experienced and learn from them would be my advice.

From what I can glean from that it appears to be an OCS (ie Fountains) safety bulletin, but it also seems to suggest the accident isn’t related to their company/operations (it just happens to be alongside National Grid infrastructure). The text makes reference to another (unshown) pic of one of OCS’s operatives with 3 points of attachment using an electric saw. I don’t personally take from that that anyone has insisted on those being the rules that must be adhered to. To be honest, an electric chainsaw would be more than adequate for the bulk of Fountains Grid work if it is anything like it used to be, as they only ever tickled as little epicormic as possible as infrequently as they could get away with...

I’d be interested to read the report - got a link?

Ratterdale terrier - just the job!

Fair enough - I'm surprised that the FC are absolved of any responsibility though. (Out of interest, does anyone know of any contractors that have ever been prosecuted for felling TPO'd trees when instructed to undertake forestry works with a felling licence in place?) I still reckon all of the boxes will have been ticked in this instance personally. The FC and the RSPB are both apparently involved on an obviously contentious site that has significant amenity value and neighbours with the financial means to involve the legal process. I've seen a number of woodlands felled by various quangos in order to restore an historically previous version of the current landscape, much to the chagrin of immediate neighbours. It is always above board (on paper at least).

If they have a felling licence (which I'd imagine they do, otherwise I'm pretty sure the tabloids would be shouting even more loudly about it) then it isn't a moot point - they have done nothing wrong and the neighbours' views (in both senses of the word) are irrelevant. Do the FC not check for TPOs when issuing licences? Surely they have a duty of care to do so?

I don’t see a problem personally. The trees appear to belong to the golf course, they appear to have the relevant permissions in place - what’s it got to do with the neighbours?

I did NPORS as needed a ticket to work on a client’s machine/site. The card even lists tiltrotator with grab, and hydraulic quick hitch awareness. To be fair the assessor put me through my paces (on my machine) but it was only a day and he assessed me on a load of other kit too. It is all a load of bollocks though - another guy I know (with no experience) got the same card as me from another NPORS assessor and filled my place when I went on holiday. I’m pretty sure he didn’t have an assessment.....

Horrible video. Wouldn’t surprise me if the method statement insisted on a dismantle as deemed less risk to the network than a fell. They have technically gone for a dismantle... The climber unfortunately appears either to be rushing/lazy/inexperienced/scared of heights (or a combination of the above). In fairness, there could be a gob, and he is out of the way of the initial barber’s chair. From the vid the stem’s lean doesn’t look massive - a committed fast backcut with a sharp saw looks like it should work, but a better choice of cut would obviously be prudent. I wish him a speedy recovery - very lucky if he’s survived that at all! Hopefully someone will watch this and think twice before making the same mistake.

All the old electricity board Land rovers seemed to be on BFG mud terrains - they were largely plated at 3500kg so the tyres must be rated for that sort of load (I would hope!)

Twelvty

It’s charged on labour only - divide your bill into plant hire/fuel/travel etc if you want to reduce what they hold back.

Had to drag a mate’s stuck 16 tonne digger out of some running sand - it made the Deutz sit up a bit!

The whole planning process isn’t fit for purpose imo. How many speculative sites get clear-felled before any surveys take place? I’d bet BS5837 has been responsible for more tree felling than tree retention if all things are considered...

A mate has a Kelfri which was incredible value for money, definitely worth a look. His also has a hydraulic winch on the crane which is a great option, particularly for smaller cranes.

New splined boss welded onto the roller. Greenmech supply them, you’ll want a decent fabricator to knock it up though as it needs centralising.

KTS resale is incredible - they are actually an appreciating asset! You can buy mine for £15k if you like (I think you’ll find that is a bargain!)... In all seriousness, a second hand timber trailer is likely to have had a hard life, so have a very good poke around anything you are considering. Depending on how you configure your spool block, they can be a bit of a ballache to put on/take off, particularly if you are on your own. Don’t expect a forestry crane to match the lifting capacity of a front end loader. Also don’t expect too much in terms of craning standing sticks out at full reach - none of these cranes have much capacity when fully extended. On a smaller trailer you need some weight in it if you are going to lift stuff further away, even with legs. Have a look at the KTS range, my 11 tonne (essentially a 10 tonne with extendable bunk) is not big in the slightest. I’ve had some proper lumps on it and it seems to like it (only a bent pin to show any sign of abuse...)!

I bought an 11 tonne KTS trailer with their 6.7m crane a few years ago and seriously wouldn’t be without it now. The rear bunk is telescopic so when closed barely extends behind rear wheels, which is great in tight sites. It has a steering drawbar (this is a godsend - don’t get anything without this feature) and is on wide flotation tyres. Get the biggest crane you can - you’ll never wish you had less reach! Mine runs fine off the tractor’s spools (it’s a fairly modern 150hp Deutz). The cranes will drag a lot to them where they subsequently have the power to lift the timber on board. Removable bolsters are great if you want to fight big sticks on board too. The limiting factor with my crane is the grab - it will slip off big lumps (but holds fine with a ratchet strap around the piece). I’m talking 1.5 tonne plus pieces though - not what it is designed for to be fair!

Shouldn’t have posted/shared the link - unfortunately there are thieves/friends of thieves amongst us who tip each other off it would appear. Jack.P - I totally agree with your thoughts towards that seller, and understand why you shared the link privately. It’s a shame it was subsequently publicly listed and thus lost any element of surprise. Keep your eyes peeled as this seller will probably reappear with a similar MO I’d imagine.

That is the dog’s back-wheels! Would you mind giving an idea of what it cost (pm if preferable, I won’t tell anyone). No worries if not.

I’m not sure that your beef with the op is fair here personally. He’s got his suspicions (unproven) and is looking to gather evidence. If nobody ever acted on suspicions then there would be even more free rain for filthy theiving scummy shitbags to carry on their trade. I say good on him - if the trail leads to something dodgy then hopefully some sort of justice can be served. If not, then no issues for anyone anywhere. I don’t see any issues (other than your link, which I think should be removed tbh).

Do you know the seller eggs? You seem very defensive.

The 219 is what they call the grave digger isn’t it? Got loads of reach in a small package.

What a beast! Awesome looking machine - all power to you Eddie!

I made a (very basic) skid plate under the tank out of an old road sign which helped. Also had HD springs in the rear and slightly taller tyres, but just need to be aware! No easy fix though.