woodplans

I managed to destroy my phone again today, 3 phones in 12 months. 1st one drowned, 2nd the screen got smashed whilst in my pocket, 3rd got run over by a tracked machine after I left it on the track...D'oh! Not to mention problem with dust and dirt in the keypads, scratched screen etc. I need a phone that is rugged and bombproof, no fancy screen, camera etc. Just need to make calls and text. I have a laptop in the truck for email etc if I need it. I came across this just now: http://www.sonimtech.com/pdf/xp3_ds.pdf Not cheap at £200 but i reckon it may be the answer. Anyone got other suggestions?

I like the Multione loaders, handy to have the telescopic reach. Personally speaking i would stay away from skid steers, pain to get in and out of, bad visability and chew up the ground really easily. I used to have one and definetly do not miss it. We now run a Weidemann 1240 on floatation tyres, works really well compact size 1.5 t lift, light enough to tow at 2.0 t and easily fits in a container. http://www.weidemann.de/english/mod-intro.php4?id=000029 Others worth a mention are Kramer/Allrad Atlas Schaffer There is the Avant range also, but i really did not get on with the one we had on demo, really fiddly controls and difficult to get on and off.

I am saving for one of these, brand new build, 5.6 L V8, air lockers all round. http://www.icon4x4.com/

I bought a viking (stihl) mower last year for some regular maintenance work we do, aluminium deck, powered drive works good in the wet and can be used to mulch. Was about half the price of a Honda with the same spec, no probs so far. Well recomended.

Great story Andy, helps to put things into perspective. It is good to have a little reminder every now and again about what really matters, as it is all to easy to let the "sand" get in the way of the "balls".

Saw this on E bay, might be useful for someone with room and plenty of waste wood. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/WOODSTOVE-BOILER-CENTRAL-HEATING-FORESTRY-TREE-SURGERY_W0QQitemZ200298257158QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_BOI_FarmingEquipment_RL?hash=item200298257158&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A3%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

I agree chriss, or the landcruiser pickup. I looked into importing one a couple of years ago but it never happened. I do think it would be a good idea, you get full 3.5 t towing capacity but in a more reliable form.

I have run hilux trucks for the last 4 years, current one is an ozzie import with uprated suspension and a 3.0 Diesel, its a true workhorse. Never had any probs with either, done over 100,000 miles in hilux's. Just make sure you grease the uj's if towing alot or offroad. I agree that it can be a pain to get out and switch the hubs over to 4x4 but its a minor concern. I have been debating a new truck for the past year or so but am loath to part with this one it is bomb proof, i am not convinced that the new models are built quite so well.

Thanks to all the sponsers that made the raffle happen, I am well chuffed at winning a prize. Great start to the year! Thanks Steve for your hard work in organizing it all. On a side note, hope everyone has a good year ahead in these turbulent times. Remember that it is important to think positive and seize any opportunity that comes your way, a good mindset helps in these times. Most importantly i think we should all remember that we have to give to recieve, whether its helping out a friend or doing a job cheap for someone who is in need. It is easy to overlook this when times are hard, but the world will be worse off if we all head down that road. All the best.

Sorry for the off topic. Mr Ed, Trying to PM you but your mail box is full.

http://www.digbits.co.uk/excavator_attachments.htm the above link is for excavator attachements, grapples, rotators etc.

We, had the same guys stop sellings new "huskys" left from a trade show. We were working on a backroad miles from any major through route, they stopped to ask for directions to the airport! (nearest one was about 70 miles) then he said "do you want to buys these saws as we cannot take them on the plane" ..I had to laugh at the sheer balls of it.

Thanks for the replies people. If we decide to go this route it will be single cab with a tool box and then the lift gear and bin. I will keep you posted after i have made my decision.

Thanks for the heads up on the cable/winch. Got one of these on demo next week, shame its a renault, but they are offering cracking deals at the moment, as they have units made up sitting in stock. http://www.renault-trucks.co.uk/hookloader_2002100_0.html?lang=en Will be looking at others, Mits/fuso and Isuzu in the coming weeks.

Mr Ed, did you find any insurance implications when you ran this type of vehicle? I have been told to expect a higher premium if i decide to switch to a hook loader, compared to a regular tipper. Also i know that in the states a couple of companies offer a cheaper alternative using a winch system rather than full hydraulic, "switch n go" being one of them. This gives abit of weight saving and a simpler mechanism, the result being a more affordable unit. Anyone know of a UK manufacturer offering this? I have tried searching the web but no luck so far. Thanks for your responses.

I am researching the purchase of a hooklift sytem on a 6.2 or 7.5 tonne base unit. Just wondering if anyone uses this type of system, pros and cons. Any input would be appreciated. It would be used for moving plant around, material delivery and arisings away. I would also like to get a container fabricated with storage and welfare facilities so it could be dropped on site if we are there for a few days.

A while back someone posted a link to Beardyman. This is pretty cool [ame]http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=2XryzjprNqE&feature=related[/ame]

FC contract in South Wales. Closing date for initial interest is today, so be quick with an email. Forestry Commission – Wales Tree Clearance Contract The Forestry Commission seek expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced contractors for clearance of trees from a site in South Wales. The first area consists of mainly mature conifer trees with some broadleaf trees along the roadside. It is approximately 770m long by 40m wide very steeply sloping down to the road. The second area is mainly broadleaf trees along the road edge. It is approximately 790 m long by 10m wide short slope of a few metres from road and then flat. The work will involve extensive traffic management on a main A class road. The approximate Contract value is £60k and works are to be carried out between January and March 2009. Please provide notification of interest in tendering for the contract in writing by 12th November 2008 to: Peter Cloke Forestry Commission Wales District Office Resolven Neath SA11 4DR email [email protected] E

I like it Steve, better than the old version easier to navigate and visually more appealing. Keep up the good work.

Anyone like steinski? Audio sampling at its best. [ame]http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=B4q3CJwr0ms[/ame]

tim deluxe [ame]http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Bd9Z_MwzBgw[/ame]

Flobots [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuK2A1ZqoWs[/ame]

Patagonia all the way, pricey but last for ever, i have stuff that is 5-6 years old and is worn constantly in the winters.

We get most of our bare root from Coles, good stock very well priced and deliver just about anywhere. http://www.colesnurseries.co.uk You could also try Alba trees, there stuff is all cell grown but works just as well. http://www.albatrees.co.uk

I was refering to doing little for the actual movement of the trees. We transplanted 18 trees all over 45cm girth earlier this year. They were all planted with an irrigation coil to get water to the roots efficiently and some water retaining polymers. We have been lucky with it being so wet, but i did water them every 2 weeks during april and may, this is the crucial time when leaves are developing. As stated in the above post aftercare is crucial to moving established trees. And the job should include this in your proposal.