Mark Bolam

Funny you should say that Khriss, I had to whack 40psi in the offside front of my 06 plate yesterday before work! I think the lads have covered most of the main issues. My truck has been very reliable, but the DMF shat itself a few years back so I had it swapped out for a solid.

Same Steve. Although I wasn’t sure whether to open the thread or not. I was worried it might contain pictures.

I am genuinely concerned about modern pick ups. When my Transit dies I want to get an extra cab tipper, because I think it would suit my work well now. The problem is they all seem to have horror stories. I don't want to make a major investment in something that will be scrap in 3 years. The government obviously hate diesels, but what are the alternatives out there? It is a genuine worry for me and a lot of my mates who have to run these trucks for work.

If removing a scabby little conifer like that will affect the structural integrity of your house it must be made of plasticine. Staged reduction is a total waste of time, I would get rid of it without a second thought. Soon, before it's full of nesting birds.

That brings back memories Paul, my Dad had one of those. Must be more than 40 years back. I like my Buck Redpoint, which is a nice small locker with easy one hand opening. Can never have too many knives! I’m with Stere, though. I won’t spend hundreds when there are so many great knives for tens.

Utter, utter bastards. Really sorry to hear this mate.

Poor lass. You’re right Mark, the hypocrisy is staggering and sickening in equal measure.

Reg, whenever I see you’ve posted a new vid I’m on it like a fat kid on a Smartie. I always learn something, however small. Might just be to do with weather, mood, attitude or whatever, but there’s always something there. Plus the scenery is a dream! I know what you mean about repetition, but I think I speak for all of us when I say we’re not bored yet. No two tree jobs are ever the same after all, even single stem connies. I think you could make topping a 25’ leylandii in a back garden watchable somehow. I really appreciate the effort you go to in putting these vids out. I’ve drawn on them for inspiration many a time when shitting myself up a 50 footer, ‘Come on Bolam, get it together, Reg was 4 times as high as this on a dodgy tree the other week’. It’s your call mate, but I’d be gutted if you didn’t make another vid. Goodbye for now. P.S. Shame about City, like.

Yes, very bored with all this simple shite now mate. Goodbye.

Lawn darts!

I've just used step cuts in these situations with bigger timber, but it's a last resort kind of thing. I know spear cuts as razzing through thinner timber that is vertical-ish so the butt drops before the tips have a chance to start moving. The tips can then give you a damn good thrashing on the way past!

I've always refused outright to deal with insurance companies. I make it clear to the client that they are paying me and it's up to them to deal with insurance companies. I have adjusted phrasing in invoices before to help the client, so a £1000 job might be £990 to cut up a fallen tree and £10 to remove arisings etc.

That’s the thing Pete, you can’t train experience, it’s that simple. So many variables which affect cut choice. I’ve even had timber on the same tree react differently on consecutive days. Training is just a good starting point, nothing more.

You would know mate!

I have a vest you can borrow with 'TREE CLIMBER - AERIAL RESCUE' printed on it. Hi-vis, obviously. You'll be able to spot me, I'll have rigger boots on, and Husky braces.

Nice one mate, glad you like it.

Those Cloggers look awesome Tommy. Will you have them on at the APF so I can have a look?

'These vagabond shoes....' Sorry Edward, I'll get me coat.

I would have a little sign on the bottom log saying ‘Darwinism begins here’, then crack on exactly as you are doing.

Did you get anywhere with this @benedmonds?

I wouldn’t worry too much lads, it’s not like it will happen in our lifetime.

I do try and do things by the (old) book mate!

Badly thought out bullshit by a load of clipboard warriors Matty. If two ropes and two anchors are called for to make any of my jobs safer you can rest assured I'll be using two ropes. If I judge that two ropes will make any job LESS safe, then I'll be using one. It's my arse on the line up there, not some suit who would be better off spending their time prosecuting unqualified and uninsured hackers.