Mark Bolam
-
Posts
29,488 -
Joined
-
Last visited
-
Days Won
326
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Classifieds
Tip Site Directory
Blogs
Articles
News
Arborist Reviews
Arbtalk Knot Guide
Gallery
Store
Calendar
Freelancers directory
Everything posted by Mark Bolam
-
Recent thread in picture forum (now closed) brought up the question about "unclimbable trees". Has anyone climbed / dismantled a Monkey Puzzle (Chile Pine)? Never been asked to work on one, but one local to me has outgrown it's emplacement, and the owner (regular log customer) has started dropping hints...
-
That was quicker than anticipated mate! I'm off to Oz for a month on Jan 29th, so I will have to force a beer down your neck before then!
-
Stihl v. Husky? BMW v. Merc? Mainly use Stihl, but my old 351XP has been a far better saw than my MS260 (although I may have bought a dog). Used a 338XPT once and seriously considered hurling it from the tree into a nearby skip! Generally most of the pro saws made by the big two are pretty good. Matter of personal choice and proximity of dealer. Husky make much better helmets, though!
-
Let's hear from anyone with any good news for a change! It can't all be doom and gloom out there, can it? Think positive! Client cancelled today 'cos of weather BUT whilst having a tidy up I found a fiver in some old jeans! HURRAH!
-
Doh! Sorry fellas.
-
Has this thread been removed 'cos it was getting too depressing?....
-
1st coffee went cold while I was on some dodgy arb website.... Weather has brightened right up now! Typical! Might see if the client wants half a day...
-
Thanks Ed, that's what I meant really. SkyHuck - I do agree with you. Climbing is what sets us apart from the gardeners! But body thrusting up that first 20 feet seems daft when you have a ladder with you. Ever seen the Aussie climbers getting the Bobcat/Dingo to pull them up the first 100 feet of a big Euc? Thats like me. On a 30 foot Birch.....
-
Portek is good with exactly the right size of timber fed into it. Logs can still jump around a bit, and lengths need to be pretty straight. Bit of a pain when you need to refuel. If there's two of you, it can be incredibly quick. And cheap if you get your wife to feed it....
-
Anyone else snowed off today? Turned up to start a week's worth on day rate, and understandably the client wasn't that keen. Agreed to wait till tomorrow. Got covered in snow and cold just walking the groundie through the job. Who's up for an online tea drinking competition?
-
Seriously, probably worth checking with BASC about legal implications of intefering with roosting. Their legal team should be able to give you a definitive answer.
-
Tough one, Dean. As you know, starlings are in decline so the magnificent sight of a wheeling flock at dusk may not be around forever. Non-harmful solution required. Could you rig up some speakers and play 'The Best of The X-Factor' ? Jobs a good 'un.
-
Shocking cuts. Looks like idiot + blunt pole saw. Ladders - Great for access in right situation. Don't work off them if possible (stropped on or hedges). 20 ft head start up every tree you climb / every time you ever come down = longer climbing career. I wouldn't use them at all till I got older and wiser.
-
Thanks fellas. Big 'Ammer - sounds a good 'un, and I've got those bits spare since I bought a hitchclimber.
-
Can't be mate. Try hardly to use the thing at all, and never crack it on whilst revving. Never had any problems with my other saws either.
-
Has anyone else experienced problems with both the chainbrake band and spring snapping on their MS260? Gone through about 6 of each, either self or dealer fitted. No more than light/average chainbrake use either. Maybe I've just bought a Friday afternoon special?
-
Looks like a nice takedown, Bob. What are those Sugoi's like? Seemed a bit pricey to me (I am a tight auld git). Can you really sharpen them?
-
Great pictures! Leave the old girl be. If she does happen to fall on a rambler help yourself to the Goretex....
-
Is there a foolproof method not to stick your newly honed razor sharp spikes into your (almost always shiny new) rope? Not a common problem, but it is a bitch when it happens. Usually on a really awkward descent / chog down when there is loads of other stuff to think about.
-
Like ya style Stoxs. Done this myself. 12 bore blank alarms also useful. You must know about these Dean. Alternatively, smother your cord stack with green willow/poplar/conifer and spend your nights down the boozer with a big grin on your face. Have a good New Years fellas.
-
Leave some choice looking stuff on the top of your pile smeared with anti vandal paint or dog s***. DON'T forget where you put it, though....
-
What's the weirdest work request you've received? Company I sub for in Thanet had an old lady call and asked if they buried cats?!!! Same guys also had to cut the (rotten) vanes off a windmill.
-
I was having a bad day, alright? Can we leave it now? Thanks for your opinions,though fellas. Good and bad, it's all food for thought. Going to take some of the stick on board and concentrate on what I'm doing in 2009, not others. Have a good 'un.
-
Nearly kacked myself watching the Osman video. Mental!
-
Port. Half pint.
