Dilz

I agree - though its probably personal - and due to not using SRT exclusivley - but i can climb around much quicker and more confident on DdRT - On big trees I use SRT for access and then leave this line in as an emergancy line, tool line and as an express elevator line - no more missed cups of tea, no more busting bladder - just climb back to the SRT system swap over then zip down. YOu can even forward plan and think right - im going out on this side of the tree on DdRT and then i'll finish up down there so i can then pre set zagnwrench system i use to be around that heigh, so I skip around on the double rope down a side and then access back up to the top with SRT. That said its hard in the begning because it is different, it is a lot of faffing about, a young bloke i work with just hauls himself around on a double rope system, he's at the top of most trees by the time every one else has clipped there ascenders on and sort out anchors, BUT he is going to blow his shoulder out in his 30's like a lot f people i know have done (myself included) - and that is one of the biggest advatages as has already been said that once you get use to it, and it gets smoother, you save alot of energy on big climbing days.

Its time to ditch my Austria 3.0 it was an ok harness, though its never really got on so well with my back - though the additional bulky shoulder straps made it really great for hanging a big saw off - i got sick of the TM ending up around my armpits on big reduction days - the thing never seemed to stay in place - but then im built like a racing snake - or at least early 30 something me was when i had the TM but at least when it was new it felt like really solid back support. Thinking of switching back to TM but the Petzle sequoia 2019 has caught my eye but also interested to hear what folk have to say - I have lower and middle back issues, nothing major just the muscles struggling to keep up with the brain, that and a spot of arthritis. Any feedback much appreciated.

I have a IML Resi F-400 with the electronic unit I got for a bargain from a retiring Arborist. I used it fair bit the first couple of years i owned it but not so much now. The thing is the yearly calibration costs - quite high with the electronic unit - IM wondering if it's entirely necessary as i don't use it very much and it says on the website that it is advisable, not compulsory to have it configured every year. That said a juicy bit of inspection work is looking like its heading my way - I'm wondering about using the Resi as an additional tool for some sonic tomography. This will be a full written report job for a government agency - Will I be potentially at risk for including the findings of the resistance drilling in the reports using a device that has gone past the date for annual calibration (by a couple of years....). In my own mind yes - I'll be better off sending it off for calibration and service just to make sure I'm covered - but I wish they would have a setting per number of readings made rather than run of an internal clock.

Hello! Looking for some recommendations for companies offering the LOLER competent person course - preferably close to North Lincs.

Though it aint about the cost - its about the snap hook.

The blood runs a thick blend of Scotts and Yorkshires finest - so spending money is something my genes take to without protest.

crikey - never thought of that... - Yeah the doubles are great - I honestly can't see why they changed them.

5 years of use - to me = 5x(365x8) = loads of life left in it yet - they say use is one week per year for 5 years - thats way conservative imop (probably covering their arse) Its like the Treemotion only has a lifespan of 3 months (at least when i first read the small print some moons ago on the TM)

So what is it for flip lines then?

They were epic for smashing through ivy covered ash trees - saw a bloke nearly slice one with a 660 in the tree...i manage well with 13mm - though the cover does make a difference.

that sounds about right - not too much harm in changing it now - there has started that whisper of - am i sure this is a sounds bit of kit - and that has always been the prelude to changing it out - that said I've got 15 year old krabs that I feel sound on. And i guess i could get use to not using the old two-way snap hook - but to be honest it will be very sorely missed having tried other karabiners and the 3 way snap hook.

id guess mine is - its an old yale one though - it is the same type that the guy was using the broken - but it was maybe 12 years old....

A while back a lad in Sweden took a fall as his flip line had rusted behind the thimble - apparently couldn't been seen as it was under the rope cover - anywhoo - my flip line has a good few years on it (6/7??) - and i dont want to change it as it has the good old two way snap hook on it - I have no idea what the shelf life of a flip line is....but my current one looks alright to me. I am pretty much of the mind though if I'm starting to question it is best to replace it.

You think deep and dangerous thoughts! But yeah - a top tie with SRT generates a lot less force on the anchor point.

Exactly - the rope (black marlow) has a fair amount of stretch in it and I think this system would give it a lot more stretch to absorb to logs when they first drop onto the line.

Yeah a mate ive been chatting to has just brought that up - the ring at the top would have to take the load from the running end of the speed line and down to the base - but then the angle needs to be taken into account - A very rough calculation (and not allowing for any shock absorbtion and based on the log being snatched to a stop at the end of a rope) a 200kg log dropped 0.5m (generating 625kg of force) with an angle of 70degrees at the top ring would generate 775kg of force at the top point (387,5 at the base and other end of the speedline This is i reckon is quite a fair bit over the forces that should be generated using the set up i have in mind but its just a rough calculation

more looking for confirmation on this question - but - it relates mostly to when having to drop stem pieces on a speedline when the line is set on the stem (i.e just below the chog about to be pushed) Instead of tieing off the speed line rope using a running bowline or timber hitch at the top - would a base tie and running the rope through a ring on a whoopie sling or similar at the top allow for greater energy absorption due to the increase of rope in the system? To me it makes sense and tomorrow i will try it out . I also think the forces will be better distributed rather than everything focused at the top.

that's a fair motivation - alas i don't have a mortgage. Debt free = carefree = cripple

wheres the fun in that?

It's rare i slip, but mainly get knocks when going for it, jumping and swinging around having a good old time of it, most the time it isn't a problem but sometimes I misjudge or slip, Only got one set of knees and they haven't exactly had it easy.

Any one use knee pads to help protect against knocks when climbing? Was thinking of trying some military flexible type ones - i can imagine it will limit some movement but my knees have rather high mileage and take a bit longer to get over being bashed.

Bejeeezus...im glad im a) setting my own rate and b)living a long way from brexit island.

Nah not really - pros and cons - when subbing quite a few jobs i get put on are charged hourly to the customer ( usually city clients or fussy garden owners - Charging hourly came about from being on a day rate when the employees were by the hour - I was trying to smash through work and go home and they wanted long days - after a couple of weeks of roundabouts and no swings (10-12hr days no flyers) it just wasnt going to work as my daay rate was based on an average of 8hrs - so i switched to charging hourly. ( and i aint that cheap so financially im pretty sound) This company gives me heaps of work, and its only rare when i get anything less than 6 hours paid for the day - Yeah sure the odd dropped hour adds up but if so do the odd extra hours... though i miss the lets get this done vibe home by lunch with the money in the bank - but as a result - with that company - accidents and breakages are pretty rare and usually due to noobs rather than rushing, and its usually relaxed working with the crew.

I asking more about when working as a freelancer/subby to another company vs pricing your own jobs.

I agree - if its a day rate - but what about hourly agreements?