Shane

Some of those ideas are pretty neat. Good idea

Ah... I did wonder - I'll keep an eye on it then.

I don't want this to become a Stein vs Silky thread, just after some views on the Stein saws. Having spent a fortune (I found over 60 discarded silky blades the other day) I decided to see if I can save a bit of dosh and try something else. I bought a couple of Stein 300 saws which look very similar to the Silkies but cost half as much, and the scabbards look pretty sturdy too. So far they seem spot on - anyone else have any views on them?

For carp?

That was the problem with an air cooled engine in the rear, weak heat exchangers and about a 12 ft run to get the luke warm fumes to the dash board IIRC they made a special heater for cold climates which worked by burning petrol in a separate chamber somewhere in the cab. I don't recall power steering or any assistance on the brakes either. But it didn't matter as they never went that fast.

I had one for 13 years, went all round europe in it. Absolutely brilliant vehicle. Not good for racing, but cheap hols, instant cups of tea whenever you wanted. It was possible to remove the engine in well under an hour (useful as it ate clutches on an annual basis). My kids all grew up with it and loved it. When it succumbed to a ferric oxide conversion they wanted to use it as a shed in the garden. Sadly not enough room so it went to a VW specialist as a donor vehicle. Loved it lots BOR 876J lives in our memories

Has anyone spoken to a legal professional about this? This forum is brilliant for ideas and opinion on things - people just need to be aware that we are a bunch of arborists, we aren't always going to provide a definitive answer. Some of the threads on things like towing, operators licenses, employment legislation are interesting but sometimes tend to fizzle out after accusations of lies fired at each other. A lot of people (me included) often get their opinions confused with facts.

Just to clarify, I'm not suggesting that a major height reduction (leaving some of the green) kills them, I'm suggesting that under some circumstances it stops upwards growth without killing them, and therefore allows radial spread to continue. The control of the radial spread, as many have said, is still required to stop the garden getting taken over - but if there is a magic formulait could be helpful to know. Any of you University wizzards any thoughts on this? Anyone got Shigo's phone number?

This may sound like total crud-speak (what's new) but here goes. I have done a few connies over the years and I recon theres a point at which a reduction on leylandii results in no new growth upwards! Yes, once all branches are gone it will not re-grow anyway, but I have seen many examples where a customer insisted on a massive reduction (say.. 60% height) and when we go back to trim the face 2-3 years later there is no new growth at all on the top. I'd be interested to know if anyone else has found this - or am I imagining it? If there is a point at which vertical growth is stopped it could be a useful bit of info to know.

You could have the sims characters buying interactive games where they set up their own cyber business to take over their real cyber business. It might be a lot of fun though. Just consider the size of the market though before devoting all your resource to it. Although most people on here are supportive be aware that we are a very tiny and specific sample of the population. Having said that, if you really want to do it - don't let anyone stop you. Good luck

This begs a big moral question. If our purpose is to keep everybody safe (HSWA 1974) then any action should be measured against the risk of the consequences of NOT taking that action. But there is another issue - it is not expected that someone should put their own life at risk to protect another. The emergency services are currently deep in discussion on where to draw this line. If a kamikazi arrogant tree hugger runs under a falling tree I don't know how I would react. I suspect if I thought it would lead to my own death I would not risk being a hero. As some have said above - how could it have got to this situation? I think it would be down to being able to prove that you took all reasonable precautions (Hence doing the risk assessment properly). If you can stop the work while Mr/Mrs busybody walks 'where they are entitled' at least your system of working has coped with a complete pillock. If the lowering has begun or the back cut is underway - and you can restrain them safely - do so. Your defence is surely that you are upholding the Safety of their life over and above their rights (are they legally allowed to kill themselves?) Maybe our Method Statements/Risk Assessments need to include this.

Im 56 and recon I've slowed down. My son does all the climbing, along with Spoons on some occasions. I feel I'm covered in cobwebs, as I don't climb much, like having to think about which way to flick the rope round the anchor point so everything lines up the way I want. I could earn my living climbing but only just. I still think my experience in the rigging systems counts for a lot though. I'd say if I can't quite hold my own, I could maybe hold someone else's. My school report would probably read, 'He tries hard but the limits are becoming more obvious as the years pass by'

Theres a stump grinding firm round our way called Grind Force.

Just been to look at a windblown eucalyptus. Booked in for a Saturday in January. Its root ball has just swivelled in its crater to a depth of 2 mtrs and a width of about 3mtrs Just as Claus Mettheck describes for soggy soil with a full canopy. Like a giant subbuteo player falling over. All clean breaks where the roots are 30mm or less. Will try to post a piccy later.

Could be the easiest £30 I've ever made.

He looks like Rolf Harris

Ive got to clear up a 6ft tall tree that was blown over in Offington. Haven't seen it yet but I might need the pocket-boy at least for this one. Maybe will not bother taking the chipper, just stack it all till I have more time to clear it up. Couldn't believe the guy was serious.

Treequip, Your experience was positive a lot of people on here have had less joy. The police are under-staffed and under-equipped to do their job the way they would like. Different people have had different experiences. The OP may, indeed, be jumping on a band wagon or maybe just found an amusing thing on the internet. You've made your point - it just seems like you want to bury the OP for suggesting a viewpoint with which you disagree. I think if we all paid a bit more tax (if the gov't wasn't scared to lose votes over it) then we could have a better standard of policing, health, education, roads etc. But that is just my opinion. Others may differ and I accept that.

I don't think anyone is getting too heavy about the Police. Give the guy a break. How often do we get threads on here where people get too reactive. Let's keep a sense of humour and cut down on the crucifiction of those we disagree with. Aren't we trying to encourage people to make comments and ask questions? If your biggest worry is that people on here may have different opinions to you then you are having a wonderful life - enjoy it! Merry Christmas

Well, my mate down the pub says he was abducted by aliens off the internet. the police werent interested until ..... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz sorry, what was I saying. I agree with teh above comment - chill out it's Christmas , it's a laugh not a P take.

That sound fine - ball in his court, youve offered all you can. Just don't get caught out doing a half-measure temporary fix which then fails and becomes your fault. Manage expectations and theres no nasty surprises.

Just had a call from a customer in Southwater, too much alcohol consumed by team since lunch-time finish - and we are 40 minutes away. Anyone interested? Thats Southwater in Sussex. A 30 ft tree about to fall over the footpath

Glad you got an answer - but beware.. Just because its not nesting season doesnt make it right to lob out eggs or chicks! There are differing views depending on species. This is a separate can of worms - probably best discussed off the public domain.

Depends - if you do anything on it then you could be opening the proverbial can. I would say you don't have time, get him to call someone else, you tried and stopped for quite honourable reasons. If he's now realised its dodgy, its up to HIM to find someone and not up to YOU to put your reputation on the line. Say it sounds like it needs urgent attention which you cannot give. If you don't fancy it, and are not happy with the circumstances you must NOT offer to make ity safe in any way. If you think he might be playing the 'legal' game then it's a bit like pass the parcel with a bomb in it - last to work on it is to blame. Any doubts, AVOID.

This type of question seems to crop up quite frequently, and looking at some of the comments I can see why. There seem to be so many variables, so many 'mates down the pub', retired solicitors and so on. The issues of red diesel, ops licenses and towing combinations seem a minefield. Is there a flowchart available - or an on-line questionaire which could put this lot to bed once and for all? I know sweet FA about most of this but it looks like opinions and facts have been forged together. Some threads have suggested that even the VOSA staff have different interpretations. Surely someone out there is clever enough to do us a picture- maybe the Arb Assn??? Till then I will work on the assumption that I can only do something if I KNOW its OK, ignorance of the law (even the newest regulations) is no defence.