jrose

I like the idea of buying locally in theory, and usually do for chains, two stroke oil, etc... however the local Stihl/Husky dealers don't have a lot of stock on the shelf, and warranty work is pretty pants. So when I want a new saw, decent boots & trousers etc, I usually drive 25+ miles to the nearest dealer who's half decent, or go online.

At some point in the next few days, either over the weekend or one evening I'll be going from the Forest of Dean to Witney in Oxfordshire and back if it's of any use to anyone?

"Felling cushions are also available which can be used instead of wedges. Exhaust gas from the chainsaw is used to inflate the cushion and force the tree over" Never heard of these, and youtube turned up a blank... anyone used one, or got a video of one in action? Would be interested to see!

Two things I often say to myself when facing a job I'm not really looking forward to - Death or Glory! and I'm often very tempted to literally cry Havoc! before letting slip the dogs of war... but I'd probably get a lot of funny looks if I did

Welding gloves, fairly cheap and more thorn proof than anything else I've found. Never struggled to use a ground saw in them, top handles are a bit more dicey though.

Well I haven't got anything planned for a few weeks, but in the past year work and social activities have taken me to Falmouth, Essex, Pembroke, Dumfries and probably more... Im always happy to give a lift or pick up that chainsaw that was on eBay collection only for someone! As long as they're willing to sit in a 20 year old Landy on the motorway:biggrin: And I'm sure there's other people who'd do the same, so it seemed silly to have to wait for me to go somewhere before starting thread! Joe

Hi all, It occurred to me today, after reading chipper080s thread and doing my fair share of travelling - is there any mileage in a Arbtalk lifts thread? Could be in everyones interest, both for people with no transport getting to work, and as a courier service (so if I'm driving from Gloucester to Cornwall for example, could post up here the week before in case anyone wants something picked up/dropped off in exchange for beer money) Idea pinched from one of the land rover forums which has this, is it something that might be of use on here? Joe

I know someone who is after a 130 but he's not on arbtalk, if you want to pm me an email address or phone number I can let him know?

Pm sent

I think this is an excellent idea, and would definitely be interested if such a course (or coursee available

Cheers Sean, can you PM me your number or text it, I can't find it on my phone!

Hi all, Due to a couple of people I use changing circumstances, I'd be interested in hearing from self employed freelancers in the Forest of Dean area. Nothing major, but the occasional day here and there. Must have minimum of CS30/31, own PPE and some experience (especially felling small trees & coppicing). Own saws & transport a bonus, but I can possibly lend a saw and pick you up if required for the right person. PM me on here or contact 07882 101819. cheers, Joe Rose

Thanks a lot - so I just have to contact DVLA and ask them to upgrade it?

As far as I was aware, a "standard" Landy pickup/hard top/station wagon is plated for 3,000kg(ish), the Hi Cap & 130s are 3,500(ish)? Had the idea chassis was stronger in certain places, also maybe different springs. I could be completely wrong though cheers, Joe

Out of interest, how much work is it to get a standard 110 pickup upgraded to high cap rating? Can the chassis be strengthened, or is a whole new chassis required? Sorry for the slight derail!

I just had my older (G reg) 110 converted before Christmas - I don't do a lot of big jobs at the moment, and know a few people with transits or similar I can call when I need more capacity. I paid 1900 for the Landy a couple of years ago (200tdi standard pickup) and paid 1500 for the conversion including the body, which I found on eBay from an ex army land rover. It made sense for me to do it this way, as by the time I got to needing a tipper I'd had the truck for a couple of years and knew what was good and not!

I have a pair of SIP freedom trousers which are great for thorny, spiky stuff as they seem fairly indestructible. They're ok for climbing in, but I tend to save the hiflex for climbing. it's a good idea having two pairs of trousers, as if one gets really soaked and muddy you can wear the others the next day and give them a chance to dry properly!

Thanks for the replies everyone, I realised my mobile contract was expiring in March so have changed over to Virgin Mobile and got a Sony Xperia smartphone with unlimited internet, texts and calls to landlines for £8 more a month than before... will see how I get on with this, then take it from there. Pleased with the internet and email so far, it says it can do office stuff but I've yet to test that out. Thanks again! Joe

I use a few type 1 & 2 where needed, could do with a few more especially type 29/30.

Hi all, After some advice - I've always used a desktop computer, but recently I'm struggling to keep on top of everything as it means I have to be at home, not distracted by anything else before I can deal with emails, paperwork etc... I think I might have to enter the 21st century, and I'm not sure how! Ideally I'm after some sort of device that lets me check emails, browse a couple of websites and ideally allow simple editing of word and excel documents, also view PDF files. I've just been looking on PC World, and I'm very confused I seem to have the option of: Laptop - expensive, big? So probably not the answer. Netbook - like a laptop, but smaller? Can you go on the internet out and about, or just at home on wireless? Ultrabook - I've not a clue what this is Tablet - a basic one is about the price I'm looking at, but how much can you do with one? Is it more a laptop without the keyboard, or a glorified phone? Smartphone - how much can you sensibly do with one of these? Any advice gratefully received! Looking to spend roughly £150-200ish, so nothing really expensive just something to let me read emails etc in the truck at lunch

another vote for the 365, just brought one a couple of weeks ago and been very pleased with it so far, it's not high revving but got plenty of grunt.

Make one! You need a tightish fork off thorn or hazel, basically make the "V" sign with your fingers, close them slightly and that's the sort of size and shape you're aiming for. Cut it off just below the fork and finger length above, then using a power drill or similar make a slot for your belt in one of the forks. Job's a goodun, your billhook will now slot into your fork and hang there! Can post some pics if required tomorrow...

HP Ultra cos the local shop sells either normal Stihl red oil or HP

I use NGK as that's what the local dealers all sell, I try and replace once a year or so, never had one stop working so far...

My two cents - with regards to cancellations, if I get to the yard in the morning and it's wet, emergency, broken truck or whatever, I usually take the hit - the day's still young, and I can always go and cut some firewood, catch up on admin, etc. If we drive to site, then find there's a problem and back to the yard without starting anything, I have to charge something, usually half a day as it might be 10.30 by the time I'm away. With regards to breakages, if I'm at fault I couldn't go home happy without offering to pay for/fix the damage, or have it taken out of my invoice, and would expect anyone working for me to do the same. But if I got given a rake that was held together with sellotape and hope, I wouldn't lose any sleep if it fell apart while I was using it as it was clearly on the way out anyway... It's all common sense at the end of the day, occassionally you need to take a hit to maintain a good relationship with the people who employ you IMO