raker

A dewalt open tool bag with a bar across the top for a handle.Quite big,but I can carry everything in it.Lots of pockets to slip chains into,and I can carry a bit more in the way of tools than the bare essentials.

Loads on the go at the mo.The only thing suffering is grass cutting.It's just not growing.We are starting early and finishing early in this heat.Everyone's wilting by lunchtime,so we're knocking off at three before anyone hurts themselves with exhaustion.Plenty of drinks on site and breaks a bit more regular. Local paper has been good.just renewed our add today.Networking is the key I find.If I run into local tradesmen on jobs we exchange a few cards to pass on.Also,although it can be a pain when you're busy,I never ignore people who walk by and want to chat.Picked up a fair bit of work this way.It's often neighbours who want to check you out.Be polite and knowledgeable and before you know it They have your card or are arranging for you to come and look at something.Be proactive.I put myself about with a can do attitude,and work with various people.Gardeners,landscapers,and builders are good people to know even if you do a bit yourself.I look on them as potential workmates rather than the competition.

Cheers Al.

Cheers guys.Yeah Matt,found moonfruit,spot on.Cheers.

Thinking about having one for a small business.I'm a bit clueless with it all so I'm looking for some advice,pro's,con's,expense,on going costs etc.Did it turn out well Cheers chaps.

I was an employee for 23 years and I now love the freedom.Different kind of worries though.It's not a bowl of cherries by any means.Pricing has been my biggest headache. I try to have a 'can do' attitude but going and doing quotes and looking at jobs doesn't mean they are in the bag.Although I enjoy climbing and tree work,I do fencing,turfing,landscaping,roofing,patios,brickwork,site clearance.What comes along,gets done. Mrs does the books.Working with other self employed people gives you an idea of how others operate.I've got a nice big gardening job,and there's a couple of decorators there too.They knock off about three.DIdn't get it at first as I turn up at 8-8.30 and do a full days work.These boys turn up at 06.45.Kick it into touch at3,miss all the traffic,get home,get the Barbie on and have the evening.Flexibility.That's what it's about.

Soak some pine cones in diesel and roll them into the holes.Rabbits don't like it too much,and will abandon the Warren.net your perimeter to keeps them out but they may still burrow in.Realistically they are best shot or ferreted.

I've got a pair of the stihl ones.felt like a couple of sizes too big.socks didn't really help.I only wear them for working in ditches.

We had a good customer like that last week.bacon sandwiches,copious amounts of tea,biscuits.it was only a small eucalip.best bit was,the woman's friend turned up and organised us two more jobs.

I was filmed once.camera on a tripod,the whole lot.wasn't a huge tree,ash I think,but it was for the duration.one of the larger limbs was overhanging their greenhouse and there was a propper war going on.I knew what they wanted but I had it down in three hours. I normally ask what the neighbours are like particularly when we are fencing.that can be a real nightmare and best avoided. Looked at a big windblown the other day.only access was a shared driveway in despute.double yellows on the street.put in a big price and hope I don't get it.

Today as it turned out.I was just going out with the dogs too.Fallen trees, some in dangerous condition at a holiday centre.They have clients in over the new year so were desperate.On it over the weekend too.First work with them and quoted for other work for the next few weeks, so we put ourselves out. Works starting to come in now with the weather and after a slow couple of weeks before christmas, its welcome and needs to be done.

46 right here.If you`ve kept yourself fit and are motivated, then why write yourself off.Its only a number.

During the winter i do two days a week loading on a big commercial game shoot.Not megabucks by any standards, but sometimes theres tips and if i use my truck to move us about between drives the others give me a fiver each. I get a fair bit of work through it as its networking and often meeting various people which is a big plus.Wouldnt mind a bit of part time keepering which i could fit in quite nicely.

Its hard to get started.I`d been doing it as a sideline for about six years.I took redundancy earlier this year, bought a couple of big ticket items, and hired a yard off a mate. Bottom line is, i dont do a great deal of treework.Its mostly landscaping, building sheds,digging out hedges,fencing, felting roofs, site clearances, digger work.A lot of it i have absolutely no interest in.A tree job is a breath of fresh air sometimes, and i`ve had a few come in just lately as word of mouth gets around, but its not what i expected, all full of enthusiasm.

No probs.Hopefully you`ve had a touch.Bargain if so.