aob9

Yep, the grinder is still going strong. I had a minor problem with the belt slipping off the drive pulley on occasion. Fixed it by fitting a washer between the tension pulley assembly and the frame of machine. Engine's as strong as a horse, it only dies if the teeth have rounded and I'm pushing too hard. I couldn't keep that up for long anyhow.........too much like hard work.

As OP I have to admit to flinging a small husky 240 as well. It was my first saw and a total POS. One day while trying to start it yet again I lost my temper and bounced it off the concrete floor in my garage and kicked it under the bench where it lies to this day. Luckily there was no bar and chain on it so I managed to save the best bits. That's the some of my machine aggression to date though, I usually quickly calculate how much dancing on a piece of kit will cost and take it out on something else instead.

I would recommend an RHS level 2 qualification to give you a good background in horticulture. Even if you go on to specialise in turf care a good understanding of soil types etc. will help you make good decisions as a service provider.

Or worse again, dumping it in a clearing close to the roadside. My green waste disposal bill was over €1500 last year while (some) these guys litter the countryside with their rubbish.

I just laughed out loud while reading on another forum (sorry ) about a guy that beat the s**t out of his Stihl FS85 strimmer. It was totally unreliable and he had enough of it. The only way he could get any satisfaction from it at this stage was to do a Basil Fawlty on it. So, anybody willing to admit beating the crap out of a piece of gear...........and feeling better for the decision????

Thanks for the link. The Corona is purchased at this point but I see they have other equipment of interest. I would never have found this site only for your link and I have tried quite hard to locate online Irish retailers in forestry equipment.

Yes, I'm going to go for this one. AbbeyGardens have one in stock. The saw blade feature can act as a spare as I already have a Bahco. That would pose a problem alright. Thanks guys.

Just came across this thread. I've had a customer put a spirit level against his kitchen window to check the line on a hedge before he wrote the cheque.

My current "cheapie" pole pruner finally fell apart. I've read a few threads here on manual pole pruners which have lead me to choose between these two. Fiskars Telescopic Universal Cutter Anvil P34-27-3MF Tree Pruner & Pole Two very different mechanisms. The only comment I can make on the Bahco is the telescopic pole tends to loosen during use ( I already have one with a saw blade). Has anyone got a preference for either mechanism.

Hi Nick, thought I might get your attention.

Diesel and waste are killing me too, insurance has also gone up. I'm now being squeezed from both sides and it won't be long before I'll be a loss making business. Add to that the absolutely awful weather and you can see why I'm moaning. That's my rant for today, I'll leave it at that:cursing:

Work is incredibly scarce here in general landscaping/maintenance. If this keeps up I'll have to throw my hat at it......and if I get one more (potential) customer moaning about prices I'll throw my hat at HIM.

I wish I had seen this thread before I ordered some equipment from Abbeypro. Order placed on 1st April, about 10 phone calls and 23 days later I'm still waiting.

My only problem with being self employed is I get worried when the phone stops ringing. I hate January and have often considered packing it in at this time of year, only to be glad I didn't when Spring comes around.

Tried it in all my machines for a while but it worked out far too expensive. Price competition means I can't force customers to stump up for the extra expense. I just use it in hedge cutters now as that's where I get most exposure to fumes.

I'd get the boulder out of there to be honest.Maybe put in something herbaceous to close the gap between the fence and the entrance.It doesn't have to be so high as to block the view of the road. Fence looks really nice.

I actually like Tanaka gear. I have two hedge cutters, a pole saw and a (small)chainsaw with the Tanaka badge and they have never let me down. I can't say the same for husky hedge cutters, never had any luck with them.

Gave up the fags, eat reasonably healthy diet, work is my exercise, love a couple ( just a couple) of tinnies in the evenings....and I'm not giving that up..

Point taken on the rakers.Cheers

Thanks, it's a 91vg chain on a 12" bar. It's a small Tanaka saw I use for light work. I have a Jonsered 2152 for heavier work. I purchase my chains from a local outlet and this is the first time I've seen this. Yes indeed, I might have thrown a chain but I'm glad to know that this is something (else) I need to keep an eye out for.

I'll give you my opinion for what it's worth! If you're starting a business you've got to take pride in it and in yourself. So, on the basis of that you need to consider * Give your business a name ( register it if you wish), create a logo * Register to pay your taxes *Get yourself insured, it's not expensive and you can pay by the month, there's no excuse for not being insured. * Decide to take pride in your work, that includes doing the very best you can for customers and seeking advice where necessary ( here for example). Don't take chances with trees or hedges if you're unsure, bad word spreads much faster than good. * Advertise, but be aware of the fact that nothing beats good word of mouth ( or conversely bad word spreads fast) I understand you are starting out so initially just get insured and go out there and do a good job.The rest can follow ( sooner rather than later). When you build up some cash I would advise you to get a CS30/31 (at least) if you intend to fell trees as you suggested. I really find it amusing that you intend to charge a premium to fell trees, yet you're not getting insured and you have no tickets ( correct me I'm wrong). Technically, you don't need tickets but of all the gear in my shed the chainsaws get most respect. You would be doing yourself a disservice by not having them........... Before you say that I'm getting carried away here, remember this; The type of customer you want is the person that will pay you properly and allow you to make a decent living. In return, they deserve a person that knows what he/she is doing, is insured, professional,trustworthy and well presented.

Just looking for a little advice. Does anyone know why this may have happened. Luckily, I spotted it on a routine check after refueling. The bar is reasonably new with no wear and no obvious signs of damage. Oiling is fine and the chain was not too tight (IMO).

TANAKA THT 2520SB (Smart Start) Pro Hedge Trimmer - Hedgetrimmers Online Tanaka Hedge Trimmers Buy UK Got two of these, have a lot of hours on the clock and never let me down (yet). The "quick twist" handle is a gimmick IMO, never use it.

Designed my Logo on Vistaprint http://www.vistaprint.co.uk using their own selection. I chose a font and colours that I liked and put the lot together for a few quid. Once it's downloaded ( and paid for of course) it yours to use as you wish. I use the same colour scheme for everything associated with the business, letterheads, flyers, cards, invoices etc. I have also tried to use the same scheme on my website. I got a professional to design and print the van using my logo for about €500. The back outlines the services I provide but I don't have a photo to hand. I'm happy enough with it, it gets noticed.

Thanks, will opt for one on ebay. Cheap and to the point.