Old Mill Tree Care

I've had a Jameson set for eight years, its been used a LOT and only broken one pole and two springs on the pruner head.

Dangerous things them chainsaws are. You wanna be careful!😂

Agreed.

Thanks DMc. I thought that's what you meant. So with this tether, one would use the HH as a hand ascender of sorts. Is that right? Do you still use the gold rope grab (Petzl Croll?) and if so what for?

Johnski, you inbox is full so I'll reply to your pm here. I'm glad it arrived. With a stick and some electrical tape you could cobble together a half decent tether. Also with one of those stiffies from Honey Bros you could incorporate the thimble by threading a couple of plastic zip ties through the thimble and top of the tether. I don't know how long you've been working DRT but it took me a couple of weeks to start feeling comfortable with it all the time. Persevere and keep thinking of redirects. If you work through the tree like a DRT climber you'll find it bloody hard work and find no advantage. I use a short Lyon sling with a Revolver and a long Prussik loop with one of those odd Skylotec karabs for my redirects, if a natural isn't easier. My Oak trees job was an SRT heaven. I look forward to your posts on the RW Feedback thread. All the best mate. Al

An SRT system makes work less physically demanding as you use the big muscles in your legs rather than hauling your entire weight up with arm muscles. Changing from DRT to SRT is a challenge for those of us that have been climbing DRT for years but I see no reason why a novice shouldn't climb on SRT and just learn that process. In fact my apprentice (who's just left) has just got the hang of DRT but now has a Hitch Hiker which he didn't have a problem with. SRT provides much faster access into the tree and it is way easier to get up on ascenders than man haul up. Also, for jobs such as dismantles or pollards there is no need to go to the TIP then descend to start work from the bottom. Your TIP is set before you climb which means work starts as soon as you get to the lowest branch. Once again saving you lots of energy and time.

That's the colour I've ordered Silky:thumbup1: Cool as fucp!

So that's good news chaps and Sean reassured me that if mine is faulty, Sherrill Tree will sort it out. Excellent service!:thumbup:

Ok I understand what you mean but I can't get my head around any advantage on SRT. On DRT you're pulling the rope down through the hitch but on SRT surely it means holding your weight on one arm again while you advance the hitch. Got a photo of yours?

I'm surprised you waited that long

What do you mean by a tether? Do you mean a short strop between the HH and harness?

It's whatever is the comfiest on your head. That would be a Protos. Cheaper than boots and lasts longer. Also, you'll recover faster from a foot injury than a head injury.

I totally disagree. Boots cost more and don't last as long as a helmet. Comfort is the issue here, not style or cost. A cheap helmet is sweaty and wobbles on your head. I've tried a Protos in the shop then stood outside in the breeze and I could feel the ventilation working much better than my Petzl. Not just my opinion as it was a real comparison. This helmet represents excellent value for money in my opinion and I can't wait for mine to arrive.

What Combined and Mikelawn said, seriously!😂

I'd think about a ZK2 & Hitch Climber or a Hitch Hiker. Both can be used as an SRT or DRT system. A friction saver is essential and get a Pulleysaver or Ropeguide rather than a cheap one because it saves you energy. A Petzl Pantin can be used with any system and is a superb labour saving device. A throw line with Cube and a Bigshot will also save you loads of time and energy. They may seem expensive but the labour saved is immeasurable.

So now that I've had time to reflect on Fridays job I realise what a sublime climb it really was. Three Oak trees to pollard, each about 60ft to TIP. I used the Bigshot to fire the Highball through the top of the first and middle trees, I then base tied to the middle tree. This meant that my redirect was installed before I even left the ground. Got the first tree completed and swung across to the middle tree. After that was finished I then swung in to third tree, set my redirect, worked the tree and finally swung back to the middle tree to get the top off. Down for lunch:thumbup1:. The HH was so good and I tweaked the hitch a few times until I found a sweet spot. It definitely seems that having the hitch set really really short is far superior to even a tiny bit of length on the legs. BUT I'm still struggling slightly in two areas advancing the HH up the rope. 1: While I'm on the Pantin using the sit/stand for short ascents. Do you grab the Oxan under the HH to push the HH up or do you grab the bottom of the HH and top of Oxan together? I found the latter doesn't always release the Oxan from the rope. I did find that clipping the chest strap on to the harness ring advanced the HH instantly and the rope self tailed. Brilliant. I'll try the new Cobra loop tomorrow. 2: Coming in from branch walks. A RW/HC requires rope tending by pulling up on the tail which I always thought to be ergonomically inefficient. The HH doesn't have a roller which means pulling the tail up doesn't always work as the Oxan sometimes stays locked on. Grabbing the Oxan to push the HH up works perfectly but is often awkward to get my hand in place. Has anyone figured out a slick technique yet?

Good on you Will for being so candid about your fear. It takes a very brave man to be open on this subject. Most guys believe bravado will keep them safe. I believe that recognising your limits and knowing how far to stretch yourself on a given day is the skill that will enable you to grow as a person and a practitioner. :thumbup1:

I just checked and £50+ vat is a good price for a multi use piece of gear. I would like one actually because of the simplicity and security when used as a base anchor. Still not going to buy one but I can clearly see the benefits. It's a really well thought out product isn't it. Good job ART 👍.

It's not a scam but it's completely useless. I saw the magazine and its ok but a few months after the first cold call, I got another call telling me I'd placed an advert and I'll be invoiced. I pointed out that I hadn't placed an ad and I would not be paying. He pointed out that I was legally committed due to a verbal agreement and I'd be prosecuted if I didn't pay in 7 days. I asked to speak to his boss which made him start yelling at me then he hung up. Quality. 😄👎👎💩

Erm, I was emailed by a female member of your staff to tell me that the ring issue has already been resolved. Your post above indicates that I have just been sold the last faulty product! Reassure me please.

Good video and an excellent product. I won't be buying one is there are no uses in an SRT system except a base anchor, which I already have.

IMO the Skylotec is the worst harness available. But take no notice of me because harness choice is all about comfort. It's a totally personal thing and you need to find the comfiest one for you 👍.

What exactly do you use it for? Is it well worth it or just a luxury?

Just found a piece of Cobra brace so I made a better one.

Just made this from an old piece of leather. Not brilliant and it may be an inch too short but I'll try it on Monday and see what happens.