Minotaur

Five tonne trailer - I call that a little over the legal limit! Thanks for all the replies. Still undecided - I really like Hilux's but the current models don't seem to be up the the workman like quality of the old model. Although some of the Aussie sites might say different. One of my worries with a Lux would be the official tow weight of 2250kg, but they are plated to 2800kg, so a bit puzzling!?!? Search continues - let me say I agree that a 79 series Cruiser would walk it, but unfortunately there are'nt any over here inthe UK, and christ knows how long and how much it would take to import one. Although my brother does live in Sydney - mmmmmmmm, maybe gonna give him a call!

Lovely bit of kit - bet its priced to match though!

Gutted for you James Got it all crossed that they sever their legs have to call an ambulance and then your kit is found - well you know what i mean.

I can see both sides to the opinions/arguement here - if you've only got a couple of weeks work then you shouldn't really be doing the job, certainly not without another experienced hand to guide you, and be the second rescue climber. However, we all have to start somewhere, but best if you get that experienced person on board, and maybe look for a job with an established firm. If you don't have the experinced person to call on, then approach an established firm to do the job and keep a few quid and work with them for the experience. Just my tuppence worth!

Got quite a few friends in the forces, one of whom has recently returned from Afhan/Stan/ghan. Those lads are one of the worlds Elite fighting units, Royal Marine Commandos, to be having to deal with that sh*t on a daily basis must be gut wrenching and morale draining but they do it for each other. They'd happily fight an enemy they can see, but you can't fight hidden bombs, IEDS and w***kers who use kids to do their dirty work. My thoughts are with them all the way. Come home safe lads.

Tully, I totally agree with you, however, your decision whether to charge or not obviously depends on your relationship with the client, poss future work, referrals, whether this might effect you and your reputation etc, etc But I would do the job on the re-appointed day, then maybe have a civil discussion with the client - maybe he agrees to pay a few for your lost day/costs. Better luck next time.

What is the score regarding PA1 & PA6, does everyone require them by law or are there 'grandfathers rights', think the terminology is right, like driving 3500-7500 tonne trucks and towing trailers before or after certain test dates? Hope that makes sense? Chris

Looking for LOLER course suppliers in Kent or SE England Please Ta in advance

Just wondering what the opinions are out there, with regards alround performance/on road/off-road/fuel economy etc from the Jap pick ups. Pref from those that have tried/driven/owned more than one Ford Ranger/Mazda Mitsubishi L200 Toyota Hilux current shape MK6/7 Nissan NP300 - old shape Others???

Hodge do you use the 130 as your everyday vehicle or is it in addition to another truck - just wondered as the rear box/pick up body seems a bit small, and I worrying that if I opt for a doucle cab I mind struggle with the size and space. How have you found it?

Agree with alot of whats been said: Graham, Hamdryad, etc But the problem with all these things is the few people who step out of line and take their 4x4's off-the track, trail bikers who tear about with no care for others, quite a few ramblers who think that they should have the right od acess alone, and farmers who block ROW or padlock gates, put up posts etc. I am a 4x4 driver and enjoy walking, have driven some lanes and ROW, and have suffered all the above - makes my blood boil at times. Don't see the ramblers doing much to help, but several groups of 4x4 users have helped re-build paths, lanes, ROW etc, using their 4x4's to pull in the materials needed to execute the repair. But as said the ramblers will win in the end!

I have got the info from a couple of body builders, as I have been looking at the size and weights etc.

Matt great thread mate well done. Can't believe how much you do/have done as a volunteer, got alot of respect for you for that. No chance of getting taken on full or part time as a Ranger? Good luck and keep them coming. Chris

Supposing the following approx sizes then approx cubic metre capacities will be: LR130 single cab, 2.65m long – 8’8”, 1.85m wide – 6’, 1m - 3’3” or 39”, high= 4.9 cubic metres approx – if built to 1.2m high = 5.8 cubic metres approx LR130 crew cab, 1.70m long – 5’6”, 1.85m wide – 6’, 1.2m – 47” high = 3.75 cubic metres approx LR110 single cab, 2.15m long – 7’,1.85m wide – 6’, 1.2m – 47” high = 4.75 cubic metres approx Hope that helps

TreeDrAlex - who is the trainer at EMSC?

Hands up didn't look at the photos in the album before posting them up - wrist slapped.

So is this a recommendation or a legal requirement?

Why don't they just add another cost/stealth tax to the ever growing list!? Some colleges have been stating that tickets are only valid for 3 years period - for sometime now. It is not the case - at present!

There are good and bad examples of any vehicle ever made. All depends on the service history, treatment, condiotions its been driven in, etc Unfortunately some vehicles, particularly British built are also subject to the 'friday afternoon syndrome'! - poor build quality! Jap and some German vehicles are less prone to the build quality issues but can be prone to the advances of rust! I have driven both LR's - 110's, 130's, Disco's and RR's and Toyota 70's, 80's and 100's - extensively and overlanded models from both manufacturers. Toyota Land Cruisers are a good alternative: 100's, or 80's also known by some as Amazons - these run 4.2td or 4.5/4.7 petrol engines or 70's, 90's aka Prado's 3.0td and also some 2.4td older models and 3.2 petrols. Great bits of kit, many also have diff locks as standard, known for their reliability but definitely more expensive for parts etc - obviously need less of them. Whatever you buy, look for the best you can get/afford - look on the club forums etc, as the trucks owned by fans of the brand are often better loved and cared for - true of any make /model. Waiting to be shot down in flames by the LR loving crowd.

Wind blown - 75-80 ft odd Beech. Root plated had all but completely rotted away - very lucky that this tree fell where it did. Any other way and it would have hit one of the surrounding properties, and as it came down in the early hours it would very likely have crushed the occupants in their beds!

Easy Lift Guy perhaps a bit of thought for your safety and family - replace that 'thing' with something remotely modern!

Did anyoner notice/remember the names /surname of the family?

Absolutely superb, I want to see it in the 'flesh'

My Mrsput together a playlist that my kids reckon are y favourite track: Boom Boom Pow - Black Eyed Peas Rock That Body - ditto I Gotta a Feeling - ditto London Calling - The Clash Rock the Casbah - The Clash Should I stay or should I go - The Clash I walk the Line - Johnny Cash Ring of Fire - Johnny Cash Every Day I Love you less and less - Kaiser Chiefs I predict a riot - Kaiser Chiefs Never miss a beat - Kaiser Chiefs Sex on Fire - Kngs of Leon Californicatio - Red Hot Chilli Peppers Take me I'm yours - Squeeze Pulling Mussels - Squeeze Good Feeling - Flo-Rida Paradise - Coldplay Every Teardrop is a waterfall - Coldplay ft Rihanna Princess of China - Coldplay Re-wired - Kasabian Tears are not enough - ABC Under the Bridge - Chilli Peppers Give it away - Chilli Peppers Fortune faded - Chilli Peppers Save the Population - Chilli Peppers Spanish Metal - Kaiser Chiefs Like it too much - Kaiser Chiefs Good Days Bad Days - Kaiser Chiefs Always Happens Like THat - Kaiser Chiefs Weather with you - Crowded House Don't Dream Its Over - Crowded House Fall at your feet - Crowded House Pretty damn good playlist imo

Spotted this at a recent job - its huge, must be 6ft high