Andrew Barrett

I'd like to try them but haven't seen them in the UK.

I've been busy testing out five different round files and 3 different flat files and thought I might share my conclusions. ROUND FILES: I compared new files from the following brands: Bahco, Go-part, Oregon, Stihl and Vallorbe. The clear winner was Vallorbe: it filed smoothly but still took a lot off with each rub. The Oregon file was also smooth but didn't take off much material with each rub. The Bahco, Go-part & Stihl files were all similar: they took off a decent amount of material but didn't run smoothly and tended to grab and skid. Windsor files are similar to the Vallorbe ones - they take plenty off but are still very nice and smooth. I was using the Windsor ones but can't get hold of them anymore. FLAT FILES: I bought an Oregon flat file a while back but quickly realised it was no better new than the old Husqvarna one I had used up! So, I compared Go-part, Oregon, and Vallorbe flat files. The Oregon one is poor - it skids and won't bite in well. I've just sharpened my hedge trimmer doing a few teeth then switching between the Vallorbe and Go-part files until all the teeth were done. I concluded there was nothing in it: they are both good and I would choose based on price. The Go-part file is a little wider - same width as my old Husqvarna (came with a filing kit). The Vallorbe is narrower - same width as the Oregon.

Thanks - I think that's excellent advice.

I'm not considering the Jensen 540 turntable as it is too big and heavy (even forgetting about price!). It is not really a competitor machine to the QuadChip: the Jensen is a 7.5" machine vs 6" and weighs 1,450kg vs. 750kg for the QuadChip. Even the 6" Jensen 530 turntable version weighs 1,060kg according to the Redwood website. The Redwood/Jensen guys are adamant that it is not possible to build a sub-750kg 6" turntable machine without compromising badly on build quality.

I'm seriously thinking about buying a Greenmech QuadChip 160 but am concerned about reliability. In the last three years I've bought two new chippers from different manufacturers that have both had serious reliability problems within 150 hours of usage from new. I can't afford to buy another dog. I've tested the QuadChip 160 & Jensen 530. I like the features and the low weight of the QuadChip - but I'm concerned that they may have had to make too many compromises to achieve this. My concerns were not eased by the faulty roller spring (that I had to point out to them!) on the last demo QuadChip I've just tried. So, how are people finding their QuadChips? Are they reliable? Have you had any problems? Are you happy with your purchase and would you have made the same decision knowing what you know now. Thanks very much for your help, Andrew.

I bought one a couple of months ago and I've been a bit disappointed. One end of the friction cord wasn't sealed properly and has gone all 'fluffy'. I should really have returned it but was lazy and think it is only cosmetic as the loop is stitched up but the quality seems to be poor - especially compared with friction cord that came with my Hitch Climber. I'm also not keen on the thin diameter rope - I like to use it as a separate positioning lifeline so bought the 7m version but don't like the feel of it. I have also found that it seems to be quite susceptible to damage and within a few days of using it the rope had quite a bit of surface damage (though this could just have been me/the job I was on). On the other hand, in general having a system like this is excellent. I switched from using a length of climbing rope with a knotted loop in the end and a prussik loop with no pulley. Also have a hip bag. The new system is miles better but I don't think you need to buy the CE Lanyard kit. Most new stuff I've bought recently I like (e.g. Hitch Climber, Stein single bollard, small Impact Block, 16mm Yale Polydyne rigging rope, Stein large rope bag). My other recent disappointment was my new 300mm Silky Tsurugi. I'm used to the curved Zubat 330 and I think I'll sell the Tsurugi and buy a new blade for my Zubat.

Sorry, forgot to say, if you message me to let me know you're interested please let me know your day rate. Cheers, Andrew

We're a small tree work business needing occasional days from a sub-contract groundsman. If things work out maybe ending up with 2-3 days per week. We're based near Tewkesbury in North Gloucestershire but do most of our work in Cheltenham. You'd have to be fine with working some long days. If the job goes well there will be extra money for extra time but not necessarily. We make sure we pay very promptly - on the last day of work done each week, usually by direct bank transfer. You'll need to bring your own PPE and to have CS 30/31. Preferably have your own ground saw but not a requirement. We supply fuel and oil for saws. Thanks, Andrew Barrett