Marc Lewis

I (politely for me) asked a guy to leave the phone for a bit cos we were working.
 
”I’m dealing with something important!” was his reply.

I can't say I have ever seen anyone stretch before or after tree climbing. And would guess it would be welcomed with ridicule and tease, certainly with some of the people that I have worked with over the years. That said it could be a wise thing to do to help prevent injury and strain and something that I would not be surprised becomes more common in this ever changing world we live in.

Are you talking rock or tree climbing?

What's the Nate video?

Alder

Without someone having a look at them it’s a bit unfair on the OP to portray him as whatever some people are saying.
 
They could be an easy fell and extraction, in which case it’s a good deal.

Or you could lose the grigri and climb on the prussik loop.

Anytime I’m having nerves or doubt, I watch this video!  It’s a back to basics big balls, big saw and a set of spikes. Get up it and get it done.  There no gadgets or shortcuts!  The humble legend that is Graham McMahon.
 
 

Did he stop and sharpen it or just carry on?

Looks like you might have just got away with that with only minor damage Rich, did you?

I have a Hilix with an auto gear box.  I live in Norway and as the rumour goes, it does snow and get cold here.
 
I tow chippers and trailers with a tracked chipper on quite a fair bit.  The only problem I’ve had was losing it on sheet ice one day, trying to get up a long incline.  Ended up about 40 metres back down the hill, jackknifed and the trailer/chipper combo down an embankment and the hilix stuck in a snow bank.
 
Going down hill, either click the gearbox into semi and keep to 1 or 2 gear.  Or even easier hit the DAC button (Downhill Assist Control) and let the engine do the work for you.
 
 

Llandovery, mid Wales.

15 - 20% to start. Then brute force it. If necessary, back off the tension and deepen the kerf cuts a little, and repeat

That's it mate, you got it! Can make multiple back cuts if needed, like in the kerf bending pics in Ped's post...
 
Not something I do very often, but it's an option. Only works on a sound tree obviously. Did a 18 inch diameter dying ash thus way last summer, wee plants all over beneath. Bent it right over with a tirfor, in the end the stem was horizontal to the ground, still attached.

I believe it is a proper technique, used in the states a bit.

As has been said, make sure you get ones with all 3 legs adjustable.

Sadly I haven’t any images of when I first started out on machines, that was a 2 wheel drive JCB 3cx with no Extending arm.
Promotion to an old C registration 4wd non turbo black cab Sitemaster and finally given my first new machine a Case 580sk non Turbo.
Sadly this burnt out, and it’s replacement was a Case 580sk Turbo in this image.
 
Took me an awful lot of years of operating for others to be able to have a shot on my own.

Yes but it’s that heart sink moment when you think you’re over half way but then your groundie shouts up you’ve only done a third [emoji30]
Soul destroying

Mendip woodshavings might be able to help.

Whether it was necessary or not, it's still a tidy idea and I like it.

Just seen:
 
 
 
But as his bessy oppo Jim Davidson properly points out, he died after a strong fight (presumably cancer) with - not of - C19. 
 
Media can’t even get simple reporting right. 
 
 

Can you get a machine to take the tre down rather than a big heavy crane?

Overlandfabricate them for the Schliesing chippers you might find some pictures on their website.

Safer to cut and hold with a topper than with a ground saw imo.

Yes. 
We get a lot of rain but it’s nice when the sun shines