KingoftheRing

What were you doing over there? Work? I lived there for a long time.

I've reduced the price, so if anyone is after a well looked after pickup, please look in arbtrader.

I developed this really badly late last year and couldn't even pick up a glass of water. Desertrat from here suggested a tennis elbow strap: http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=tennis+elbow+strap&tag=googhydr-21&index=aps&hvadid=9030087665&hvpos=1t3&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=163995846569750317&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&ref=pd_sl_4fija3qyny_e I didn't want to pay that much, so went to the poundshop and bought a knee strap (elastic with velcro end) for £1. I feel your pain. It has taken me nearly 3 months to get my arm sorted. Still not 100% but the strap really helps. More than I thought it would. Best £1 I ever spent!

Shameless plug: Sadly my beloved Mazda has to go as I'm moving abroad. It's advertised in the classified if anyone is after a ready to work arbtruck.

The single cabs in good condition are hard to find. I had to travel to get mine. It's up for sale in the classifieds if you change your mind

I've got a Mazda B2500 (basically a Ranger, but better ). Been really impressed with mine and sad I'm having to sell her.

This would do it, cheap as chips: Toolstation > Hand Tools > Builders Tools > Tarpaulin I bought a large one and set up a makeshift cover to work under whilst plyboarding my van. Put over the roof, tie down with rope using the eyelets. Job done.

Same as everyone else, I'm very sorry for you, must have been totally gutting to lose him. My dog's prey drive is so strong, he takes off after anything. So sadly for him, he is always on a lead when out now. I really hope the new pub brings you some fun and excitement.

Just thought I'd update. My partner and I are going to Canada in 2 months. I was certainly hoping to find more work before then, but things have been quiet. I've pm'd people personally who have contacted me. Cheers

I'm not suspect !!! Pm sent

I'm with Arborisk for public liability. They do a sole trader package. Mine's just under £400 for £10mil. That includes climbing and groundwork.

Liking them

I fully understand how hard the economic climate is for everyone (employers, workers wishing to gain employment, and self-employed contractors). I'm experiencing it first hand.

I'm on a crusade for groundies tonight The main problem I have with including holidays, training etc is that it can sometimes be used as a way to justify lower wages. Is an employer providing PPE not a legal requirement? I'm of the opinion that if you employ a person, then it is your duty to provide them with the tools/equipment/skills necessary to do the job. It's about investing in your workforce which ultimately betters the company as a whole.

Sounds fair.

Just to clarify I'm not referring to a trainee/apprentice who needs another groundie to supervise him at all times, but an experienced groundie who knows what he is doing. The OP states the worker is 27 and has CS30/31, has 3 years experience in the job. Don't get me wrong, I currently have very little work and a consistent £65 a day would make me very happy at the moment. However, I believe £65 a day is cheap. Would you pay a climber that? As I said earlier, a good groundie and a good climber make a great team. They are in many ways equal. One does his job in the tree, one does his job on the ground. The holidays and other stuff are irrelevant. Many other jobs provide these but without the risks involved in tree work. Edit: just seen that the wage offered is now at £70.

Not wishing to get flamed but I believe a good groundie is on a similar footing to a good climber: A good groundie can think ahead of the climber, anticipate what he might need next. A good groundie can direct climber when doing reductions etc A good groundie can be an asset when doing dismantles (placement of lowering device to prevent over shaking of tree, good control of lowering line letting it run etc). A good groundie watches out for the climber's safety. A good groundie moves the climbers rope if he thinks it might get snagged before being asked. A good groundie chats to customers. A good groundie takes time to move things that might get broken (plant pots). A good groundie does a lot of hard work clearing branches etc It's been a long time since I worked in a professional environment on the trees but when I did I worked as a groundie and a climber. Some days, I swore it was easier being a climber. I expect a groundie and climber to work as an equal team. There have been posts asking where all the good groundies are but if you are paying £65 a day, can you expect great groundies?

PM sent

Poor owner, terrible event. Hope the dog is found safe and well.

I was hoping people contact me via PM, just so personal details/ phone numbers weren't splashed about on tinternet. It's not a problem though. Happy New Year folks

I can't comment on the felling superstition, but even whilst wearing leather gloves, I still end the day after trimming Holly hedges or doing Holly reductions feeling like a pin cushion!

Just want to add some things: A lot of my previous experience has been in domestic tree surgery, but I am hoping as a 2 man team, that we would travel and work and get involved in commercial forestry/felling. It would be a case of moving from one contract to another. The money might not be great to start with. Please don't expect to earn huge amounts. My thinking is simply that some money is better than none. It is just an idea I have to see if a 2 man team can be put together and travel to get work. Any questions, please PM

I'm looking for another groundsman/chainsaw operator to work with and form a 2 man team that can be mobile and travel around England to where the work is. I'm based in Leicestershire, so this would suit someone from the Midlands area. The person needs to be/have: Basic certificates such as CS30 + 31, Their own PPE, Their own ground saw, Good work ethic, A self-employed contractor. Other bonus attributes: Experience in commercial felling, Doesn't mind working in all weathers, PL Insurance, A vehicle, Felling equipment. To make this clear, I will not be employing anyone, but am looking for a self-employed individual. The team will be a 50-50 split of any money after expenses have been paid. I have no fixed work arranged, or any guarantee of work. HOWEVER, if a 2 man team can be put together, I think as a crew, we could travel and find work. A 2 man team can be much more versatile than 1 man on his own. If there is anyone out there in Arbtalk world, who like me, is looking for work and doesn't mind travelling, please send me a PM. Happy New Year

I made the sides, just cut some plyboard to fit the shape of the wheel arch and they slot straight down the side. Really easy to do.