David Dobedoe

Kevin, your right it is a simple question. My other pullys are 'impact' versions or much smaller again. I was assuming a karabiner type connection just couldn't find confirmation in Isc documentation and website. I can see advantages and disadvantags to using a bow shackle or mallion rapid instead of a Karabiner.

Thanks Jay. That's what I was thinking. Given the pully is rated for 70Kn and 16mm rope I can imagine people putting some big loads on these and the Karabiner being the weakest link. I personally want to use it for redirects and light stuff but do like to have compatibility of kit sorted.

What is the best way to connect the isc prussik pullys to a sling or strop for lowering? Thanks David

I'm thinking of getting a Jimney as a run around. Any of you got got/had one? Thoughts please.

The situation I saw where I heard about breakable lanyard attachment was one where the tree being sectioned down was in terrible condition. Felling wasn't an option and there was no access for big machines. The good news was that a much better tree was next to it. The better tree was also higher. (Both were big trees.) My understanding was that with a good high anchor for protection in the adjacent tree the climber considerd a flip line that would fail should the tree being climbed fail catastrophically. In the event he didn't use this technique. It caught my interest having not having heard of that before. In this instance, if your going to climb it, it may make sense. I could also see a case for a second safety rope, possibly operated from the ground to ensure the climber has both two good connections and if the tree being climbed did fail it could control his swing. I'm not suggesting anybody does these things. Perhaps in the instance I saw there was another option which nobody considered? I do think it positive that people are accounting for hazards and being creative when considering how to manage them. My concern would be (is) that exceptional situations where this sort of antic may (or may not) be appropriate is copied inappropriately.

Been following this thread for a while. Seems your moving forward Sean. Well done, keep it up and may I wish you and your family all the best.

Gear loops are strong. Made so because people accidently clip them!

I have heard of people using a cable tie like this when on very dodgy stuff. Position with weaker kit, anchor on something else. Never done it myself.

http://www.arbortecforestwear.com/arbortec-cut-5-climbing-glove-climbing-equipment-arbortec.html I have found these very good and the gloves haven't fallen apart despite wearing most of the rubber off. Only climb about two days a week but has them for quite a long time now.

I agree simple is best.

Lots of options, needs two hands to put on but a rope wrench might work well as long as you don't drop the pin.

I have witnessed two near misses recently. On both occasions good competent climbers. Both know better. No point in telling them what they did wrong. They can and have easily worked that out for themselves and fortunatly no one was hurt. Far more important in the context i write about is that there is a pattern of good competent people making potentially serious mistakes emerging. I am am encouraging open discussion, no blame, how can we help each other conversation to get clear about why it may be happening and what we need to do about it? This pattern has to be challenged. It would be to easy to simply put each incident down to climber (human) error.

Take care and get well soon. I have no idea of the circumstances of Sean's accident. I have been onsite for a couple of instances where nasty things could of/nearly happened recently. We must all look out for each other, think, anticipate, don't rush etc. etc.

I suspect that there are a fair few climbers out there who don't have kit loler checked. I do, but in reality it's compliance, I check my gear regularly and discard/replace as soon as I'm concerned. I know others present knackered kit to inspectors and make a fuss when its failed. Its a jungle out there.

Interesting thread, just had a 25inch chain 'stretch' beyond adjustment. Put a different bar and chain on everything fine. So in my case its either a badly worn bar or chain, or both.

New zigzag today for the first time. Rain, 12mm rope. I really enjoyed using it. So far so good. It's a pity it can't be taken on and off mid rope. Can see how it could be stressed inappropriately if not used with some care. Built in swivel is great.

A friend has just bought a second hand stihl 028 How old is it likely to be? Will it want 1/25 or 1/50 oil fuel mix? Any comments please? Thanks David

Pretty good boots, waterproofing is great and I've used them in some shocking forestry conditions. This pair are probably about a year old worn five days a week most weeks. Fit is obviously the most important thing, I find the other brands I've tried on are to narrow or to get the width to long! The Protector Pros I had before had the sole fall off after about a year and a half. Was a bit disappointed with that. I find my spikes fit these boots better than the Protector pros.

Feels like a "me to" thread. The lads I work with and myself all have reliability problems with saws when doing forestry work. My 560 has just had a major rebuild (most of the engine) after about 120 hours recorded use. Most of that use has been reasonable size felling work. Spoke to Husqvarna about it. Apparently its design for 800 hours use. They are clearly having significant problems with this.

The FISA refresher situation seems to have been in a bit of a state of change but, we recently did an Assisted Felling course to cover us as refreshed. Non of us had previously done that course and were told that it would count as refresher because we were 'up skilling' In practice I have found that to some extent it depends on what the 'manager' on the job understands is needed. Suggest you give him/her a call. D

Thanks for the responses everyone.

Thinking about getting a 4x4 / pickup in the next few months. Do any of the manufacturers (Toyota, Ford, Mitsubishi etc.) mount winches on the front as an option? If not has anybody any experience of doing this with a new / fairly new machine and know anything about the warranty issues. Obviously seen it done on lots of landrovers Thoughts please ladies and gentlemen? D

Enjoyed a quick look at those and liked as requested. Mines https://www.facebook.com/morlandtreeservicescumbria likes appreciated :-)

What is the latest re Zig Zag? Is the current version mk3? have the dealers got it in stock etc. Thinking of getting one but would want the latest version given the devices history. Thanks D

The secret weapon re base layers is M&S microfiber underpants. Very fast drying when you get a wet arse. Shirts make good base layer tops.