Mr. Squirrel

I had the Ally ones for ten years and they were fine, but I never enjoyed wearing them. Sprung for a set of carbon clicks a couple of years ago and they we’re worth every penny. I think there’s a subtle difference in shape, as even just standing in them is much more comfortable. The click buckles are brilliant too. No regrets.

It's a very good point that. I've spoken to people who have complained about how there aren't many decent climbers about, but have also turned their nose up at taking anyone inexperienced on. You can't have one without the other... Also, despite what some might think, we were all hopelessly useless at some point.

I'd be inclined to agree with those saying to request proof of their claims. Without that their case is baseless. I'm not familiar with the tree, property, the local soil etc. but there's no reason why a mature tree shouldn't be present within a small garden, indeed assuming it's in good structural condition I'd regard it as an asset, personally...

I’ve been seeing things pick up recently. Not sure how long it will last, I suspect when peoples heating goes back on it’ll tail off again. But for now, it’s ok at least.

What serial number is your zig zag? There was a recall on them due to slipping recently. Covers quite a wide range of manufacturing dates, because the zig zag is shit. Pretty sure petzl ropes are made by Cousin who are reputable. Doubt it’s the fault of the rope. https://m.petzl.com/INT/en/Professional/recalls/2021-8-31/Safety-information--cases-of-slippage-with-ZIGZAG---ZIGZAG-PLUS---ZILLON

Also, just to be pedantic even if it is/was 350 years old, it wouldn’t be regarded as ancient for the species. The oldest in the UK is between 3,000-5,000 years old, this one was practically a sapling.

Check out BAAS, the Belgian arborist association. Guessing they might have a resource for finding knowledgable professionals.

I’m guessing you’re in Belgium then? What kind of area? Lots of very knowledgeable arborists over there. The girdling root is more indicative of the bigger picture with regards to rooting problems than the crux of the issue. I can’t imagine it being beneficial to remove.

Ok so it isn’t so black and white then 😂 2m you’d let em off with, wouldn’t you? 5m I’d be miffed but let it slide, 10m and they’ve just bought themselves a used 40m lowering rope.

Company pays. All of the ins and outs of freelancer or subcontractor blah blah… not relevant here in my opinion. If you’re using your own gear on someone else’s job and one of their employees wrecks it then they replace it. It’s not like ropes are even that expensive to a company, but coming off a freelancers day rate aye it’s a big whack.

You use three strand with rigging rings as a crane tie in? I’m surprised a crane operator would be alright with that?

I’m amazed at people who ever thought he would do good. His track record before being an MP was dreadful enough, and it was all widely reported in the run up to the last general election. Sure, probably mostly by those made lefty’s at the guardian and such like; but they weren’t telling stories… Not having a go at you or others who voted him in. It is what it is and we’ve all learned a thing or two I imagine. But his conduct in office has been exactly in line with his character and behaviour since people began bothering to notice him. This outcome is not at all unexpected. So what’s up next? One of his pals who supported him for years and only jumped ship when it was absolutely clear the ship was on fire will take over and likely carry out business in a similarly pathetic manner. Yippee. Funny isn’t it, when May seems pretty good actually, and Cameron a positively moderate conservative with decent political backbone 🤦🏻

Might be a bit of a sting when the person you're subbing to tells you you'll need to lower your date rate if they're buying all your PPE for you too? 🤷‍♂️

Yeah that was the taper pattern I used too, except I didn’t go top/bottom. Just one strand from every carrier to the left, then the same from the right. I did spend more time getting the crossover and eye really tight before burying and just really trying to keep as much tension as possible in there. The cover being so thin, it seems prone to a bit of bagginess in the eye if you aren’t careful? Nice rope though.

“John Parker, the chief executive of the Arboriculture Association, said: “The trouble is that people do not know what arboriculture is. Schoolchildren don’t say ‘when I grow up I want to be an arboriculturalist’. We need to change that.” I liked this bit. Perhaps if the AA did a decent job people would know what arb was.

I’d read it was awful to splice as well, but new rope and just being especially meticulous with every step it was a breeze. On par with velocity. Granted I don’t work drt loads with it, I find the splice most handy for advancing drt before setting a canopy tie. Do occasionally though and as long as it isn’t loads of up and down it’s alright.

I do on occasion, so thank you for the diagnosis 😂 more often through a fimblclimb, but kernmasters a really nice handling rope and easy to splice, I'm pretty happy using it drt or srt.

The new dmm harness will have an adjustable bridge option, whenever that comes out…

Of course I feel you let us down, you did 🤷🏻 We’ll not you personally, but the AA. The IRATA reference is noted but irrelevant. We’re working in completely different circumstances. Backup system/two systems, it isn’t a concession at all. From what I’ve seen and heard the AA basically rolled over for tummy rubs. You commissioned a consultation which was basically ignored, there was a petition with over 6,000 signatures on it, there were countless professional arborists desperate to be involved in constructive debate on the subject and yet everything was essentially decided behind closed doors. The whole process was flawed and displayed a complete lack of interest in actually engaging with the industry. The AA acts as our regulating body, which we pay membership fees to for, let’s face it, not that much. Rather than stand fast for the best interests of climbing arborists the AA have created a situation where probably 95%+ of climbers are no longer working in a compliant manner. That isn’t them failing to adhere to safety standards, it’s the AA failing in a rare opportunity to stand up for their best interests. Pitiful. About bl**dy time the hse started taking a few more notes on accidents. The number of ‘tree work’ accident case studies on their site where those involved had no qualifications is ridiculous. That’s a diy accident, not a tree work accident. German hse stated that they see no need or benefit to follow suit in implementing two rope requirements over there. But then their accident statistics are actually relevant. It seems to me that the AA were simply reluctant to address deeper rooted problems in the industry. I’ve spoken to people who worked for AA approved contractors where the use of class A drugs on site was a common and accepted occurrence.

It still confuses me that the hse want to make us more like IRATA, when we’re clearly vastly different industries. I think the ‘argument’ that two ropes makes everyone safer in all situations is absurd, personally. I also consider the AA’s part in this a disgraceful show of weakness. They handled the situation awfully. I do believe that there are an unacceptable number of accidents in the UK. However comparing these statistics to other European companies we’re a bit of an anomaly. I believe it’s far more a cultural and educational issue within the industry; and this is where I believe the AA really let us as an industry down, and continue to do so. I don’t know anyone who uses two ropes other than when necessary. Slack attitudes towards safety and big ego’s on sites are more to blame for these accidents. Working in an unsafe manner, be that using silly wee anchor points, free climbing or one handing saws isn’t cool or quick. It’s f**king stupid and ruins lives.

Arbortec Kayos hands down. My old Airstreams are like lead boots compared to these. Much better movement in the ankle and not having a completely rigid sole is much less fatiguing I find. Had them 5 months now and with all the storms they've been getting a lot of use. No notable wear as yet, feet are always dry. Winner.

Small arb company carrying out a variety of interesting tree work to high standards. Minimal connie topping. Ideally looking for an experienced climber, primarily as a second climber however someone with basic tickets but good work ethic and a desire to learn would also be suitable. Good rates for good work, regular shifts. DM for more info and a chat.

I’d say do what you like in the chestnut, from the pictures I can’t see anything worth bracing. Or are they wanting the group braced together?

The two in conjunction is the best solution in my experience. Having a good topo is all very well when you’re walking round with some form of handheld computer. When you’re trying to carry out those recommendations though having a handful of a4 printouts where you can’t actually read the tiny numbers is a total headache. Topo + tags or it’s a job half done 👍🏻

Revolution race are worth a look. I’ve got a pair for pruning jobs and like em. Not silly money and they’re pretty damn tough.