Andrew McEwan

An Arborist, working at height for another DNO, narrowly avoided a fall from height when their harness suffered a malfunction to the bridge. One of the pins that secures the bridge in position came loose and the pin dropped away. This allowed the bridge to pull through compromising the safe points of attachment: The arborist was using a new PETZL SEQUOIA harness whilst climbing the conifer to carry out pruning works, when the bridge malfunctioned. The arborist was able to descend safely to the ground. Note the absence of the black pin in the gold gated attachment point (see below). Petzl are investigating the failure and we are awaiting their findings.

Just to be the voice of doom I had a 2.5 dmax from new for about 40k miles, it was decent towing and did the job, but I wouldn't repeat the experience. I never got anywhere near the claimed mpg, on bfg all terrains or little bridgestones, probably ~25 average, the high reverse gearing on the manual and kangeroo-ing when shunting trailers in 4wd drove me mad, and the final straw was a chassis rust issue that the main dealer refused to do anything about or even acknowledge fault, their response was something like 'its been kept outdoors a lot..... . er yeah no space in my carpeted heated garage for it I'm afraid, muppets.

Is it just a classic speculative arb subs report, or is it based on known tree related movement? Spec-ing a nibble at the leylandii sounds like guessing is happening to me. I'd want to see cyclical crack monitoring data and live root id from their trial pits before any saws came out, even if they have proved the building is on a highly shrinkable clay. Often the arb subs report I see are little better than an educated guess that trees are involved, as it's way cheaper to have a stab at ruling the trees out first, rather than figuring out what is actually causing damage. If the cracks aren't opening and closing in line with the seasons then not likely vegetation is causing damage. I'd also want to know about any drainage issue that could be flushing fines out from under foundations, or differential settlement between a new extension or bay window etc on shallow foundations.

Proper thick and dull trees ltd. Straight to the top of the contracting pile, chas sticker held me back though you're right.

Poor chipper!

Business account for Travel lodge is worth having for a bit of a saving, always pretty tolerant of sawdust and kit bags,.

Thanks for that

Brilliant thread this, starting a bit of a shopping list for a wheeled stand on machine, is anyone using the stag machinery log grab? Be good to hear any views on it, and if I'm right thinking it and the klou grab are the only two fixed type grabs available for the smaller machines with a free float setting for skidding? Thanks

This was a handy hoist to have on my trailer, electro hydraulic slew and electric winch, made by Lucas, I've taken it off to sell it now, you might want the next size up but similar design, good power to weight ratio compared to hiab types.

Probably fair enough if the instructors are jabbed up and wanted anyone on the freebie to be also? Think it's definitely an interview/aptitude test and initial taster to try and bring on some more operators.

Looks like a good chance for anyone tempted and within reach of Perth or Inverness, booking needed by 9th Dec https://www.confor.org.uk/resources/events/an-introduction-to-forest-machinery/

fingers crossed for her

Thanks, will do

Done, good one Steve