Nice gesture but maybe consider revising the not clearing basal growth unless there is an obvious risk feature point, and having seen a fair few 'citizen science' tree surveys I'm not convinced tree risk assessment is the right topic for engagement, or they are something I'd encourage without major caveats. 

I'd say you're spot on with Nothofagus. I've found little patches of it with some incredible growth rates over the years, but often frost bark damage, I think lots of foresters gave it a go in a spare space a while back.

Recommend getting a qualified local forestry agent/consultant, not an easy DIY job to do well/run first time

I'd be tempted to look into spending a few quid sorting out the kiwk chip if not too far gone, anvil, roller gap and teeth, reverse etc as they are properly built, if you aren't set on a crane fed one, especially if a newer one is just going to get bashed in the woods with a digger behind it, also suspect some of the bigger TPs or similar might be a bit of a handful off road for the 9400? Be interesting to see some photos of the job and setup when you get into it.

Why not ask if you can put a plumb line point and ground marker in, just an ally nail in the tree will do. I've done that a  few times following survey work and used the plumb line subsequently to establish nothing is moving.

A Ber tree at Amritsar? says Wikipedia

Amazing amount of effort, where was that?

That's a great idea, a 'rev the nuts of anything loud' NHS salute

Might get evicted from my road mind  

Yes blade changes are easy, nearly two years ago the 200 series (215?) was meant to be getting a tracked version, but maybe shelved as not seen anything lately, that'd be my choice of tracked machine.

I had the pto version on a 50hp alpine tractor and it was excellent, great infeed for it's size, high quality build, easy to service, paint work held up well if that bothers you, I'd have another if I needed one.

Or a 353

I'd go for a new 550 or 560 in your boat and as already said definitely run it on Aspen2, but another option for your budget would a be a good used husky 350 and get it ported/serviced by Spud on here, if you want a fast light non ecarb saw, can find them having had  a much easier home user life than pro 346s

I found it quite tricky doing large posts the first time and getting the first big cant/beam totally square Mick, allowing for taper, wedging up the ladder to be spot on etc, but if careful will be fine I'm sure, and a very satisfying job. You've probably seen in milling threads but if you have a second guy, get him to wedge as you go along a board, and be an auxiliary oiler with a little bottle of veg to squirt at the mill.

51 minutes ago, gobbypunk said:

So guys I have been Alaskan Milling for a few yrs now !but not had it out much since I broke my ankle,so I keep hearing about Low Pro ,what’s the difference say between a Sugi bar with 404 ripping chain !is it thinner,quicker ,just curious.

 Thanks guys

Yes  quicker milling, narrower kerf, I have two gb bars with 3/8 lo pro 050 gauge chain from robd on Husky 288s and at first the chain looks a bit lightweight to take the hammer from milling but has been totally fine.

A fair bit of the easter afternoon happily spent reading thanks VI, virtual forestry nosy parkering!

I'll pm you a fj contact

Great read VI! First thread this length I've read in a oner, ace to see the story and all your work unfold.

I know you've said it's not something for the moment, but I'm certain forestry journal would be interested  in some of your writing, be few more quid for tcf gadgets! Let me know if you want a contact.

Bachar ladder set up on the side of the house, struggling! Def didn't used to be that hard....

Oshsenkopf wedges from Clark forest are good, and they do a plastic insert for hilift wedges which are a decent idea

Great photos, miss having a spaniel 

Another view is that there are plenty of us in our 40s that have done fine from tree work as a very genuine and useful career....., initially planting and forestry then climbing subbing paid for my education  to degree level. Sounds like you'd be suited to getting on a level 2 arb apprenticeship with a decent company and going from there, if you're prepared to earn them money and put the time and effort in on the basic tasks, don't think that it will make you a climber, view it as a first step.

Yeah good luck Dan, have a scan through the the woodlots website if you haven't, and put up an ad there too, often see countryside and woodland work on there

What Mark said with a whoopie or dead eye under any ratchet strap device, or just wait for the moment a big lump sees it head up the tree if not cut in........embarrassing

I think you can still get a tongue/foot hook thing for the p500 which is easier than cutting in.

The treerunner p500 is great as you know, wouldn't be without it, the rcw3001 with the winch is a heavy lump as already said but lots lighter and cheaper than a grcs and a mega handy do it all option if you can only buy one.

Hope you keep going with the vids Reg, always  a good watch. Then retire into certification, nevermind the ArbAC, how about RCAC, stamp of competence worth having!

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