TIMON

Same here Joe, it doesn't work out for us either. If we had quiet spells it would probably be different but as it is, it's tip the last job and get to the next. Sadly cos we do get some nice timber from time to time.

Might pop me head in Jon. Don't drink anymore but it's always nice to meet arbtalkers.

Hi Jon.. It was 32c today mate.

Hi Joe.I know a guy who has grab loader lorries. He does other bits and pieces, machines etc.... I'm back on Thursday Joe. He's in our vicinity I'll ask him and PM you. Timon

Nice one Jon. Went here last night

Sure is. Missus and I are staying north of Malaga but visiting family in Mijas.

Hi Paul, best ice cream I've ever had. Another sunny day in Mijas. Can just make out North Africa on the horizon. Although not on this photo

Test driving supercars for a Top Gear type show. Or test driving any kind of machine for that matter.

Difficult to say without seeing the job. I'll take a stab though.... Can you set a couple of rigging pulleys high as possible in the tree the main one on the largest stem the other as a re-direct so as to spread the load.? If so use tip ties. Tape slings with karibiners are quite useful for this and you could place all of the slings in one ascent. Doing it this way will mean that you lower the stems butt first and hopefully avoid hanging them up. You will still have to go up and down a bit to cut and then to connect the slings to the lowering line but the main part of the planning and tying would have been done on the initial ascent and you could possibly cut and lower more than one at a time. Just my two penny's worth.

Sadly this kind of reasoning doesn't enter the average Junkies thinking. Some of the guys who come to us are third generation drug addicts. They don't even understand the concept of consideration for others or self respect.

Never mind the Magnum.... Check out this organic Oreo and Pistachio number ........ Closest thing to Heaven this side of eternity.

It's a pity there weren't more incentives for people to want to change. Maybe if the benefits system didn't pay people to be drug addicts it would help. I wonder what percentage of stolen arb gear is stolen to fund drug habits? Sentencing is a joke as well.

What about second chances for people who REALLY want to change? Interestingly I've just had all my old jail tattoos removed by laser. I changed.

"Absurdity reigns and confusion makes it look good" Dallas Willard.

I think saying that we are"frightening them" into using us is perhaps a bit harsh. If as a business we commit finance and resources to advertising then surely we are entitled to protect the work we have secured through it. Merely pointing out that firms who try and poach work in this manner are obviously more ruthless in their dealings why shouldn't we advise caution??

I used to see this one regularly passing through Newcastle under Lyme Staffs on the A34. Very impressive rig. I think ALE are now building their own purpose built tractor unit similar to this Unipower.,. But bigger and more powerful.

Thanks guys, some great replies so far. Please keep them coming.

Experienced my first big pendulum swing the other day while on a reccy climb branch walking in a very big oak. I lost my footing and took a swing really quickly I must have swung about 20ft and twisted round about 6 times. I always thought I would have time to grab a branch but not this time I just wondered what others experiences of this happening were. ??

I always remind the customer that there is a possibility that there is a possibility that another "contractor"may call having scoured the applications section. It's good to let them know that "firms" who have to resort to these kinds of methods are generally not worth bothering with and worse still, you really don't know who you are opening your door to. You hear such terrible stories after all..... Usually does the trick

Doing well thanks Jamie. Likewise mate , hope things are well with you too. I'm on holiday in Spain but it's chucking down.

In that case I would be very wary. Buy the bits at the right money and hedge your bets regarding the "good will" part of the deal. Otherwise walk away.

I have heard of someone using one with a crack but I definitely wouldn't recommend it. Good news is you shouldn't have any problems getting a replacement Mk3

When I was in the commercial window cleaning game, the going rate for a round being sold was 10 to 1. (1 being what the round was worth per clean) Very often the buyer and seller would "share" the round for a month during the transition. Very important when all you are buying in real terms is. " good will". But it also helped the buyer get a feel for the round and see what he was really buying in detail. Anyone who has poured themselves into establishing a genuine, reputable business would surely hope to see it passed on into good hands. Perhaps a similar arrangement could be worked out (with in-built safety clauses) so that you could ensure that: 1. You could see that the amount of job leads are indeed genuine. 2. A smooth transition takes place while the business changes hands. If the guys reason for selling is bona fide and the business is genuinely viable as a going concern then surely he would be willing to enter into a short term "partnership" for the purposes of transition. Bear in mind that you may have some PR to do in regard to the unanswered calls / missed quotations. Just my thoughts, written on holiday in Spain sheltering from a thunderstorm

Quercus Robur if you are willing to play the long game. We live in a mature oak wood and it is wonderful on so many levels. Beauty, shade, wildlife, reccy climbs on the doorstep etc..

No worries there Jamie,,, you can get it swapped for a brand new MK 3 with the stronger top link Our Justo had the same thing happen and had a replacement straight away. I'm almost hoping the same thing happens to me so I can get a Mk 3