IronMike

Morning all, I’m in the early stages of researching some new boots. I’ve had 3 pairs of Haix over the years and been happy with them. Had Protector Pros, Protector Ultra, and currently using the Protector Forests. I’ve been looking at the Protector Alpins as my next potential pair, and wondered if anyone had them and could share their experience? A fella I work with just got some Sip Grizzly 2s and they looked decent also. I work in forestry, never step foot in a harness or climb. One issue I seem to currently be having is I’ve developed an annoying and slightly painful lump on the side of my foot, near my little toe. Photo attached! I’ve never had this problem previously, but wondered if the current boots I have might have contributed to it. I’ve had the Protector Forests for nearly a year.

Have you made sure it’s running the latest software or firmware? (I’m not sure which it is!) I recently updated mine, I was on V.1.3.0.4 or similar and after the update I was on V2.0.2 I’m not entirely sure of the numbers, but I know it was very out of date. Worth checking perhaps. I had to download the programme to my laptop then plug the device into it to update. Failing that I’d be getting in touch with place you bought it. I got mine from www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk Oh and get your mate to check their software version too.

Nearly! A few branches were chipped in to the adjacent hedge, just for habitat you understand.... ?

The one reoccurring comment I keep getting is it looks like broccoli!

We had a road closure in place yesterday, an official one from North Yorkshire County Council. All signed up, diversions in place etc. But clearly these signs and diversions don’t count for cyclists! There were endless Lycra clad bellends all stopping at the road closed sign and asking if the road was closed, and could they get through! Some of them, predominantly elderly types actually, were so rude and ignorant. It beggars belief. Towards the end of the day, when I was tidying up, one prick just ride straight through without even stopping! If I’d seen him coming I’d have been half tempted to put the rake handle through his spokes, the wanker. I am a formerly keen mountain biker, looking to get back into it. When I rode, I always was courteous to others and if there was ever a diversion I took it. But these bastards seem to think they’re able to ponce about doing whatever they like. I shall continue to offer them no special treatment when overtaking them, it’s nice to see how much you can annoy them for a change!

I made a basic time lapse showing @Gray git and his mega Merlo in action. We didn't get started until 9.30am and the tree was down, chipped up and stem loaded onto trailer by about 12. All done without incident, and only breaking a sweat as we cut down the o ly available shade on a roasting hot day! I've had the pleasure of working along side it for two days this week, and it really does change your perspective of how to do tree work.

Ps. I have ordered some Englbert Strauss ones too, they are due to arrive soon. Will report back once I take delivery of them!

Solidur Infinty type As for me. Cheap, very cool, and have lasted well for me so far doing predominantly thinnings for the lats year. Sorbus International were doing 10 or 20% off Pfanner is you wanted some, was part of the Virtual Arb Show weekend but might have extended it. I found them to be tough, but as others have said very warm. These Solidur ones I use have flipping massive vents, so nice and cool mainly. I got them from Treekit I think.

I think you’ve done the right thing, fair play. I think one of the key things to remember (and I’m sure everyone does) is that the money isn’t free as such, and must be repaid. But my god, it’s the cheapest money you’ll ever get, and the easiest. Imagine applying for a loan like this 6 months ago? You’d have had to jump through every possible hoop whilst explaining the farthest of far farts!

@difflock Brewdog doing free delivery this weekend if you fancy stocking up on some Punk.

I caved last night and cracked the first box of 12 open. I instantly regretted it. For about 5 seconds.

Aye it’s a nice beer for sure! Got 48 cans delivered for £51, so not too bad. Shame they are only 330ml cans, they fly down with ease ?

I’d look at discing off the timber above the ingrown fence, then extending the shed and making the remaining stump into an interesting feature/work bench!

I took delivery of another 48 cans of Punk IPA from Brewdog last week. Not opened it yet mind, saving it for the bank holiday weekend!

I worried that it was such a good deal, they would realise what they’ve done and quickly retract the offer! So, I applied on Sunday night, at 10.30pm. Took 10 mins, and had money in my bank yesterday. I bank with Barclays.

https://youtu.be/zMmTjlNfsCE

Sounds like a typical Monday morning or Friday afternoon situation! I’ve only tipped my Logbullet once, and that was late on in the day. Parking it up for the night, pissing down and dark, forgot to put leg down and swung crane right out. Over she went! I’ll only do it once! (Hopefully!)

“Sharp elbowed Annabel” ???

A 372 for £200?! ???

John just fucks climbers off and buys a Merlo to do the job! ?

Excellent. That’s the kind of info I was after mate! ?? if I can get a wee one like that, 40-50hp, and get a good winch and maybe a small pto chipper then I’ll be laughing.

Just wondered if anyone has any experience (good or bad) of importing equipment into the UK? As I have time on my hands, I'm busy perusing the world wide web and keep finding myself tumbling down alpine tractor rabbit holes..... So I've been chatting to a few people, and trying to find an additional piece of kit to compliment the Logbullet and my overall low impact approach. An alpine tractor with winch and potential for other attachments is top of the list. There isn't a great deal for sale in the UK but further afield there is much on offer. Any particular things to be looking for? Good brands? Bad brands? Anyone imported anything themselves? I have arranged the delivery of the Logbullet myself, but any personal experience of alpines would be appreciated. Fire away folks. Budget is 10-15k realistically, that's to buy machine and get it here.

Ultimately it doesn’t matter too much what you went for in the end, just having some will change how you work permanently! Enjoy Bill!

If you set the volume correctly, it isn’t a problem (not for me anyway). If someone has a saw in their hands whilst they’re using it, and they’re on comms it can be a bit loud. But the easy answer is just to tell them to stop cutting briefly. If someone is using one in the background it’s fine for example. Sometimes it someone is stood right next to a chipper it can come across loud, but they have to have their head in the hopper practically. I can honestly say the minor negative points that do crop up pale into comparison against the positives. Like anything, it’s not 100% perfect, but my god is it an upgrade from not having any.

It depends if you want to climb, or be a ground based worker. I got into tree surgery at 30, with zero experience. I worked dragging brash and soaked up as much info as I could from the lads I worked with. I got my basic felling tickets and they did me for years. I personally found learning on the job to be the best way, I got a lot more from it than any course I've been on for the most part. Fast forward 8/9 years and I now have my own niche forestry business and I'm happy to say I enjoy my work which is a rare thing for most people I reckon. You definitely sound like a grafter, so I'd say go for it.