IronMike

Cheers! It’s quite a photogenic machine, it looks well in most photos. As for the original Logbullet master Big J, he will be busy I’m sure!

Just thought I'd share some photos of the machine in action. It's been a great 6/7 months getting used to the machine and it's capabilities. There have been a few bumps in the road, but nothing that slowed me down too much. I've had a lot of positive messages and enquiries about the machine too. And I'm pretty much stacked out with work too for the foreseeable future, so very happy with that.

The high stumps would give me nightmares! ?

I’m in exactly the same boat. Took mine back the dealer I got it for to be told they could get some new parts, but it would be £19. I said no thanks, and replaced the faulty bits with some spares from my old helmet.

V10! ?? Superb choice mate, enjoy!

One thing I will add if going for the battery version.... Don't forget to top up your chain oil! It is very easy to forget as you don't ever reach for a combi can as it does take petrol. I've known them be ran dry of oil on a few occasions, so try and get into the habit of always checking!

I spent years working in retail selling waterproof coats and outdoor gear. There are a few rules to abide by when it comes to cleaning and reproofing garments. As mentioned, make sure you wash it on a cool setting, with the machine cleaned beforehand of all “normal” detergent. Pure soap, lux flakes etc are fine, but never use the stuff you clean your regular clothes with. Nikwax, Grangers and others all do specific products for these type of garments. Some are wash in, some are spray on. If you have a jacket or trousers with a drop lining inside, it’s important not to use the wash in reproofer. It’ll waterproof the lining as well, which you don’t want! You need to use the spray on type for these. If you have just a shell type garment the wash in one is best. One of the other major things to remember is the application of heat to help make the DWR (durable water repellency) return. This is the beading effect you see when the water just runs off. It doesn’t last unfortunately, and the jacket or trousers will hold the water on the outer fabric. This makes them cold, and heavy, but a blast in the tumble dryer on a cool heat will help restore it.

I think I might get a G coupler. Does look good Eddie. As an owner operator I was sick of manual greasing, and became very envious when I saw how good the battery ones were. I take the time to clean and check the tightness of all the grease nipples before giving them the appropriate dose!

My dads mate had a V10 Touareg, my dad said it had so much grunt it felt like when he planted the go fast pedal it would just spin the earth rather then spin the tyres!

I’m a Dewalt man too, got Impact driver, cordless drill and grease gun. Can swap batteries between the three and all relatively cheap and cheerful.

Greetings! When I started out, I had no qualifications/tickets at all. I dragged brash and fed the chipper etc and learned on the job. It’s a good way to get experience as you get to see everything that’s happening. With regards to getting your chainsaw ticket, it’s a bit like getting your driving license. Once you get it, you then learn how to do things properly! Getting you cross cutting and maintenance ticket and felling trees below 380mm would be more than adequate for the majority of groundie work. It’s all I had for years, and I got by fine. Trailer ticket is also very appealing to prospective employers. Having someone who can tow is very useful indeed, as sometimes you have to take several vehicles towing a variety of things (chipper, digger, grinder, Avant etc) so having it would be a big plus. the name of the game I found was to become invaluable to your work colleagues. Being able to think ahead as to what might need doing (fueling saws, warming chipper up, getting rigging gear sorted etc) and also making sure everything gets done, so not shirking responsibility like raking up etc. Turn up on time, with your bait bag packed, your mobile in the van or your pocket until break times, along with your smokes if you’re that way inclined, all your gear and a smile and you’ll go far!

I can second the vote for the Krapan or whoever it’s spelt. Remote control is awesome, and it is very well made and looks and feels solid. Done a few days with Mr Git and his one and was suitably impressed.

Sounds to me like the little things have generally adder nuff. I’ll fetch my coat...... ?

That's commitment! I would probably have ripped the Buffalo off my back if I had to wear it for work! ? I think it ultimately boils down (no pun intended) to the individual user. I know that like you, the moment I put a waterproof layer on, the heat rises. I really struggle to cope with that, and have worked in the rain with no coat on plenty of times as it means I can complete the job. If I'd kept my coat on I'd have lost my marbles. Yet I know some lads who will wear one all day and be fine. They do the same work as me, but I guess I just run hot?

Absolutely agree mate. If the moisture level outside the jacket is higher than inside, it can't simply dissappear. When I was prattling on about the others being less breathable I maybe should have said they were just a lot hotter. I know the moment I put the Harkie smock on I felt like a roast in the bag chicken. I was so hot, and nearly straight away. The moment I started to graft it was too much, I'd rather be wet from the rain than boiled alive. I found the Goretex the least warm is mayne a better statement.

They're on offer on Jonesies this weekend I think. I just splashed some cash on a set of waterproofs from the Magic Mountain sample sale. Got a full set of Mountain Equipment Makalu ones for £275, which is half price. 3 ply Goretex, bomb proof outer fabric. They are proper mountaineering ones, and I'm keeping them exclusively for when I'm sat on the Logbullet. In terms of work ones, I've been thrashing a few Berghaus Goretex coats I got off a mate who used to work for them. I have tried various others over the years (Harkie being one) and just find them absolutely boiling. I'm not saying Goretex isn't hot, but it's the best of a bad bunch in terms of breathability, and hasn't failed me at keeping rain out. The issue with the others is they keep rain out but keep the sweat in!

Thanks for the replies folks. I’ve messaged Shavey, so hopefully get a resolution soon! Im off for a wee jolly to the Cotswolds next week anyway so no cutting for me for a while!

Morning all, Currently rather frustrated with my tape situation. Bought a 15m Stihl one a few months ago as it was all the local dealers had in stock and I needed one. Never really liked it, felt flimsy and forever coming unstuck. Anyhow, that got leant to my subbies and firstly the metal that held the pin to the tape broke, then the pin disappeared. So I decided to treat myself to a nice Husqvarna one. Like a fool I just bought one from my local place again and paid far too much. Got a 20m one and it was £49 Inc vat, just checked on Jones and its £28.89 less the vat! ? Annoyingly, that one snapped yesterday and its only about 2 weeks old. Can't find pin end anywhere as was going to bodge the shitty Stihl one back to life. So I'm looking for recommendations for a good decent quality tape. I predominantly do first thinnings so 15m is probably fine, I only got the 20m Husky one as it was a few quid more and I thought why not. I know my choices are limited in reality, but is the fancy Bahco one worth the cash? Or is the Spencer one just as good for half the price? Apologies if this has been covered a thousand times, but using the Arbtalk search function is like quantum science to me! ?

I just ordered myself a set of waterproofs from the sample sale at Magic Mountain. I got a Mountain Equipment Maluku jacket and matching over trousers, both for what I deem to be a bargain of £275, which is half price! Mega tough Goretex fabric, plus the jacket is in a nice orange colour. They only really have stuff in size large or small bu there are some bargains to be had for sure.

Busy morning here, got the harvester out and wagons getting filled quickly. New foreman keen to get paid right away, card reader in hand! (The boy picked these toys himself, I'm a proud dad. We have misplaced his Fendt tractor unfortunately, but so far so good with his selection!)

Some interesting info here. I’m on the hunt for a full set of decent waterproofs to use whilst I have a day on the machine. I’m used to getting really bloody hot whilst at work, but I’m discovering that sitting down mostly static doesn’t create that much heat!

@Gray git

Hello, I am looking to get in touch with any self employed cutters in the North Yorkshire area. I’m after some help on an ad hoc basis doing first thinnings work, so lots of brashing and felling and processing small/easy stuff. Work would be located just outside Richmond, and would probably be a day or two a week for a wee while at least. No massive long days as I balance work and family life well. Might suit a recent college leaver or someone newly qualified looking to get some experience cutting. I can supply saws and fuel if needed. I’m equally happy to hear from any fully qualified and experienced folk too though! Basically its it’s an easy going situation doing straightforward work, that could well lead onto more work in the future. Send me a PM through here or click on the link below to get contact details from my website. Many thanks, Mike Low Impact Forestry Ltd

There is a small zipped section/pocket where the symbol is. Isn’t big enough for much. I have my first aid kit on my belt so I’m sorted.

I like the red too! And yes, mine are looking decidedly less red now. But honestly, I’m very impressed. Pockets are well thought out, everything seems great quality and the price is excellent. What more can you ask for!