Badgerado

Just got a couple new Stihl fs85 trimmers and noticed the new model has a different fuel cap, (thread is on the out instead of in) they're really hard to get on and off (it's got the feeling of being misthreaded), we thought they might loosen up over time but it's been 2 months now and they're even worse, if you don't tighten them up ridiculously hard they can leak (and yes I know not to force threads lol)

SHERRILLtree | BackBone Knotless Rigging Connector This has a few more applications, I'm leaning towards the other system basically being instead of a carabiner.. Thanks for sharing, I'm always interested in new solutions

I personally drop or rig the tree depending on the situation, one thing I do use for larger or awkward cut and hold's is metre long rigging slings which not only allow me to avoid using snap cuts instead letting the branch tear and take the weight, it also allows me to keep a better grip than if I were holding the branch (espescially if it want's to twist), I can get more swing for tossing it aswell, and if the tree is smaller i can hand limbs directly to the groundy if need be.. keeps my arms away from the saw too (I know it's not standard practice to use the saw one handed) I keep them bunched up in a rock climbers chalk bag.

I personally like the weight of steel biners, I even have them on my flipline's cause I find it easier to flip them round the tree.. I've been on sites where aluminium has been used for rigging and unless it's really lightweight stuff it makes me nervous.. If you do decide to use aluminium I'd say make sure you inspect it all the time and avoid side loading.

Sweet, thanks for the reply, I only got shown that 'double whip tackle' technique last year, really cool how it works and now I know the name lol, I'm always keen to learn something new, there's so many ways you can work a tree.. Some techniques you learn and then wonder how you did it before that And I'm glad it's not just me who can't see the logic in cutting out from the collar when lifting.. Thanks again for your reply Wooden Hand 😊

Okay so what I was actually meaning to ask is; what (if any) is the advantage of cutting a scarf away from the collar when lifting a branch vertically with GCRS? Apologies for the confusing rambling post

Sorry my diagram wasn't explained well, I'm talking about lifting that branch right up to vertical, imagine a house underneath and where balancing would still make it hard to lower into a small landing zone, GCRS is winching it up to a central anchor point.. (see below) Balancing limbs is one way to do crane work but if not using spider legs etc.. The same thing can be achieved by lifting the limb straight up so the limb is balanced when it is released, obviously operator pulls it slightly away and up.. Advantage of this is that it is a quick setup and mainly no possibility of misjudging weight which can cause the branch to swing etc.. disadvantage is the time taken to winch it up. Sorry about the confusion, the diagram was focused on the use of GCRS, just that I have used the similar technique with a crane.. (No scarf though) (B) is explaining what I meant by altering the balance/weight distribution Thanks for your reply Steve 😊

That's good procedure for both above, I'd say the scarfs angled cut would be the one where people cut their rope, you'd need to be a naf to cut them both on a back cut aye Thanks for sharing Bumble B

I'd like to hear from people about the placement of the scarf when lifting a limb using a crane or GCRS.. I have attached a diagram showing the 3 methods I have seen used. Personally I prefer to cut at the collar as the branch attachment has stronger wood (crossing fibres), also you are positioned closer to the trunk when cutting allowing for a faster 'escape' if the limb were to twist or break off whilst cutting.. When using a crane or if the limb will end vertically I often won't use a scarf, instead letting the holding wood tear off or cutting through to release.. The advantage of this in my opinion is more holding wood, and a smoother release when using a crane, the disadvantage is that you may still be cutting when the limb releases.. The hinge wood on a scarf can provide a 'ledge' which can stop the limb swinging back.. I think we can probably all agree slow cutting and reading the wood is the key to any lifting.. If the limbs anchor point is lower and the butt is intended to swing back try to be on the other side of stem to the weight and not be hidden when it is being raised. A useful technique to balance/distribute weight better is to drop the end of the limb on to itself before lifting the branch.

Good call to extra wrap on thin stems Again both lines above has disadvantage of increased hazard of cutting both lines.. And if seperated too much it creates a larger shockload..

Yeh agreed if set correctly it shouldn't slip but it's something to keep in mind, specially if your putting your line between block and sling (wouldn't have to move much) notch on the stem is usually my solution if I'm worried.. Rope guide then, gotcha.. Thought he was talking about a classic cambium saver (two rings)

First of all congrats on the X-rigging ring, great invention! The THT is a very interesting piece of kit, can someone explain to me what the benefits of having adjustable friction like this over a block is, (does it reduce pressure on rigging point?) (could see using it with inexperienced groundy) was a bit concerned about how the rope runs on the inside too but I guess you'd just put both lines above.. Again congrats on the innovative thinking 😊

"Properly"? Can you clarify, you use a cambium saver when chogging off? Is it somehow chocked off to the stem? Also as mentioned above you should be aware of the rigging slipping down on smooth barked trees..

Thanks for your reply, a very comprehensive listing of advantages and disadvantages and while I don't think either way is right or wrong we should all remember that there are variations e.g. Smooth bark as mentioned, and be mindful of the disadvantages of the chosen technique..

Quite a well put together video, each to their own however definitely not a recommended practice so it's an odd job to have as the promo video. Perhaps it looks more efficient to customers and they weren't worried about what other arborists would say.. The tree is solid and the scarfs aren't terribly deep, but like someone else pointed out hidden defects could still make this potentially hazardous.. Wouldn't do it myself or lower for him but each to their own and the tree came down and everyone went home that day.. Great terror tale from Matty.. All actions have consequence