treevolution

I think the biggest problem with recruitment is the lack of new people wanting to do tree work. I heard that Merrist Wood has so far only 7 people boom this year to do any courses related to tree work. When I was there in 2000 I was 1 of 40 on the nca plus the guys doing the diploma and also the 10 week course. You can offer all sorts but if there's not the work force the companys offer the least money don't stand a chance of recruiting. The other problem with Glendale and other firms that size is there are to many middle people.

Had two Nissan Cabstar and would get a 3rd if they still made them. Easy to drive and great turning circle. Tows well. Will get into places that Transit will not. Has a legal load of at least a ton if not more depending on body. I brought new in 2008 and the only thing needed in 13 years are wearable parts and welding on the tipper body and under the front wheel arches. Will keep until it goes bang or the ulez gets extended. What ever truck you buy try and get a euro 6 engine to future proof.

All the main tree shops but looks like a limit stock.

Just an update to say its now on sale over here for £250 plus VAT. Very tempted to get it but think I'm going to stick with the bulldog bone with I have to say is a brilliant bit of kit.

Loads of choices on Amazon. I had two, one for work and one for Sunday best. They do get a bit ruff after a working week.

Climbed for 6 months while I waited for the opp. Used a support to hold it in place which work really well and without I would have had to stop working as the pain was so bad. Give yourself up to 10 weeks to recover after the opp.

Did you go for the petrol of diesel evo. Thanks

Would be best to get the advice fron a good accountant but from my experience and others I know that where on the flat rate we had to start paying the higher rate of 16.5% which means we were better off paying the full VAT rate and then claiming back VAT on everything.

Sorry I have not explained it very well. You would be on the 10.5% rate as a tree company but have to pay a higher rate of 16.5% unless you sent more then 2% of your turnover on goods or materials for work. You cant be on the 10.5% rate as an arb company as you don't buy goods or materials to do the job. This is taken for the Gov website. Goods are moveable items or materials exclusively used in your business. You can also include gas and electricity. If you're estimating, give realistic figures. Don't include: any services - which is anything that isn't goods expenses like travel and accommodation food and drink eaten by yourself or your staff vehicle costs including fuel unless you're in the transport business using your own, or a leased vehicle rent, internet, phone bills and accountancy fees gifts, promotional items and donations goods you will resell or hire out unless this is your main business activity training and memberships capital items for example office equipment, laptops, mobile phones and tablets

I'm sure the flat rate has now changed and that the rate for a tree company is 16.5% so you would be better paying the full rate at 20% and then claiming VAT on everything. Its worth reading up on if you are classed as a ‘limited cost business which unless you are buying a lot of materials you won't be and then will have to to pay 16.5% rather then 10.5%. I was on the flat rate and then changed to the full rate as I was worse off financially on the flat rate.

How are you finding the evo.

One of the climbers I used sent a text to say his day rate was going up to £250. I ask when his next available date was which was February. Its about time that we start changing what we are worth.

Run the echo 2500 and its a brilliant saw. Its the lightest of the battery saws but very capable. You can buy the full kit including a free battery from chainsawbars.co.uk. Loads of info on utube about the saws.

I would suggest that each person/company you work for you you send an email to with your t and c and ask for a response that it has been received. Things that are useful to write down. Full name and address. Any medical conditions ie, allergic to something and have to have an EpiPen. Emergency contact Bank details for payment and terms. Day rate and how many hours you will work within that rate inc breaks. What your costs are if you end up working overtime. Cost if the job gets cancelled last minute and you are sent home. List of qualifications and what you will bring to site. These are just a few and its worth having a think what you would like to Inc. I think its a really good idea to be up front with anyone that you contact.

Freelance ask for £250 a day but the boss only wants to pay £180 because they are still putting in prices from 10 years ago. Industry moves forward as a whole and we start changing prices so that correct wages are paided to employees and employer and hopefully more people will want to start tree work.

Very good point about freelance guys should be the ones to set the day rate. Company owner should only ever set the rate when its paye. The industry will not move forward until bosses ask what a subbies day rate is and then start pricing work accordingly.

Truck and stump grinder could work better if you would just like to stay on the ground.

I would say faster as you can stay on the machine longer without breaks. They are far superior then the moter ones.

I was going to give up trimming a few years back due to the wear and tear on the body but decided to go Electric and now could trim all day and still feel fresh. Sharpe trimmers are as important as a sharp chain to make the job as effective as possible.

Not old as only just turned 40 but have climb now for 20 years and cant see why I would not be climbing in another 20 years. Found srt to be a big game changer and Cherry Juice.

That's good to know with Xststic. I got my BDB almost fully open and still grips well on the Atrax. How offer do you go through a zigzag on it.

OK but not as smooth as the Teufelberger drenaLINE which is the other rope I use it on. Atrax is my go to rope due to being the right length for most trees and works find but I will try something different for the BDB when I need new rope. People are suggesting Teufelberger Xstatic Rope on Tree Buzz as a very good rope. Thanks

I have had one now for 6 months. Yes the coils can get caught on a peg and you might have to reset but that takes no more then a few seconds and you're good to go. Rope pulls out really easy when needed and quick to store again. I run my rope through my chainsaw tool clip and have not had any problems with my lanyard and tool stop getting tangled. It is pricey but I got mine with a 5m splice rope for free. I also like the idea that someone has taken the time to design and get in production a tool that hopefully helps keep things tidy on your harness. I think how ever you managed your ropes they are always going to get tangle up at times but the Neat Freak is better then having 5m rope hanging down lose.

I had the same body on a supercab ranger and unfortunately once you had more then half a load the steering became really light to the point it was scary. Would be worth looking at the air suspension to help with this problem.

£120 a day on the books is worth £180 plus as se. One of the positives of subbing is getting to work with different people. Also depends on how much you like where you work at present.