departed

Thanks for that. I reckon I’ll give them a go. My trouble is that I’ll have to drive an hour to try a pair hence normally sticking with what I know will fit. Cheers matey.

How do Arborec fellhunters fit compared to meindl or haix? I usually wear meindl wood walkers but they don’t stay waterproof for very long and I like the look of the fellhunters’ extra height for ankle support. Thanks.

I’ve got an echo 501sxh. Fantastic saw, light and powerful, I run it with a 13” 0.50 bar and chain and it’s a beast. The downside is the anti vibe. It’s on rubbers and I suffer because of it. You may not have an issue, many don’t, but I think you should be aware before you consider buying one. The husky and Stihl are much better as they’re on springs.

What? They are a protected species.

Stein sentinel long leg. Very comfy trousers [emoji106]

Phil is a great instructor [emoji106] You could also try Dave Uden Arborex - NPTC Training & Assessments WWW.ARBOREX.CO.UK Arborex Specialise in bringing you bespoke NPTC Training & Assesments to suit your needs

Tree Rex is a very nice harness. Light, comfy, good buckles (hard to open but don’t loosen up) only problem I’ve found is the lower D’s are very small. I will get used to them but it’s a challenge to get the crab in sometimes if you’re in a difficult position. I found the TM too stiff and buckles loosened often, and the sequoia was a real testicle squisher.

I don’t think pesticide ticket expires. Happy to be corrected though. Sounds like plan, best of luck.

Definitely worth getting spraying ticket. Pretty pointless cutting and not spraying. We never used to stump treat though as we found it’s not as affective as spraying regrowth 12-18months after cutting. Our contracts were for 5 years and we wouldn’t get the final payment if any rhodies were still alive on site. If you’ve got saws then like others have said, start up and hire in mulchers etc as required.

Ha! Sounds perfect, and use a chopper to spray the regrowth right?

I used to do rhodie work in snowdonia. Simply cut and stack or burn then follow up with glyphosate every other year. 5 year contracts. Bloody knackering work, in crazy locations that machines can’t get to, general winter weather and the insects and heat in summer can make for a very uncomfortable way to make a living. But there’s money to be made and you get to see great places that many others don’t. A big plus for me was generally don’t have to deal with the public! Finding good lads can be a challenge but that seems to be the case for everyone in forestry and arb. I’ll be interested to see how you get on. Best of luck.

Wow! Brilliant work. Thanks for sharing.

9/10 [emoji17] I’ve not seen a Plane tree in the flesh (or should that be wood?)

A quick search online takes you to gedoretools.co.uk and they're selling the sledge hammer for £250, and a spare head for £26. I can only guess that the €14 on that link is the spare head price. Shame it's so expensive, looks like a handy hammer. Cheers.

I take it stump treatment will be worth the extra effort after the birch is cut?? I'm not sure the effort of cutting and treating the birch will be worth it. I think you should follow what others have said about retaining at least some of the birch. Stump treatment is very time consuming. Big j's suggestion of thinning and retaining the best birch in a few years sounds like the best plan to me.