SimpleSimon

On 07/02/2021 at 00:47, MisterBoy said:

By the way that reminds me not seen one vote for the DeWalt. Is it that clear-cut or is it simply that ARB guys automatically go to Stihl and Husky?

I had a DeWalt 565 for a bit (already had DeWalt everything else), wanted it mainly for fencing jobs cutting down rails, etc. to avoid constant stop/start on a petrol saw. It was.... OK... Chain speed was very slow so you didn't get a clean cut. I logged up some old dry eucalyptus up to about 8 inch and it did get through if you gave it time. 

Sold it on and bought a Stihl 170 instead. 

This is the current work in progress. I should have taken a photo before starting really, I've taken out a load tangled and mangled Hawthorn of 20-30ft. Slow progress. 

Google "conservation handbooks" you can pay a small subscription and get access to a whole set online. Loads of good info in there with different designs and methods, etc. 

I use Gripple T-Clips for my wire ends, nice neat finish and you don't have to bang staples in hard and damage the wire, they also won't turn the posts when you pull up. 

I also use gripples with the contractor tool for tensioning up and joining, but you don't need the tool just for T-Clips. 

Big HP is more about powering bigger, faster, stronger PTO implements and strong hydraulic pumps than about increasing actual "pulling power" for trailer work. You might get a few more kph on the clock, but how much time does that really save you on the average length hill? 

8 minutes ago, gary112 said:

Think they weigh about 45kg Simon

Thanks, I expected something along those lines but wanted to make sure I wasn't way off before it was too late...

One under each arm then! ?

Hi all, 

Daft, but simple, question about concrete gravel boards, as this isn't my real area of expertise. Roughly how much does a 6' x 12" concrete gravel board weigh? 

On 13/05/2020 at 23:00, Ratman said:

Anyone got the DeWalt 18v version or tried it? If so is it any good?

On 26/05/2020 at 17:23, Conner said:

On 25/05/2020 at 19:35, SimpleSimon said:

I've just ordered a DeWalt saw. Can't recall the model number off the top of my head but it's a top handle on 18v.
Main motivation was battery sharing. I'll let you know how it does, I'm not expecting it to be amazing but for the jobs I want it for (hedgelaying, fencing, topping small conifers, etc) I think it'll serve me well enough. 
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I’ve got the 18v dewalt top handle. It’s ok as i have battery’s. It’s a bit slow at 8m/s so bounces a bit but slow and steady. Battery life is a bit mixed as I have 2ah to 5 ah battery’s from other tools. Not a bad bit ok kit but Makita is better as much faster.

My little DeWalt arrived yesterday. First impression is that it's definitely a plastic powertool, feels well made enough for what it is but very, very different to a proper saw. The chain speed is slow, which does make it a bit bouncy if you don't have the body placed up against the work. It's very quiet and light. 

If you get one expecting it to be comparable to a small petrol saw for tree jobs, you'll probably be disappointed. 

But for mixed use cutting sleepers, fence rails, the odd tree limb, etc. then it's a more convenient option than a petrol saw and more powerful/capable than a recip. And very much cheaper than a "proper" battery saw.

In theory Lithium batteries should hold charge more or less forever. I've never come across one that was put away charged and had any noticeable loss next time I came to use it. 

On 13/05/2020 at 23:00, Ratman said:

Anyone got the DeWalt 18v version or tried it? If so is it any good?

I've just ordered a DeWalt saw. Can't recall the model number off the top of my head but it's a top handle on 18v.

Main motivation was battery sharing. I'll let you know how it does, I'm not expecting it to be amazing but for the jobs I want it for (hedgelaying, fencing, topping small conifers, etc) I think it'll serve me well enough. 

That would be good if you can.

Currently looking at doing  about 200m, possibly more depending on exactly where and what one of the clients decides. So looking for 400 of each. 

Hi folks, 

I have a few projects for the coming season, just wondering if anyone here can supply stakes and binders? I have a probable supplier lined up, but it's always good to ask around. I'm near Stourport, Worcestershire. Will collect.

Hmm, well that's food for thought. I had thought of a battery saw but all the "pro" ones are expensive, with expensive batteries. 

What I hadn't considered was the powertool brands. DeWalt do one that looks alright... 

Hi folks, 

I've been asked to quote a couple of hedgelaying jobs for later in the year. If I get any of the jobs I'll probably use it as a good excuse to buy myself a small, light saw to add to the lineup. 

Which is the one to go for?

I struggle to discern the real diffences between Stihl 170/171/180/181? Not keen on the tool-less chain adjuster and distinct "B&Q" look that some of them have, and not really very keen on the single bar nut either. The 170 is almost cheap enough not to even worry about... 

Any others to look at? 

7 minutes ago, dig-dug-dan said:

They give a smooth ride when the trailer is empty or full. Tow an ifor empty and then tow a Brian James empty. Its night and day

Ah! Thank you, I understand. Good option to have, then! 

Interesting thread, I'm looking to get a trailer sorted soon and would probably look for used, but it's good to know what's about.

The Brian James has suspension dampers as an option. Anybody know what they actually do and if they're worth having? As its not something I've seen advertised on others. 

How does it vary from the previous CBILS? 

8 hours ago, 5 shires said:

I know things are a bit tight for a lot of guys at the moment at not being funny in anyway but you need to up that £150 by another £100 for a lead climber with 4+ years experience £90 to £150 won’t get you what your looking for groundies get £90/£120

So there are firms offering 31 grand for a salaried groundie and 65 grand for a climber?! 

Where's the queue?! 

Just recently got mine properly up and running (just in time for Covid 19 to squash any chace of getting any business!) The plan/hope is to win more of the type of work I want and rely less heavily on subbing. 

https://www.midlandsrural.co.uk/

17 minutes ago, trigger_andy said:

 

What sense would that be?

 

I guess the idea is not to prevent wholesale purchases. 

3 hours ago, trigger_andy said:

More Scaremongering from the Press. 

 

Will still be allowed to purchase 2 cubes of wet/green wood at a time. How many folk buy more than this in one go? If they do they Im sure they could have the load split over a few days, nudge nudge wink wink.  

 

I thought the proposal/law says sub 25%? Thats easy to achieve with Air Drying in the UK. 

 

Apart from the fact its gonna be neigh impossible to police I cant see it making much difference to anyone. 

I thought it banned sales of amounts under 2 cube?

Pointless to speculate over the circumstances of this event, especially since he pleaded guilty, but I think most of us at one time or another have seen (or been!) somebody do something inexplicably stupid. Which could apply either to waking under a tree you know is about to be felled, or felling tree you can see somebody is about to walk in front of. I hope he recovers well. 

On a side note, which does little for folks' perception that the HSE is often out of touch with the "real world"... Since when was 8 meters a "tall" tree?! 

Similar idea to the Stretton one, I think. They also do one designed for SUVs with a normal tailgate, I think. 

APEX Truck Click

WWW.NAPIERUK.COM

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1 hour ago, organic guy said:

Smart job! Is that all hand cut?

I have been asked to teach someone and whilst I know all the principles I am worried that I will miss something essential. Can anyone give me a top 5 list of essential rules?

TIA 

OG

All hand cut, yes, with a billhook and axe. The teacher had a chainsaw "just in case" but we didn't come to need it. 

1 minute ago, gary112 said:

Looks tidy Simon,whereabouts did you do it and did you enjoy it?

Thanks, we were all pleased with ourselves anyway ?? 

Did it down at Cirencester Ag college, the instructor was a fella called Andrew Williams. Really enjoyed it! 

I went and did an introductory course on Friday. This is the result that four of us achieved under the guidance of our teacher.