Foggy

Hi folks, Im looking at getting a used GM safe-trac 19-28 mk2. Seems like generally quite positive reviews of it; but anything to watch out for? Ex hire so maybe not ideal. The other questions is what trailers are folk using with them? The ease of a 1054 plant trailer is attractive but wondering how folk find them on a tipping trailer? Thinking a 10x5 with the rear doors off would suit but if anyone has thoughts that would be handy

Not a huge amount of small scale forestry around here, all the estates forestry interests are in Sitka. You might get a job that would require a machine like that for a few days once or twice a year? Maybe in 30 years once the native woodlands being planted need thinned it would be the machine to have ! You would have more luck Perthshire or Aberdeenshire way for that kind of work. Give me a shout, I'm based up near Mull

Aye this is the other thought, definitely more economical and makes sense going from no digger to any digger setup is going to be useful!

I’ve used a few battery too handles, t540i, milwaukee, both the 18v and 36v Makita. The T540i was the best, hands down. The t542i seems like it’s much more powerful, and if I was to get a battery top handle meant to replace a petrol saw it’s what I’d get. Milwaukee was surrounded by a bit of hype, and the torque is mad. It feels a bit plasticky and is heavy though, and I wouldn’t buy one for myself. My day to day top handle is an echo 2511 ported by C&S though so it’s always going to be hard to beat that for power to weight. 36v Makita is quite heavy, and a bit of a weird boxy shape but does the job; it got me out of a hole whilst I didn’t have a running petrol top handle saw so I can’t complain. I was running it with a 12” panther and it was very smooth, although the auto turn off was a pain, and the fact it won’t run unless there is zero resistance on the chain is a pain. 18v Makita is light, but underpowered. I use it on all my reductions; it’s ideal up until about 4” cuts and then it’s almost useless. I’d get another one of these; it’s a step up from a silky and doesn’t get in the way as much as the bigger saws. Similar issues with auto stop/resistance though.

Looks a mint machine, but I’m away up in Argyll, so bit far I’d say!

Sorry I’m hoping for 15-20 with grab so will be looking at either an older or smaller machine I think

Around the 15-20 mark is my thinking

Thanks doobin, wasn’t hoping for that answer but I was kind of expecting it!

An 8026 with low hours has come up near me for a decent price. Only has one Aux hydraulic system though Has anyone had an experience with an 8026 for arb? And secondly anyone know how hard will it be to retrofit a secondary Aux hydraulic system and change control to rollers on the sticks for a rotating grab? cheers!

Does anyone know of anywhere you can either source a reasonably priced 500i full wrap handle? Or even a non OEM one that isn’t going to cost 25% of the saw itself?

Hi folks, Anyone know of a decent Arb LOLER inspector in Aberdeenshire/Angus area? None on find a freelancer currently. Cheers!

3 year climbing experience Felling up to 380mm Felling over 380mm Multiple Windblown Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue Use of Chainsaw from Rope and Harness EFAW+F Full clean C+E driving licence Pickup w. towbar + trailer All climbing kit + saws + basic rigging. Plenty of experience in rigging/removal situations as well as pruning scenarios. Day/Hourly rate dependant on kit required/work being carried out.

Banchory area, cheers

Shouldn’t really matter what other people are quoting. As long as you know how much it’s going to cost you to turn up, do the job, make a bit a profit as well as paying yourself and your team a fair wage. Most of the guys that end up driving the price down tend to making bugger all anyway.

Hi folks, Currently based in Oban, but my partner has moved across to Aberdeenshire for work so looking to split my time between east and west. Happy to travel for work. 3 years climbing/cutting experience; fully qualified, insured and have all my own saws + climbing + rigging kit. I’m a competent climber and looking to learn from new company’s while I’m in the area! Felling up to 380mm Climbing/Ariel Rescue Chainsaw from Rope and Harness First Aid Insured up to 5mil Got an over 380mm booked in a few weeks too. Please get in touch if you’re looking for a climber or handcutter. Either get me on this or on 07703830920. Cheers! Alistair