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My 461 blew up, bearings gone, cylinder and piston gone. From running it half throttle too much. Now looking as a massive bill from the Stihl shop with OEM parts. I would try and rebuild it myself, but having trouble locating a meteor rebuild kit in the EU or UK. Every positive hit sends me to ebay USA, where they are plentiful and cheap. They will ship to Ireland, but I'm just a bit wary of buying from ebay and the US - although I hear good reports. I'd rather buy from an EU seller, but there seems to be no rebuild kits my meteor for my saw around, even though they're made in Italy. Can anyone tell me why this is? I'm just curious, is it some kind of Stihl patent thing in the EU or what? Meteor kits for older Stihl saws are available in the UK.

I'm moving to New Zealand to Nelson this month for at least a year, maybe more depending on what happens. I'm hoping to carry on as a self-employed climber and my cousin(a forester) want help setting up an arb team, but I imagine work will be very slow there too begin with. Does anyone have any idea of the best way to get climbing kit over(harness,helmet,boots,rope,lanyard,krabs and pulleys etc) without paying tons for an additional heavy bag in hold luggage I was thinking posting might be cheaper than a per KG airline fee but I don't know if I'd have to pay an import tax on it? Also looking for advice on travel and Personal accident insurance if anyone has any recommendations that would be hugely appreciated! If anyone has any recommendations for a good NZ tree ID book and P+D book that would also be a great help! Also with banking do I need to open an account in NZ or will my UK internet banking be alright? What tax might I need to pay if I'm only there for a year? And will NZ sim cards work in any UK phone? Thanks in advance!!!

So moving to work in New Zealand has been a daunting but simple process and well worth it! As expected there are epic landscapes everywhere here. I've got a few small tips for anyone looking to do so to make it a bit easier: To work you need a bank account and IRD number: I opened an account at kiwi bank which is really straight forward and most of it can be done online. You need an ID and proof of address. If you're staying with friends or family you need them to give you signed a letter stating you live there with a utility bill with their address on. IRD offshore or non-resident application form. You'll need your UTR (unique taxpayers reference) number from the UK and your ID. You can complete the IRD form at the bank when you go in to open the account. They had a good look at my kit on the way in but it was all fine and worth the hours cleaning. Make sure you get rid of any signs of sawdust and anything which could be a tiny seed. I put my ropes etc in a bag on a cool wash and cleaned all krabs etc thoroughly. Tree kit is very expensive here up to 2x the price (regardless of the exchange rate) so unless you are going to be employed I'd recommend bringing pulleys karabiners and rope with you or get a friend to post stuff as a gift to avoid customs costs. Tree kit here can be bought at http://treetools.co.nz/ or https://www.metrogreen.co.nz/ I haven't found any other good sites yet. The food here is 3x the price unless you go hunting and fishing which is free! So be prepared for that. Rent is also pricey but I'm in Nelson which is apparently a sort-after location you can check prices on www.trademe.co.nz which is like ebay/gumtree with things, jobs and vehicles. I've found some small tree ID books that are OK for a quick reference but nothing comprehensive like the UKs Collins Tree ID book. I'm keeping an eye out. There's no need for insurance whilst working for another company. You are covered by ACC and the reciprocal agreement. https://www.health.govt.nz/new-zealand-health-system/eligibility-publicly-funded-health-services/reciprocal-health-agreements Vodaphone is the main service provider on the south island and you can buy a sim card and plan at the airport upon arrival.

Hi everyone, good to be back - new format looks good, will take some getting used to but I like it already! This is a video of my medical kit. I call it that because it's not really a "first aid" kit - its not designed with really bad injuries in mind, more the day to day staff that just bothers you. I have a trauma kit as well, which I ware in a separate pouch when working, inc. Celox Z-Fold, CAT touniquet and an Israeli bandage. Its a bit long, if you want to skip the preamble it action starts at 3:00.

I'm looking at starting out as a tree surgeon. By the end of November I will have all my qualifications up to using a chainsaw from a rope. Has anyone got any advice on kit that would be good to start off with and that is suitable for climbing. I'll need at minimum trousers, boots, gloves and helmet any recommendations? Not looking for anything ridiculously expensive but I do want it to last awhile.

Hi guys, I'm looking for a reliable loler inspector in the mansfield area. I don't mind a bit of travel say notts/derby. The lets say 'friend that was going to do it has gone away for 3weeks to Spain! So anyone know someone or do it them self, I would love to here from you! Also on average how much for a one man climbing setup?

Morning all, I was hoping to get some advice regarding winching and the kit I need. I work for a wildlife charity and whilst I've done a fair bit of felling work I've not done too much winching. We tend to only take down trees of 15" or less and use winches to assist with directional felling. I am planning on getting a Tirfor 516 (for the larger jobs) and a Lug-all (for the day to day). I thought I knew what I needed until I looked at a supplier and saw the range of ropes, strops, slings, pulleys etc. available! I am working to a budget but obviously want to be sure that the kit I get is suitable and safe for the work we are doing. Any advice anyone can give would be really appreciated! Thanks!