does a groundman need to supply his own saw

[treehead]

I'm looking to enter into the tree industry, as I want to work outside everyday and was just wondering if I need to supply my own saw or if they do as I would probably get something more reliable than the crapsman I have now, any info would be helpful
Ryan

 

[Nickrosis]

Here, the new guy without tree experience doesn't handle a running chainsaw for a while.

Seems to spend lots of time filling (note: not filing) an empty one!

 

[treehead]

thank you

 

[SteveBullman]

on the other hand...its nice to have your own saw! just make sure its reflected in the pay

 

[Nickrosis]

Yup. Sometimes a company will provide a saddle or make one available when you need it, sometimes the personal climbing equipment is entirely your responsibility. Chainsaws are usually company items unless you want to bring yours in and there's been an arrangement for that.

If you're starting out, you want to find someone who will take time with you and not just expect you to figure it all out on your own and pay for everything on your own.

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

If you're starting out, you want to find someone who will take time with you and not just expect you to figure it all out on your own and pay for everything on your own.

For most companies, groundcrew is an entry level position that is purely labor. What most people are looking for a a person who will show up and work hard on a consistant basis.

Many companies will not invest much training in the newhire untill they have proven the willingness to do that.

The crewleader on my first fulltime tree job was impressed that I knew how to coil a hank of rope

Having your own saw may count in your favor, but most will veiw it with a jaunticed eye. They will figure that you will have some bad habits to work out of you.

Tell them you know the gas cap from the oil cap

 

[Jumper]

Generally no, but I think having a few pieces of equipment of your own indicates that you are serious about the job and interested in learning more. I have used my own saw because I got tired of being accused by a boss some years ago of running the chain into the ground....ergo if anyone's chain got dull for that reason it was my own. For the amount I used it no big deal but it was mine, not his And these days I always carry it to buck up any good firewood I want for myself. I also have my own rope and carabiners, and on a couple of occasions a more appreciative boss did request and make use of them as his was not quite long enough. I also carry my own tools, scrench, files etc.

Ditto for PPE-I always have had my own helmet combo, boots, gloves, glasses and saw pants, literally the only piece of gear I have borrowed on occasion was a saddle. I do not like wearing gear that is shared with others-personal thing, and given I have three saws of my own again no biggie.

It has been said elsewhere on this site many times, strongly consider buying Jeppson's Tree Climbers' Companion, it spells out in really simple terms a lot of the activities you will be supporting as a groundman, and if I can understand it , anyone can.

Good luck.

 

[Jumper]

My boss is trying to get me to buy his biz....no thanks!

 

[clearance]

Treehead-you don't need your own saw, all you really need is a good attitude, never whine, keep going no matter what, keep looking up and be alert-the world needs more lerts. A guy that has a good attitude and no experience is worth more to a decent company than someone who is experienced with a bad attitude, fact. Good luck to you.

 

[Nickrosis]

Treehead-you don't need your own saw, all you really need is a good attitude, never whine, keep going no matter what, keep looking up and be alert-the world needs more lerts. A guy that has a good attitude and no experience is worth more to a decent company than someone who is experienced with a bad attitude, fact. Good luck to you.

I'd add to your reputation, but I enjoy the "has a little shameless behavior in the past" tagline!

 

[mikecross23]

Bad attitudes bring everyone down.:angry2:

Back on topic. . . Save your $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ and use the company saws. Tree care/removal is fun, you'll like it.

-Mike-

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

Bad attitudes bring everyone down

Most people in the biz have a strong work ethic and expect it from everyone else.

Many of my clients are startups, they are allways dismayed by the propensity of people to constantly sit down for a brake.

Just because the crewleader is talking to someone else does not mean you should sit on a log. Smoke breaks every 20 min are not viewed with favorably.

 

[SteveBullman]

that really pisses me off.....one person stops so the whole crew does!!!

 

[BigJohn]

No you dont need to supply your own saw. My best advice would be not to touch the climbers saw unless it is to put fuel in it or to give it too him. It is not to be used by you. Its a good way to get hurt.

 

[Jumper]

By the climber or by the saw????:jawdrop:

 

[jmack]

either

By the climber or by the saw????:jawdrop:

both dangerous

 

[BigJohn]

I would say the climber would be the most dangerous. Most of them are alcoholics with hang overs and drug addicitons. They could get pretty cranky.

 

[Jumper]

LOL

 

[itsgottobegreen]

I just do landscaping. But anything we do anything requiring a chainsaw my chew chief demands to use his stihl 028 or 290 (he does firewood in the off season) If he wants to use his own saw, let him. Why let him wear out mine.

 

[ROLLACOSTA]

I wouldn't expect a groundsman to bring his own saw,brain yes saw no LOL.

One thing I would expect from you is to be able to tie a bow-line knot and a running bow-line,but thats a different subject...