Ideal crew sizes

[Jumper]

With an energetic climber, 2 groundguys.

I once worked a job where I was the sole groundie supporting two climbers. What a mess! Never again!

 

[mikecross23]

We do mostly removals and a little trim work and for us a 3 man crew is perfect, but 4 is even better. I have one good all around climber, one climber who only does trimming (doesn't like spike work/removals) and mostly works ground, and one ground man who knows how to get up a tree but isn't climber material, and me who climbs when needed.
I got a phone call from my "good" climber yesterday morning (sat.) who said he broke both wrists friday after work. Thank god it was after work. After I hung up the phone I realized it was april fools day, however this was not some sick joke. He's broke! Guess I'll have to dust off my gear.
I could use another good man anyhow, too bad all the non crack headed climbers have already settled in for the summer.

-Mike-

 

[trevmcrev]

Ok so a lot have said "4 is better" but is it worth the extra wage? What im asking is, generally, does the forth worker give a profitable return on the extra investment, or just make life easier for the other 3, but the job as whole, less profitable? Pehaps someone casual for the odd bigger job would be better than a permenent full time 4 man crew.
Trev

 

[treeminator]

Ok so a lot have said "4 is better" but is it worth the extra wage? What im asking is, generally, does the forth worker give a profitable return on the extra investment, or just make life easier for the other 3, but the job as whole, less profitable? Pehaps someone casual for the odd bigger job would be better than a permenent full time 4 man crew.
Trev

i found that having more than 4 or more is worse because it ties up the jobsite. sometimes the others have to sit back and wait for a certain piece of equipment being used by the others. also more people onsite means more people to watch out for safetywise.

 

[a_lopa]

2-3 if youve got big jon 1