Is this gear even close to what I should be using?

[Goose IBEW]

I was given a set of spikes and a harness in exchange for taking 4 trees down for a friend about 3 years ago. I have used it here and there since then but have found myself surprisingly busy of late. Some have told me that the belt is a rock climbing rig and the spikes feel small when working on pines. Should I be selling this and buying something else?

 

[isaacvent]

That is not a rock climbing harness, its fine for tree work. If its old you may consider replacing it though, its your life hanging on it. A new version of that harness is available for about $150. Its hard to tell about the gaffs with the covers on but they may be pole gaffs instead of tree gaffs. The difference being the tree gaffs are usually longer.

 

[Goose IBEW]

Sorry, pretty tired by now. Didn't think about slipping covers off.

 

[tree md]

The harness is a buckingam positioning harness that is designed for tree work. Looks to be in good shape to me.

The spikes look to be aluminum Bashlin's with pole gaffs. The same gaffs that I climb with. I don't recognize the pads on them.

 

[Goose IBEW]

The equipement is in very good shape. It's good to know it IS for tree work. The spikes seem plenty adequite for hardwood trees, just the thick and brittle bark on the pines makes for some slipping. Thanks for the replies.

 

[tree md]

I climb in my Bashlin's with pole gaffs 99% of the time as most of my removals are hardwoods. And to tell the truth they are adequate for most pine removals I do. I do have another set of Buckingham climbers with tree gaffs that I use sometimes on Pines with really shaggy bark and mature cottonwoods or any other deep furrow bark tree. The pole gaffs are much more comfortable to climb in.

 

[KenJax Tree]

Looks in good shape but i never liked using someone elses saddle you dont know how it was taken care of but thats just me i know mine is well maintained. Look it over real good before climbing in it.

 

[jefflovstrom]

The spikes look to be aluminum Bashlin's with pole gaffs. The same gaffs that I climb with. I don't recognize the pads on them.

Geckos.
Jeff

 

[Bomber]

+2 for geckos. I will not even ask about your experience in using the equipment.

 

[alonfn4]

those are aluminum Geckos i'd be happy to take those off your hands if your not using them:msp_sneaky:

 

[tree md]

Ah, my bad. Just glanced at them, saw the aluminum and thought they were bashlin's.

From what I have read, Geckos are even nicer than the bashlin's.

In any event, the aluminum spikes are going to be lighter and more comfortable than steel any day of the week.

 

[no tree to big]

those spikes are going to be one of the most comfortable pairs you can buy (big money) if you want a longer spike you can get a replacement set from sherrill for a 100 bones. normally when working pines and other thin barked trees that is when the shorter gaffs are better so I'm not sure what your issue is with them. also that harness actually isn't that bad it I'd take it over the relic I'm using the thing has to be 25-30 years old almost getting to the point to replace it though maybe another year or 2

 

[tree md]

those spikes are going to be one of the most comfortable pairs you can buy (big money) if you want a longer spike you can get a replacement set from sherrill for a 100 bones. normally when working pines and other thin barked trees that is when the shorter gaffs are better so I'm not sure what your issue is with them. also that harness actually isn't that bad it I'd take it over the relic I'm using the thing has to be 25-30 years old almost getting to the point to replace it though maybe another year or 2

I climbed with that design saddle for years and still have my old Weaver for a backup.

That is the classic basic tree saddle. Probably more people still climbing with that design than all others combined.

 

[Goose IBEW]

Thanks for the replies. It is nice to know I have basically stumbled upon some good equipment. I may have mentiond, I acquired this equipment for the topping and removal of 4 trees that weren't all that difficult. Yes, I got this equipment, put spikes on for the first time ever, climbed and removed 4 trees in a back yard that had a house, pool, deck and fence in close proximity, green as green can be. I am 38 and have been cutting trees since I was 12 but have never climbed before. I currently have about (my first) 10 trees under my belt with this equipment. I have osha 30 training and competent persons training in suspended scaffolding and am plenty comfortably in rigging a 500' building and working on it so heights and sway are no problem. Equipment checks, 100% tie off and such are fully understood.

Here's the deal: I am on the tail end of a divorce and 75% of my check is the ex's now. I pay my truck insurance, fuel and a cell phone and have $265 a MONTH to spare. I started climbing trees and have come to realize that there is a demand for this in my area. I am captivated by it and love the challenge it presents. I really want to start a tree buisness but have not one minutes training, just an arborist's guide book and the internet. I need the money and love the work. I have been working since I was 9 and have the ethic to rise to the top of what ever crew I work with. I truely do not know if I will be welcomed here or shunned for embarking upon this with no expeirence. With hundreds of trees felled, I have never had a tree do something I didn't want it to do so I am ready to take this expeirence into the trees. From what I understand, you need 10 years expeirience to be a certified arborist but nobody wants to hire you or give you any pointers so what is a guy like me to do?

I have a 1991 F350 crew cab 4x4 turbo diesel, 1987 C-70 dump, an Echo CS360T and Super 2 as a backup. A Homie SXLAO with an 18" bar has done my ground work and a Homelite 410 with a 24" bar will be available very soon. Not a great arsenal of saws but it works for now. The large wood goes in the dump and a 6 ton tag a long trailer with 4' stake sides handles the limbs for now. A buisness name, LLC, and insurance are quickly becoming a necessity and on my short list of things to do next. After that, cash will be saved for a chipper and stump grinder. My brother has dumpster trucks and bobcats for hire when needed. Maybe I should start a new thread but I wanted you to know where I am coming from and get a feel for how you respond to my situation. Once again, thank you, I am grateful for every reply.

John

 

[sgreanbeans]

Sounds like you know what your getting into, go for it. Like we tell everybody new, get someone to teach you. The experience that they have, will save you money, learning from their mistakes instead of making them yourself. Be safe,have fun.