new climber want to learn

[rdooms]

im a new climber and want to find a book on climbing, a book on the trees of my region, and some basic knowledge of different chainsaw cut techniques. I learn something new everyday on my jobsites but would like to learn more at night . Im thinking about going to TCI in baltimore this November and need to find out prices to go and what days or nights would be best for me to go . Needless to say i work m-sat during the day. any ideas or info thanks rdooms

 

[MasterBlaster]

Hey, Rdooms! Welcome to the wonderful world of getting yur arse up a tree! Since your new to climbing, I'm guessing your working for someone, and probably using his climbing gear.

My advice would be to buy your own personal climbing gear ASAP. Use his stuff for awhile to get a feel, maybe, for different types of equipment, but as soon as you think you know what you might like, and you've got the bucks, PURCHASE YOUR OWN GEAR.

You've got a lot of READING to do, starting right here, at this site. Grab a cold one, get comfortable, and begin to read all the threads. Start with the Accident/Fatalities section. READ! Then, move on to the Climbing section. USE the search function. Allmost any question you can come up with is more than likely in there. In other words, MORE READING.

Use your credit card to immediately order the Tree Climbers Companion, as Brian suggested. Thats the first book. There will be more to come. These forums, plus that book, will lay a good foundation for this new challenge you've chosen to undertake.

I see your not quite the spring chicken, as well I. Get strong. Stay strong. Get stronger. Get lean. You wouldn't believe how much more work it is(ESPECIALLY TRIMS) if your packing poundage you don't need.

Welcome to the club! Maybe, you'll be......

THE ONE!!!

 

[Tree Machine]

Hey Newbie

Pull together as much money as you can muster up, borrow, whatever and go to the Tree Care Industry Expo. Do not miss this opportunity as all the gear vendors are ther set up so you can see, feel, try on ANYTHING you might need, and take it home at the end of the day.

My advice is go to the Expo at least two of the three days, talk with other tree guys (this is our big annual event). Discuss gear, watch the demonstrations, talk with the manufacturers. Make the most of it because it's literally a golden opportunity for you. $15 covers all 3 days entry.

If you want to enter into the industry, we want to welcome you, but we want you to NOT be another hack and demean the public perception of what it is to be an arborist. We take great pride in our profession and our careers and on this site we attempt to further the overall quality level of the industry as a whole.

Beginners are welcome. Hacks..., we hope they see the benefit to everyone to not be a hack. You're off to a good start. you came to the right place. -TM-

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

Heck, you live near by, spend enough to take a few lectures in.

 

[ofthefather]

best equipment to purchase

Can anyone recommend the best rope and saddle not exceeding $175.00 total?

 

[ofthefather]

Used to climb for powerline tree trimming company. Always loved climbing (safely) I think its a great hobby for me and maybe help out some folks I know in the process. I was thinking about a Weaver Leathers saddle I saw its a 2 dee (no leg straps) its like $74 at treetools. Its most like what I used to climb with and its in the budget. Whatda think?

Steve
ofthefather

 

[murphy4trees]

Drop me an email... I have two very nice modern tree climbing saddles, which I picked up new just by being in the right place at the right time... Less than 1 day climbing on each... I was thinking of holding on to them for recreational climbing etc... And I may sell one... It'd do you much better tan the above mentionaed.. I could take and post a pic next time I get over to the shed....
Also I would highly recommend a good lanyard to go with that rope and saddle... Industry safety guidelines require a double tie in when operating a chainsaw when climbing... there's a good reason for that too!!!

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Saddles without leg straps should be put on the same shelf that eight track tapes are saved. The technology is just as old and out of date.

Tom

 

[ofthefather]

is this not for tree climbing?

http://treetools.com/catalog/weaver-leather/08a01001asm.html

 

[Tree Machine]

Early career gear assembly

If I can offer just one more piece of advice, and that would be, take the wise advice of Tom D., RockyJ. and the others offering their time to answer your questions. Try to focus a little less on price and more on the quality of your gear and what gear you're getting. This is a good site to do your research because we're field professionals willing to answer your questions.

I respect that economics play into your decisions, but the gear you buy is the gear you live with. Is it worth it to buy a less-than-adequate saddle just to save a few bucks here and now? This is the gear that will support you in this profession and your abilities to earn a living. Don't sell yourself short.

A $250 saddle costed over 5 years is $50 a year, or cents per day; a relatively small price to pay for safety, comfort and pro versatility. A $125 saddle is still cents per day. This is small beans compared to the truck you'll drive, chipper you'll chip with or your collection of saws.

Treat yourself right in your early stages of gear accumulation. I doubt you'll regret it. -TM-

 

[Tom Dunlap]

All decsions about safety and personal well being should be voted on by our wifes/husbands/children/loved ones, not us. Think how many more people might be living if someone else made those decisions for them.

Tom

 

[TheTreeSpyder]

Previous Book Recomendations

i think ya can go for a basic 4D wideback with legstraps, ArborPlex, lanyard (or just line and snap, and make tail off side D for adjuster); come off a few more bucks for books, tails, karab(s) and this internet connection

i think when ya put a smiley in the internet address, it stops it from being recognized as 'HyperText' (jumps at a click to another page).

 

[ofthefather]

Thanks for the help and input all. Arborplex is that a MFG name? if not whats a quality mfg for saddles?

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

Aborplex is not the best, look for safety blue or blue streak.

 

[TheTreeSpyder]

ArborPlex is like the original, standard setting line Samson produced and other lines have evolved from/around. Recently upgraded from 5400 to 6000 test. Generally the cheapest, plainest proffessional tree line you can buy. Making it a standard for many.

ArborPLex compared to sale price

So if your serious, and trying to make good moves on a budget, i might suggest picking what is ripe in season!

:alien: