New to climbing-questions

[MIspecial]

I've been a in the landscape business for 15 year and been a ground worker for a tree service for a few winters. I got a new job in the grounds dept. on a large campus. Part of the job includes tree work. Most of the removals are done from the basket of a sky track. But during the winter most of the pruning is done by climbing. I have had limited climbing experience. The guys that I work with seem to use out dated/unsafe ways of climbing. My boss ok'd me to buy a saddle and lanyard. The guys use old traditional-style saddles (without leg straps) and only a buckstap as a TIP. I'm not sure what I should get. It seems that their way of climbing would leave you not tied in when moving positions in the tree. They use no ropes of any sort. What is the difference between a lanyard and a flipline? Should I have 2? Flipline with a micro adjustor or a 2-n-1 lanyard? Any help would be great.

 

[SINGLE-JACK]

I've been a in the landscape business for 15 year and been a ground worker for a tree service for a few winters. I got a new job in the grounds dept. on a large campus. Part of the job includes tree work. Most of the removals are done from the basket of a sky track. But during the winter most of the pruning is done by climbing. I have had limited climbing experience. The guys that I work with seem to use out dated/unsafe ways of climbing. My boss ok'd me to buy a saddle and lanyard. The guys use old traditional-style saddles (without leg straps) and only a buckstap as a TIP. I'm not sure what I should get. It seems that their way of climbing would leave you not tied in when moving positions in the tree. They use no ropes of any sort. What is the difference between a lanyard and a flipline? Should I have 2? Flipline with a micro adjustor or a 2-n-1 lanyard? Any help would be great.

ORDER THIS TONIGHT FROM SherrillTree.com $15

THEN FIND AN INSTRUCTOR!!!

Be safe,
Jack

 

[MIspecial]

Done-

 

[outofmytree]

OREDER THIS TONIGHT FROM SherrillTree.com $15

THEN FIND AN INSTRUCTOR!!!

Be safe,
Jack

Amen.

 

[MIspecial]

Anyone want to add anything until I get the book?

 

[SINGLE-JACK]

Anyone want to add anything until I get the book?

Start by checking out the "climbing kits" from one of the sponsors websites and determine how much you can spend.

 

[Jgraham798]

THEN FIND AN INSTRUCTOR!!!


Where would I find an instructor?

I have a full time job and won't be able to work for a tree company, besides, no one would hire an old man like me

 

[bruce6670]

Anyone want to add anything until I get the book?

Just don't let the untrained guys that you are working with push you into an unsafe position.
Keep safe.

 

[jburlingham]

Just don't let the untrained guys that you are working with push you into an unsafe position.
Keep safe.

+1

Trained or untrained if they are working unsafely they may try to push you to do the same, remember there is nothing more important then your life, so don't put it at unnecessary risk. Get the training as soon as you can, and inspect your gear to make sure its safe to use periodically.

 

[RacerX]

Professional instruction would be nice but you can learn on your own if you're so motivated. Basic climbing is not rocket science. Start out with the most simple setup, master it and then move on. By simple I mean all that you'll need to get off of the ground is a rope, saddle, carabiner and a Blake climbing hitch. Read the TCC several times, master the basic knots and hitches while your feet are on the ground, and learn all that you can from the experts here. Start low and slow. Good luck.

 

[bruce6670]

Professional instruction would be nice but you can learn on your own if you're so motivated. Basic climbing is not rocket science. Start out with the most simple setup, master it and then move on. By simple I mean all that you'll need to get off of the ground is a rope, saddle, carabiner and a Blake climbing hitch. Read the TCC several times, master the basic knots and hitches while your feet are on the ground, and learn all that you can from the experts here. Start low and slow. Good luck.

:agree2:

The TCC and some practice on the ground will get you started.

 

[SINGLE-JACK]

Professional instruction would be nice but you can learn on your own if you're so motivated. Basic climbing is not rocket science. Start out with the most simple setup, master it and then move on. By simple I mean all that you'll need to get off of the ground is a rope, saddle, carabiner and a Blake climbing hitch. Read the TCC several times, master the basic knots and hitches while your feet are on the ground, and learn all that you can from the experts here. Start low and slow. Good luck.

:agree2: +1
LOW AND SLOW will keep you alive. Learn everything LOW & SLOW ... when you :censored:UP close to the ground you can get back up and try it again. Don't submit to pressure to go high 'til you can do it in your sleep. What you don't know WILL kill you - so will pressure from (so called) "peers".

BE SAFE

"Basic climbing is not rocket science." SIMPLE BUT DEADLY.

 

[Nailsbeats]

In my opinion, you'll be more likely to get hurt from cutting and rigging then climbing. You can learn all the climbing yourself, low and slow, but what about when it comes time to put a piece of timber into motion on a rope with a chainsaw? That's where the instructor is invaluable.

 

[SINGLE-JACK]

In my opinion, you'll be more likely to get hurt from cutting and rigging then climbing. You can learn all the climbing yourself, low and slow, but what about when it comes time to put a piece of timber into motion on a rope with a chainsaw? That's where the instructor is invaluable.

Excellent point ... my biggest fear, above ALL others, is being hit by "a piece of timber in... motion on a rope"

The physics of rigging is a lot more like rocket science than climbing!

 

[TreeW?rx]

I know how hard it can be to find some one to teach you what yo need to know, but with a little time on the internet you can find an instructor for climbing. I did. If you dont have the luxury of someone to teach you what you need to know about tree work, then buy every book you can get your hands on and read them over and over. Where I live there is no one to learn from. I am on my second trip through Pirrones Tree Main right now. I also spend hours here on AS reading everything I can and asking any dumb question that pops in to my mind. Actually there are no dumb questions. What you dont know can get you killed. Ask away, every one of the veteran Arborists here will be more than happy to lend their years of experience. You might even be able to find some one on here that lives near you.

 

[Mikecutstrees]

I like my micro-cender alot better than a 2 in 1. The 2 in 1 is not really 2 in one because you can only adjust one side. So if you are moving around a limb one side will be the correct length and the other probably way too long. A climbing line will be a great thing to use. You will quickly be impressing the other guys on the crew and doing things easier as well. They are rather limited in their skills and equipment. Be safe and keep asking questions. But do a search first! ..... Mike

 

[Greener]

Find a Mentor

Anyone want to add anything until I get the book?

I am self-trained and no expert by any means but what I have learned it no video or book can replace a seasoned climber to consult with. Network and find climbers in the business who have good habits. Ask them questions constantly. You could supplement this with some good literature that can be ordered from Wespur.com. Go slow is good advice but the key is good equipment. Make sure you research the basic climing methods: single rope, etc, then choose one you like. Bottom line: don't take any job you are not yet ready for-without help.

 

[Greener]

Leaners-question

I am looking at a job with several small leaners-alders. The drop zone is limited and some of the trees are too small to climb. Any suggestions on getting these down without an assistant?

 

[Mikecutstrees]

Sometimes you can hang them off a nearby tree. If you have a way to pull tension like a grcs or a fiddle block you can lift them..... Mike

 

[Tree Pig]

The problem with learning on your own is that if you dont have someone experienced there to tell you when your doing something wrong then by the time you find out you just screwed up it maybe too late.