The working man, and chainsaw thread!!!!!!!!!

[NHlocal]

I dont use spikes, so in order to climb I use a rope to get me to the top. The rope go up around a branch in the tree and back down to me, and I am able to use that to climb up and into the tree. I can also walk out to the tips, and basically move anywhere in the tree. I use the lanyard to help hold me in position, and its always a good idea to be tied in twice when cutting. Hope this pic gives you a good idea of its application.

Glad in the end everything went well. Sometimes the day starts off rough and finishes strong, sometimes it starts off rough and just goes downhill. Sounds like things picked up a little for you. And it really irritates me when rich people complain and try to get things for nothing. I know they didnt get rich by giving it away, but screwing the working man isnt right. I work at a golf course, and my tree work is on the course itself. Yesturday I was approached by one of the residents that lived on the fairway I was working on and asked if he could get my opinion on some trees. He had already hired a tree service and was wanting an arborists opinion on what should be done. Basically he wasnt confident who he hired knew what he was doing and wanted my boss who is the arborist to guide the crew he hired. Drives me crazy.

Great pic Brian. :msp_thumbup: Is your work mostly pruning? Also, how do you set your rope up in the tree, big shot, throw line? :msp_confused: Most of what I do is take downs, that's why most pics I'm wearing spurs. But, if the tree isn't coming down I'm not using spurs, causes way too much damage to the tree. Tie in twice, DEFINITELY!!! Ayuh, the higher the rope is set in the tree the greater your range of scope. I love being able to go all the way out to the limb tips, able to do something that's supposed to be "impossible". :hmm3grin2orange: Keep up the good work.
Work safe. :msp_thumbsup:

 

[struggle]

http://www.baileysonline.com/itemdetail.asp?item=L52H+002&catID= This is what I am looking at for a flip line. Does this allow for adjustment with tension? It is not supper clear to me how it will loosen and tighten the rope as in is there a type of cam in that block that holds the line. I see this requires a carbiner to attacht the block to the saddle.

I kind of wish I had a rock climbing store around me as I could have better understanding of how this works as to be able to see some of this in person.


NH and Brian thanks for splaining:msp_thumbup:

That is what I kind of thought and now leads me to my next question NH you say you come down on the 120' rope as in you desend down and then pull the rope through after on the ground hence the 120'. With the flip line you what is the attachement that you use to tension and adjust the line as in I have large d-rings on my harness that will accomadate a second attachemnt. Do you d-ring one side and then use some type of slip line fixture to take slack out as you go up before you clip the throw line out to go to a higher branch?

I am going to look at Sherril tree and see what they show.

I would like to be able to adjust while tension is on the line that I am clibing with as I am not a tiny person weighing in at 245 right now. So I need every advantage I can get for comfort. I do like being up in a tree thoguh for some reason. It is fun. Scares the crap out some people though.

 

[NORMZILLA44]

Anytime Randy, and that compliment was earned my friend. You do good work and come a long ways. You are also humble and not arrogant, like some folks can be. I like that about you. I like the last pic too thanks!

 

[Brian13]

Great pic Brian. :msp_thumbup: Is your work mostly pruning? Also, how do you set your rope up in the tree, big shot, throw line? :msp_confused: Most of what I do is take downs, that's why most pics I'm wearing spurs. But, if the tree isn't coming down I'm not using spurs, causes way too much damage to the tree. Tie in twice, DEFINITELY!!! Ayuh, the higher the rope is set in the tree the greater your range of scope. I love being able to go all the way out to the limb tips, able to do something that's supposed to be "impossible". :hmm3grin2orange: Keep up the good work.
Work safe. :msp_thumbsup:

Yes most of my work is pruning, in fact 99% of what I do is all hand saw work. I spend almost all my time in small to medium oak trees cleaning up deadwood, suckers, and moss. For setting my rope I use a throw line. Not many trees down here that you would really need a big shot. And on a rare occasion I will free climb the small ones and set my rope if the branches allow for it.

Bailey's - 6' Petzl Grillon Lanyard with Snap This is what I am looking at for a flip line. Does this allow for adjustment with tension? It is not supper clear to me how it will loosen and tighten the rope as in is there a type of cam in that block that holds the line. I see this requires a carbiner to attacht the block to the saddle.

I kind of wish I had a rock climbing store around me as I could have better understanding of how this works as to be able to see some of this in person.


NH and Brian thanks for splaining:msp_thumbup:

That is what I kind of thought and now leads me to my next question NH you say you come down on the 120' rope as in you desend down and then pull the rope through after on the ground hence the 120'. With the flip line you what is the attachement that you use to tension and adjust the line as in I have large d-rings on my harness that will accomadate a second attachemnt. Do you d-ring one side and then use some type of slip line fixture to take slack out as you go up before you clip the throw line out to go to a higher branch?

I am going to look at Sherril tree and see what they show.

I would like to be able to adjust while tension is on the line that I am clibing with as I am not a tiny person weighing in at 245 right now. So I need every advantage I can get for comfort. I do like being up in a tree thoguh for some reason. It is fun. Scares the crap out some people though.

I would look at this one, Bailey's - Climb Right 1/2" x 10' Wire Core Flipline System, I think you would like this one better. If you really want to spend that kind of money then I would really think about this one,1/2" RockGrab Wire Core Flipline 1 Steel Snap by SherrillTree, 10-ft : SherrillTree Tree Care Equipment, if you look at the rope grab the eye is turned 90* which will help in keeping it untangled. In order to get slack though you will have to grab the lanyard and take your weight off the rope grab, to take slack you dont have to do that though. I would highly recommend when you order your lanyard to get "The Tree Climbers Companion", its a great introductory into climbing. There is a lot of good info in there that might help, like knots, and things to look for before you climb like rot, hangers, and other hazards.

 

[NHlocal]

Bailey's - 6' Petzl Grillon Lanyard with Snap This is what I am looking at for a flip line. Does this allow for adjustment with tension? It is not supper clear to me how it will loosen and tighten the rope as in is there a type of cam in that block that holds the line. I see this requires a carbiner to attacht the block to the saddle.

I kind of wish I had a rock climbing store around me as I could have better understanding of how this works as to be able to see some of this in person.


NH and Brian thanks for splaining:msp_thumbup:

That is what I kind of thought and now leads me to my next question NH you say you come down on the 120' rope as in you desend down and then pull the rope through after on the ground hence the 120'. With the flip line you what is the attachement that you use to tension and adjust the line as in I have large d-rings on my harness that will accomadate a second attachemnt. Do you d-ring one side and then use some type of slip line fixture to take slack out as you go up before you clip the throw line out to go to a higher branch?

I am going to look at Sherril tree and see what they show.

I would like to be able to adjust while tension is on the line that I am clibing with as I am not a tiny person weighing in at 245 right now. So I need every advantage I can get for comfort. I do like being up in a tree thoguh for some reason. It is fun. Scares the crap out some people though.

Sorry Shane, I saw your post this morning before I left for work but didn't have time to answer back. I'll take some pics of my setup and try to post it with some more splainin' before I go to sleep tonight. :msp_thumbup: .....and just to let you know I ain't no light weight myself, 220 is what the scale showed me this mornin'. :hmm3grin2orange:

 

[NHlocal]

Climbing setup.....

oops, double post

 

[NHlocal]

Climbing setup.....

Bailey's - 6' Petzl Grillon Lanyard with Snap This is what I am looking at for a flip line. Does this allow for adjustment with tension? It is not supper clear to me how it will loosen and tighten the rope as in is there a type of cam in that block that holds the line. I see this requires a carbiner to attacht the block to the saddle.

I kind of wish I had a rock climbing store around me as I could have better understanding of how this works as to be able to see some of this in person.


NH and Brian thanks for splaining:msp_thumbup:

That is what I kind of thought and now leads me to my next question NH you say you come down on the 120' rope as in you desend down and then pull the rope through after on the ground hence the 120'. With the flip line you what is the attachement that you use to tension and adjust the line as in I have large d-rings on my harness that will accomadate a second attachemnt. Do you d-ring one side and then use some type of slip line fixture to take slack out as you go up before you clip the throw line out to go to a higher branch?

I am going to look at Sherril tree and see what they show.

I would like to be able to adjust while tension is on the line that I am clibing with as I am not a tiny person weighing in at 245 right now. So I need every advantage I can get for comfort. I do like being up in a tree thoguh for some reason. It is fun. Scares the crap out some people though.

OK Shane, I've got some pics. Take a look and see if they help you understand a little more of some of the options you have(because you're almost unlimited in the choices you have). I just got done trying to find the name of friction hitch I'm using, I saw it "somewhere", I tried it and so far it's working good for me, I can't find the name of it, maybe some one will recognize it and chime in??? As I said before, I'm using a wire core flip line clipped to my D rings. I have a modified prusik hitch with a micro pulley to "tend it", makes it an easy one handed operation, whether you are shortening or lengthening. :msp_thumbup: On my climb line I am using the same friction hitch with a "mouse" pulley to "tend it". The friction hitch is wrapped directly above the pulley with the two ends attached to the 'biner, and the 'biner is clipped through the lower hole of the pulley. That 'biner also clips onto my rope bridge. The end of the climb line that is "above" the friction hitch is tied off to another 'biner and clipped through the top hole of the "mouse" pulley. I think Sherrill Tree catalog has a picture of the "mouse" pulley as a "slack tender"??? The "loop" of rope that is created by this is what I use as my "tag line", second flip line, or whatever.....anyway, 'nuff said, take a look at the pics, hope it helps. :msp_tongue:
(Yes, that Petzl setup does allow for adjustment under tension, so they say.....)

Work safe. :msp_thumbsup:

 

[Brian13]

Randy, that looks like a VT Hitch to me. Not 100% sure, but it looks like it from what I can see in the pic. That is what I started with, and after some reading I switched to the distel. For me its easier to tie and its supposed to be a little more reliable from what I have read. So far I really like it, you still have to watch it, it can still slip, but I havnt had any problems with it so far. Here is my set up, I use the hitchclimber pully with the distel. Since this pic I have got 120' of True Blue with a grizzly hitch on the end.

Today was probably the hardest day of climbing I have had yet. Did two trees today, first one went great. Hit my crotch with the throw ball on the second try, and everything just went smooth. The second Oak I knew was going to be tough, just bigger and gnarlier. I knew it had a good bit of decay in the core of the trunk, I saw that when my boss was going over what he wanted me to do today last Friday, so I was expecting that. When I got up into the tree though I saw there was far more decay than what you could see from the ground. The whole tree was riddled with decay, even on some of the smaller branches you could see where the heart wood was turning red. I was the most nervous I have been since the first time I tried climbing! I made it through it though, and what surprised me was the height didnt really bother me all. Just didnt have a whole lot of faith in the tree, wasnt able to venture out far from my tie in point. Mentally I was whooped when I was done. But on the bright side I am getting a lot more confident in my climbing and a lot smoother:msp_thumbup:.

 

[NHlocal]

Climbing setup.....

Randy, that looks like a VT Hitch to me. Not 100% sure, but it looks like it from what I can see in the pic. That is what I started with, and after some reading I switched to the distel. For me its easier to tie and its supposed to be a little more reliable from what I have read. So far I really like it, you still have to watch it, it can still slip, but I havnt had any problems with it so far. Here is my set up, I use the hitchclimber pully with the distel. Since this pic I have got 120' of True Blue with a grizzly hitch on the end.

Today was probably the hardest day of climbing I have had yet. Did two trees today, first one went great. Hit my crotch with the throw ball on the second try, and everything just went smooth. The second Oak I knew was going to be tough, just bigger and gnarlier. I knew it had a good bit of decay in the core of the trunk, I saw that when my boss was going over what he wanted me to do today last Friday, so I was expecting that. When I got up into the tree though I saw there was far more decay than what you could see from the ground. The whole tree was riddled with decay, even on some of the smaller branches you could see where the heart wood was turning red. I was the most nervous I have been since the first time I tried climbing! I made it through it though, and what surprised me was the height didnt really bother me all. Just didnt have a whole lot of faith in the tree, wasnt able to venture out far from my tie in point. Mentally I was whooped when I was done. But on the bright side I am getting a lot more confident in my climbing and a lot smoother:msp_thumbup:.

You're right Brian, it's a VT hitch but modified. When I finish the 4 wraps and start the braids instead of continuing in the "same" direction I make a half twist with the prusik cord to "reverse" direction and then do the braids. Seems like it "performs" better than the "traditional" VT hitch, for me anyway. I have never tried the Distel hitch, I've only recently heard of it. Sounds like you're getting plenty of hands on experience, the more you climb the more confident you'll get. :msp_thumbup: What are you using for a hand saw? How do you like it? What are you using for a throw line setup? Sorry for all the questions, just wondering what other climbers are using and how it works for them in the conditions/weather they have. Thanks, stay with it, sounds like you're doing great.
Work safe. :msp_thumbsup:

 

[NHlocal]

Anytime Randy, and that compliment was earned my friend. You do good work and come a long ways. You are also humble and not arrogant, like some folks can be. I like that about you. I like the last pic too thanks!

I hope so Norm, the last thing I want to earn is the title "HACK". I take a lot of pride in what I do and my goal is that it will look like a quality job no matter who looks at it.

 

[NORMZILLA44]

Brian good to see you, and you are improving every day. I can see the difference in confidence in your posts. We all get day's we get pushed physically and mentally. And we all get nervous still we get those times. The times when you push through are what counts, those really teach you something, and get you to another level. Randy you and Brian both got some impressive set ups, and climber rigging skills. Me another day of hard cutting, and after saturday's job I pushed myself to hard and paid for it. Pole sawing big limbs, and falling big stuff, pole saw wise. About a 20 foot branch, 4 inches diameter, spun around before I could move, and hit me right behind the shoulder. The sharp end stuck me a little, then drug down my shoulder and back. Happened real fast. I had to sit out for 45 minutes or so. Son of a biatch, got me good, and heard a couple cracks, not bad or anything broken, but back cracked, and I am sore! I think fatigue got me to be honest. And I am doing this almost every day now, and my stamina level went up, but I get days where I hurt for two days after, and am beat up.

 

[struggle]

Thanks for all the help so far on this so far. It is fantastic and all the pictures as well. I will order the book and I am thinking I will go with the wire core flip line set up you guys posted to start with along with the book. It is a lot to take in right now.

On a side note (no pictures) today was quite productive. I did spike climb up a spruce tree that had four forks and cut my way tied off and did use a throw line above me as I went. Not the best set up in the world but I would have saved me had I slipped up. There were two trees on that site which are all cleaned up and just awaiting the Iowa one call so I can grind the stumps out.

Also got a call yestreday on a Linden tree that lost one large fork out of it that hit a corner of a house from storms were this last Sunday. Went and bid it this morning as a removal and stumpout and clean but no back fill on the stump hole which is fine by me as it is not in my town. Guy said do it. I droped the other two forks at least 50' or more from the crotch of where they branch out. Have tree all on the ground except for the trunk itself and everything on the ground ready for removal tomorrow. This job came as a referral from stumps I removed on a golf course:msp_thumbup:

I really never expected to be this busy doing this work but invariably the phone rings when I think I am going to get a break. This was supposed to be part time, but it is looking more like full time now:msp_ohmy:

 

[NHlocal]

.....take it easy.....

Brian good to see you, and you are improving every day. I can see the difference in confidence in your posts. We all get day's we get pushed physically and mentally. And we all get nervous still we get those times. The times when you push through are what counts, those really teach you something, and get you to another level. Randy you and Brian both got some impressive set ups, and climber rigging skills. Me another day of hard cutting, and after saturday's job I pushed myself to hard and paid for it. Pole sawing big limbs, and falling big stuff, pole saw wise. About a 20 foot branch, 4 inches diameter, spun around before I could move, and hit me right behind the shoulder. The sharp end stuck me a little, then drug down my shoulder and back. Happened real fast. I had to sit out for 45 minutes or so. Son of a biatch, got me good, and heard a couple cracks, not bad or anything broken, but back cracked, and I am sore! I think fatigue got me to be honest. And I am doing this almost every day now, and my stamina level went up, but I get days where I hurt for two days after, and am beat up.

.....Norm, sounds like you might want to take it easy for a couple days, sometimes injuries like that can get you in more trouble a little later on. :msp_ohmy: Ayuh, you got away with one there, I get "reminders" like that, as careful and alert as you try to be there's always something else that you need to watch for. :msp_wink: Hang in there and be careful.
Work safe. :msp_thumbsup:

 

[NHlocal]

More work.....

Thanks for all the help so far on this so far. It is fantastic and all the pictures as well. I will order the book and I am thinking I will go with the wire core flip line set up you guys posted to start with along with the book. It is a lot to take in right now.

On a side note (no pictures) today was quite productive. I did spike climb up a spruce tree that had four forks and cut my way tied off and did use a throw line above me as I went. Not the best set up in the world but I would have saved me had I slipped up. There were two trees on that site which are all cleaned up and just awaiting the Iowa one call so I can grind the stumps out.

Also got a call yestreday on a Linden tree that lost one large fork out of it that hit a corner of a house from storms were this last Sunday. Went and bid it this morning as a removal and stumpout and clean but no back fill on the stump hole which is fine by me as it is not in my town. Guy said do it. I droped the other two forks at least 50' or more from the crotch of where they branch out. Have tree all on the ground except for the trunk itself and everything on the ground ready for removal tomorrow. This job came as a referral from stumps I removed on a golf course:msp_thumbup:

I really never expected to be this busy doing this work but invariably the phone rings when I think I am going to get a break. This was supposed to be part time, but it is looking more like full time now:msp_ohmy:

Wow Shane, sounds like you're doing alright, keeping busy and getting more work. Glad to hear it. :msp_smile: The book is good, and if you're going to be doing that type of work I recommend the "Working Climber" DVD series I and II(if you are able). If there's no one experienced to help you out those DVD's will give you all you need to know and more, and teach you how to work safe. When you get everything for your climbing setup put together post some pics, I'd like to see it.....:msp_thumbup:
Work safe. :msp_thumbsup:

 

[Brian13]

You're right Brian, it's a VT hitch but modified. When I finish the 4 wraps and start the braids instead of continuing in the "same" direction I make a half twist with the prusik cord to "reverse" direction and then do the braids. Seems like it "performs" better than the "traditional" VT hitch, for me anyway. I have never tried the Distel hitch, I've only recently heard of it. Sounds like you're getting plenty of hands on experience, the more you climb the more confident you'll get. :msp_thumbup: What are you using for a hand saw? How do you like it? What are you using for a throw line setup? Sorry for all the questions, just wondering what other climbers are using and how it works for them in the conditions/weather they have. Thanks, stay with it, sounds like you're doing great.
Work safe. :msp_thumbsup:

I have the Silkey Zubat, and so far I like it alot. Three to four inch branches are no problem at all. The only think that sucks about it( besides the scabbard is set for your right side and I am left handed) is it tends to rip the small stuff. Supper sharp, honestly it makes me more nervous than the chainsaw. My through line was the cheapest kit I found on Bailys or Wespur at the time. I will say the vinyl bags are not so good. I just ordered a new canvas one, because I have already busted the vinyl one. I ended up refilling it up and taping it for a backup though.

Brian good to see you, and you are improving every day. I can see the difference in confidence in your posts. We all get day's we get pushed physically and mentally. And we all get nervous still we get those times. The times when you push through are what counts, those really teach you something, and get you to another level. Randy you and Brian both got some impressive set ups, and climber rigging skills. Me another day of hard cutting, and after saturday's job I pushed myself to hard and paid for it. Pole sawing big limbs, and falling big stuff, pole saw wise. About a 20 foot branch, 4 inches diameter, spun around before I could move, and hit me right behind the shoulder. The sharp end stuck me a little, then drug down my shoulder and back. Happened real fast. I had to sit out for 45 minutes or so. Son of a biatch, got me good, and heard a couple cracks, not bad or anything broken, but back cracked, and I am sore! I think fatigue got me to be honest. And I am doing this almost every day now, and my stamina level went up, but I get days where I hurt for two days after, and am beat up.

Thanks Norm! Hope you heal up soon. Its definitely rough work and very demanding of your body and your gonna take some hits. Hope you get some time to heal up.

 

[NHlocal]

I have the Silkey Zubat, and so far I like it alot. Three to four inch branches are no problem at all. The only think that sucks about it( besides the scabbard is set for your right side and I am left handed) is it tends to rip the small stuff. Supper sharp, honestly it makes me more nervous than the chainsaw. My through line was the cheapest kit I found on Bailys or Wespur at the time. I will say the vinyl bags are not so good. I just ordered a new canvas one, because I have already busted the vinyl one. I ended up refilling it up and taping it for a backup though.

Thanks Brian, I've heard a lot of good reviews on the Zubat. It has the large aggressive teeth, that would explain ripping the small stuff, best for the large stuff, it's a real workhorse. :msp_thumbup: I'm using an Ibuki, great saw. I've got nothing bad to say about it.(except for the price):hmm3grin2orange: It's worth it though, Silky makes pretty much the best hand saws. :msp_thumbup: My throw weights/bags are the Weaver cordura type material. I have a 10oz and a 12oz weight with 150ft of "Slickline" and 150ft of "Dynaglide" spectra line. I like the Dynaglide far better than the Slickline, more accuracy and distance. I've beat up my throw weights quite a bit and they're holding up good so far. Thanks for the info!
Work safe. :msp_thumbsup:

 

[NORMZILLA44]

Thanks gang, for the get well, and hello. As always look forward to you guys! Yeah running the pole saw every day is what burns me out, me thinks. The working man got to cut little today, and coach more. Though my limit with heights is still there, I am working with a new kid at work. My friend now Dave, been here a year, and never really run or worked on saws. He can do both now, he has been under my wing, and become a more than fair hand. Put him up three times in the bucket, third day was today. Coached him on what to cut, and making two or more cuts when necessary, and some topping. I was really proud he maxed out the truck today, and I coached him through a oak removal, tree was 65 feet tall, he got it all. I got to rest, and Dave learned alot today, by exposure he has come a long ways, he is a good cutter now, and can strip down a saw, and do 75 percent of the work and maintenence now.

 

[NHlocal]

.....rest and heal up.....

Thanks gang, for the get well, and hello. As always look forward to you guys! Yeah running the pole saw every day is what burns me out, me thinks. The working man got to cut little today, and coach more. Though my limit with heights is still there, I am working with a new kid at work. My friend now Dave, been here a year, and never really run or worked on saws. He can do both now, he has been under my wing, and become a more than fair hand. Put him up three times in the bucket, third day was today. Coached him on what to cut, and making two or more cuts when necessary, and some topping. I was really proud he maxed out the truck today, and I coached him through a oak removal, tree was 65 feet tall, he got it all. I got to rest, and Dave learned alot today, by exposure he has come a long ways, he is a good cutter now, and can strip down a saw, and do 75 percent of the work and maintenence now.

Hey Norm, rest and heal up, give yourself the chance to recuperate. Sounds like you've got yourself a good worker with Dave. Sounds like he's got the itch for tree work. He's got a good coach I think, that always makes a big difference. :msp_thumbup:
Work safe. :msp_thumbsup:

 

[NORMZILLA44]

Thanks Randy! Feeling better today. And yep on Dave top notch! And good teacher LOL! Thanks buddy.

 

[NORMZILLA44]

Today was uneventful small tree or two, and little brush. Felt good!