To Be A Groundie
- Thread starter AJG
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Ax-man
Addicted to ArboristSite
When using a rope, knowing how to let it run to avoid hitting the climber with limbs, knowing how to aviod shock loading to ropes by knowing when to let it run and slowly stoppping blocks of heavy wood.
Knowing climber freindly knots that can be untied easily by a climber when sending gear aloft. How to tie two ropes together so they stay together while being pulled up into a tree.
Knowing how to set-up and tension a speed line properly so it works the way it is intended.
Be able to tell if a saw is dull by looking at the chain and be able to sharpen one properly is a must. Being able to do routine saw maintence such as chain tensioning, fine carb adjustments, knowing which tank is for oil and gas. Know how to remove air filter and clean, reinstall same while on the job. Check for loose nuts and screws on a saw, tighten them.
Be able to back a chipper into drive way first time is very helpful, especially on a busy street.
Knowing the equipment you are using and can tell when it isn't performing right, so a little problem doesn't become a big one.
Knowing tree ID is helpful.
These are just the basics, I'm sure others here can come up with more.
Knowing climber freindly knots that can be untied easily by a climber when sending gear aloft. How to tie two ropes together so they stay together while being pulled up into a tree.
Knowing how to set-up and tension a speed line properly so it works the way it is intended.
Be able to tell if a saw is dull by looking at the chain and be able to sharpen one properly is a must. Being able to do routine saw maintence such as chain tensioning, fine carb adjustments, knowing which tank is for oil and gas. Know how to remove air filter and clean, reinstall same while on the job. Check for loose nuts and screws on a saw, tighten them.
Be able to back a chipper into drive way first time is very helpful, especially on a busy street.
Knowing the equipment you are using and can tell when it isn't performing right, so a little problem doesn't become a big one.
Knowing tree ID is helpful.
These are just the basics, I'm sure others here can come up with more.
NeTree
Addicted to ArboristSite
Being on the ground, you serve as a look-out for the climber, among other things. You may see some hazard that he does not (and vice-versa). You serve as the primary safety when dealing with car and pedestrian traffic.
When you get really good, you'll pretty much be able to work without need for much communication... you'll be able to tell what the climber is going to need before he asks for it, whether it's a refuel, a lowering rope, or whatnot.
It is up to YOU to elevate yourself from being a "lowly groundie" to making yourself an invaluable part of the team. Groundies like that can get pretty good pay for never leaving the ground. Mine certainly do.
I ask alot from my groundmen, but those who do the job well are well-respected. It takes alot to keep up with me, and anyone who can has *got* to be busting rear. Not to mention putting up with me, but that's another story...
Ditto to Ax on letting ropes run when possible. If you ever really want to know why we find this important, crawl inside a dryer and set yourself to tumble for a few minutes... yes, it feels THAT bad.
Customer skills can be important, along with appearance. 90% of the time, YOU'LL be the one that gets approached with a problem or by the neighbor looking for an estimate. You're the one on the ground, and the most accesable.
Good groundmen don't let the chipper run for long periods while not chipping. You'll find that to be another pet-peave of most climbers and owners.
If you don't have one, read a comprehensive employee safety manual. The life you save will likely be your own. E-mail me for mine in case you or anyone else would like/need to read it.
Oh, and have fun... life is too short.
When you get really good, you'll pretty much be able to work without need for much communication... you'll be able to tell what the climber is going to need before he asks for it, whether it's a refuel, a lowering rope, or whatnot.
It is up to YOU to elevate yourself from being a "lowly groundie" to making yourself an invaluable part of the team. Groundies like that can get pretty good pay for never leaving the ground. Mine certainly do.
I ask alot from my groundmen, but those who do the job well are well-respected. It takes alot to keep up with me, and anyone who can has *got* to be busting rear. Not to mention putting up with me, but that's another story...
Ditto to Ax on letting ropes run when possible. If you ever really want to know why we find this important, crawl inside a dryer and set yourself to tumble for a few minutes... yes, it feels THAT bad.
Customer skills can be important, along with appearance. 90% of the time, YOU'LL be the one that gets approached with a problem or by the neighbor looking for an estimate. You're the one on the ground, and the most accesable.
Good groundmen don't let the chipper run for long periods while not chipping. You'll find that to be another pet-peave of most climbers and owners.
If you don't have one, read a comprehensive employee safety manual. The life you save will likely be your own. E-mail me for mine in case you or anyone else would like/need to read it.
Oh, and have fun... life is too short.
jmchristopher
ArboristSite Member
Groundie...
Welcome to our world! One of the first things you need to do is stop with the "lowly" stuff. You have a great deal to learn, but it's honorable to be in your position and to feel like you've got goals. After that, the best single thing you can work on is a vigilant, attentive attitude. The technical details will come with OJT, books and class training. Being sharp and safe can start today, and is hugely important. That's the big difference between a professional and a grunt, IMO. Good luck to you!
Welcome to our world! One of the first things you need to do is stop with the "lowly" stuff. You have a great deal to learn, but it's honorable to be in your position and to feel like you've got goals. After that, the best single thing you can work on is a vigilant, attentive attitude. The technical details will come with OJT, books and class training. Being sharp and safe can start today, and is hugely important. That's the big difference between a professional and a grunt, IMO. Good luck to you!
Crofter
Addicted to ArboristSite
One prime requisite of a groundman is to be able to take criticism without pouting, even if it is not deserved. You must not be thick headed at all, but you sure will need a thick hide until you pay your dues. Lol! Seriously though, I think the main thing is the willingness to learn and a positive attitude. Men are willing to teach but there are darned few who are willing to deal with a sour attitude or laziness.
Frank
Frank
John Paul Sanborn
Above average climber
Of course it is different from crew to crew.
For most the ground position is a entry level position that is mostly grunt labor. Drag, chip, rake.
As with any entry level position, employers are looking for people able to show up on time and show a willingness to learn the way they do things.
Some key attributes of a good ground man is to remember how different climbers want things done, thinking ahead of the climbers needs, eg warming up the saw, having a polesaw on site in case it is needed, having rigging lines ready...Those little things that will save a minute here and there are what differentiate ground labor from ground support. An differance in attitude .
For most the ground position is a entry level position that is mostly grunt labor. Drag, chip, rake.
As with any entry level position, employers are looking for people able to show up on time and show a willingness to learn the way they do things.
Some key attributes of a good ground man is to remember how different climbers want things done, thinking ahead of the climbers needs, eg warming up the saw, having a polesaw on site in case it is needed, having rigging lines ready...Those little things that will save a minute here and there are what differentiate ground labor from ground support. An differance in attitude .
Ax-man
Addicted to ArboristSite
I myself have never felt comfortable with this climber slang calling ground workers "groundie's'. A ground man who has proved himself capable should have some sort of upgrade to some thing like maybe being called " climber assistant ".
I think we are quite capabable of coming up with some thing better than "groundie" for a good man. Let's tose a few things around and see what we can come up with? How about it? After all it is a team effort and deserves to be recognized as such.
I think we are quite capabable of coming up with some thing better than "groundie" for a good man. Let's tose a few things around and see what we can come up with? How about it? After all it is a team effort and deserves to be recognized as such.
NeTree
Addicted to ArboristSite
Ground Control Specialist
Terra-Controller
Brush Control Supervisor
Cleanup Engineer...
=)
I never found the term "groundie" to have any demeaning signifigance... after all, I still refer to climbers as "the monkeys"...
And I say that having started out on the ground, like most people.
And frankly, I still enjoy the playing the position now and then. It's a nice change of pace.
Terra-Controller
Brush Control Supervisor
Cleanup Engineer...
=)
I never found the term "groundie" to have any demeaning signifigance... after all, I still refer to climbers as "the monkeys"...
And I say that having started out on the ground, like most people.
And frankly, I still enjoy the playing the position now and then. It's a nice change of pace.
mikecross23
ArboristSite Guru
My one and only full time "Ground Controll Specialist" got the boot yesterday. He was with me for Seven months. First few mo's he was great. Then all of his problems at home started interfering with work and his drinking got worse. He became an undependable danger to my business and most of all me.
DO NOT:
Do not bring personal problems to work. Do not go to work hung over. Do not drag ass all day. Do not wander out of contact w/ your climber unless you check w/ him. NEVER CATCH A CHUNK W/ OUT LETTING IT RUN (unless told to do so). Do not kill your climber.
DO:
Show up on time w/ clear bright eyes. Be eager to learn and LISTEN. Learn several basic knots and practice them. Learn to predict how and when a piece will break off and let that rope run SMOOTH to a slow stop. If you are unsure, ALWAYS ask your climber for a run down of the situation. Always make sure ropes are free and not tangled and clear of falling pieces. Always untie and pull out a rope before cutting on the ground. Learn basic mechanics of a chainsaw. Study shock loading and forces that may be applied to equipment. Get familiar w/ weight of green wood for different species. Look presentable.
Most of all experience is what you need but take the initiative to learn why you need to let it run, and how to properly tie good knots. That will go far w/ any employer.
You'll go far,
-Mike-
DO NOT:
Do not bring personal problems to work. Do not go to work hung over. Do not drag ass all day. Do not wander out of contact w/ your climber unless you check w/ him. NEVER CATCH A CHUNK W/ OUT LETTING IT RUN (unless told to do so). Do not kill your climber.
DO:
Show up on time w/ clear bright eyes. Be eager to learn and LISTEN. Learn several basic knots and practice them. Learn to predict how and when a piece will break off and let that rope run SMOOTH to a slow stop. If you are unsure, ALWAYS ask your climber for a run down of the situation. Always make sure ropes are free and not tangled and clear of falling pieces. Always untie and pull out a rope before cutting on the ground. Learn basic mechanics of a chainsaw. Study shock loading and forces that may be applied to equipment. Get familiar w/ weight of green wood for different species. Look presentable.
Most of all experience is what you need but take the initiative to learn why you need to let it run, and how to properly tie good knots. That will go far w/ any employer.
You'll go far,
-Mike-
MasterBlaster
TreeHouse Elder
There ya go, AJG.
Mike said it perfect!!!
Mike said it perfect!!!
T
topnotchtree
Guest
A good ground guy knows a few tricks to help the climber. For instance there are many ways to tie a work line onto a climbers rope. But I know of 1 knot (there are probrably more) that allows the climber to untie the workline from his climbing line with the just a tug of the rope end. Fast and appreciated by the climber.
MasterBlaster
TreeHouse Elder
Any knot tied thataway is prefaced with the term 'slippery'.
I luv 'em!
I luv 'em!
mikecross23
ArboristSite Guru
DITTO.
Dobber
ArboristSite Operative
new groundman names
If he or she is chipping they will be refered to as, feed controle managers, or perhaps while ropeing they could be called modified descent speciaist, oh oh oh wait, a brush dragger is now foliage transfer technition. Groundie is just a term, it meens groundman the fact that a term was created for the position, and then modified creating a more personal atmosphere between the two workers is not enough? Must we now evolve the same way an office does, by creating new meaningless job titles, in order to make someone special. Oh good job Bill you have mastered the half hitch, learn just 2 more knots and you get your journeymen hitch creator badge. How about taking pride in your job and in the knowledge of a job well done. Being a groundman is an honorable position and an intricate part of my chosen profession. I did it for years and busted arse the whole time, If you value your ground man and the job he does for you, offer him a pat on the back and a job well done, any thing less or a meaningless job title is an insult.
If he or she is chipping they will be refered to as, feed controle managers, or perhaps while ropeing they could be called modified descent speciaist, oh oh oh wait, a brush dragger is now foliage transfer technition. Groundie is just a term, it meens groundman the fact that a term was created for the position, and then modified creating a more personal atmosphere between the two workers is not enough? Must we now evolve the same way an office does, by creating new meaningless job titles, in order to make someone special. Oh good job Bill you have mastered the half hitch, learn just 2 more knots and you get your journeymen hitch creator badge. How about taking pride in your job and in the knowledge of a job well done. Being a groundman is an honorable position and an intricate part of my chosen profession. I did it for years and busted arse the whole time, If you value your ground man and the job he does for you, offer him a pat on the back and a job well done, any thing less or a meaningless job title is an insult.
MasterBlaster
TreeHouse Elder
I wanna see the term climber elavated to newer lofter levels!
But what?
But what?
Ax-man
Addicted to ArboristSite
Originally posted by netree
How about....
Mechanically Assisted Aerial Primate
Those are the SRT specialist aren't they.
I'm just asking for it big time with that crack.
MasterBlaster
TreeHouse Elder
Hmmm, dunno 'bout the primate part.
Non-Terra firma's...
Nah...
Non-Terra firma's...
Nah...
MasterBlaster
TreeHouse Elder
Originally posted by netree
it's okay to walk on yer knuckles, Butch. We still respect you...
LMFAO
Actually, I've been called a 'monkey' many a time. I never really cared all that much for that name. Brian has the right idea.
Squirrel has a better ring!
