Fall restraint device

J

jgreene33

Location
Bristol Virginia
I've worked as an aerial lineman for all my days. The switch to tree work has brought on a few questions. Here I'd like to get some input on one of them. For pole climbing there are several fall restraint devices. The buck squeeze is one example. If you cut out, it squeezes the pole making it virtually imposible to fall when applied properly. For most climbs its not used where as it slows you down and can be a bit cumbersome but, on a really high climb it can be a nice thing to have. So I was wondering, do arborists have any such devises? Perhaps are there techniques that can be employed that would have a simular effect? Lineman always use a belt to go around the pole and I'm aware arborists use a rope to go around the tree. I considered just a single wrap around the tree would have a simular effect but would really like to hear back what others may have discovered that I have not. Thanks in advance

Bristol Virginia tree removal - Bristol Virginia tree service
 
Mr. Greene, hi! Good to hear a new voice here!

One thing that comes to mind immediately on reading your post is single rope technique, referred to here as SRT. Using SRT on a stem after all the limbs are off can offer advantages like the "buck squeeze" you mention, though I am not familiar with that particular product. An advantage of SRT in this case (pole) lets the climber bail at any time.

On another note, I looked at your website. Not bad, nice pictures, though if I may offer some criticism, you mention lowest prices without sacrificing safety, but there are a couple of shots of climbers without hardhats.

Also, I find the pricing section interesting, but really no criticism there. I can't say I'd feel comfortable saying a 60' tree will cost $1000 if it's near obstacles, but I guess it gets you out there talking to clients. Definitely interesting idea.
 
Good eye. Over here on safety patrol, I guess I missed that. Then again, there could be some palms and eucs, maybe. We have some palms in Asheville, but they're inside a mall.
 
Winch: Thank you so much for your reply. Only thing is... your reply gave me a few more questions. Guess thats to be expected. SRT, bail at any time? how so? Not clear on that part. Keep in mind I was a lineman. With that in mind I have had to handle a million deadly situations with trees but a newb arborist. So go easy on me... Btw, my pricing does have much to be desired that much I am aware of but im up and coming and trying to offer my services at the lowest possible cost. Any feedback/criticism would be of great help to me and mine.
 
Well, start reading the "SRT- Half the Rope Twice the Fun" section, and maybe you can get a good handle on the idea of SRT there.

In a nutshell, SRT climbers have a rope that doesn't move like a classic double rope system does. This leads to greater efficiency in the climber's movements. It also has advantages like what I mentioned - your rope is tied to the tree rather than moving around it or over a limb, so on a spar, you can descend at any time. Tough to explain, you'll just need to read up on single rope technique to get a better handle on it, unless someone else on here wants to explain further.

Okay, since you asked about your website, I'll give some more feedback. "Testamonials" is spelled wrong. So is "arborial." "Equipment" isn't capitalized, and should be as the rest of the categories are. Your rates stop at 60' tall trees. Is that as tall as they get? Just looks like you may not deal with taller trees than that. And "obsticales" is spelled wrong. Just a few things, not trying to be picky, it just looks more professional if everything is at least spelled right.
 
SRT? Thats a little out of place here...

Although from looking at his pictures it looks like he has quite the saddle collection...

???
 
http://www.greenetreeremoval.com/#!untitled/zoom/c1b0d/imagevgi

you have an image in your own site of a climber using an SRT system. His climbing line is cinched to the pole he is chunking down, if he were to gaff out, this installed line will catch him, or say perhaps he comes into a nest of insects and needs to get to the ground, and to safety, its as simple as unclipping the lanyard and a quick decent to the ground.

-Steve
 
Winch I've done a ton of reading. Most of it figured out thanks to you. Btw as I stated before, any criticism was apreciated. When I get home tonight I will make all the changes to my website. Your totally right about looking professional. To be honest I did alot of going over the site and didn't see any of those errors. Good eye and thanks!!!! Mean it. One thing still is on my mind a 60' foot tree around obsticals is that completely underbiding? I Took down a 60' maple just the other day for even less... dont laugh me out of the forum. I even loaded all the wood for firewood for the customer and hauled all the brush to a burn pile. Oh and not that this helps my case lol. I also felled a 35' pine from the ground between a house and a barn. The 60' maple had to be taken from the top down...
 
Re. Buck Squeeze in original post. I use a wire core flip line to accomplish same effect on trees all the time. Comforting to have a full wrap around the tree and have it “choke” and catch if I slip.
 
I just dont think SRT is the logical starting point for training. The guy obviously doesnt know much about climbing.

Who teaches SRT first? I mean you can advocate whatever you want buddy, dont worry about my feelings. I might ask about what kind of DRT system he uses first. Throwball skills etc..

Is anyone wondering about the photos on the site? I think there is one of MasterBlaster.
 
Ugh actually Nick I've been climbing all my life. Tree where by far the lesser of my climbs but had to do it more times that I can count. I'ts the finer points of being an arborist that I lack. The SRT was a fine suggestion winch's part but merle says he already does what I was thinking. Next time I go up over 40' I'm gonna try that see how bad it slows me down.
 
Oh and p.s. nick I didnt have any photo's to add of me in a tree. So I used what I could find on the net. No big deal lay off. Seems you hang out on this forum just to jump on someone rather then help. Must have alot of free time on your hands. Even trying to pick on winch. He sure been alot more help then you have. You can however find me on facebook doing a million amazing things in linework. See if that dont calm you down some.
 
First recommended read should be the Tree Climbers Companion the most popular tree climbing training book. Forget about the Bucksqueeze, your main support becomes a high central tie in. Your lanyard is often only used for work positioning. Lanyards are also a mini climbing system used for advancing when the main line is inefficient.

SRT is a bit off topic as double rope can function the same way with a different configuration.

Spars are similar to pole work except the trees have cavities and you need to learn the living characteristics of trees. You could use a Bucksqueeze there but if they slow you down some form of an adjustable ringed friction saver has a number of safety benifits and advances quick and smooth.

I know more than a few veteran poleclimbers have been hurt and killed when they switched to trees. There's a few chainsaw tricks that aren't that important on the ground or in a bucket.

With pricing I'm learning trying to do it the cheapest is a waste of time. Every tree and job comes down to time = $ = invoice. It seems a two man operation with no bucket breaks even around $120/hour prodution time in Canada. How much can you charge above that and not lose work is the pricing game. But if your working below that with all the legitimate expences your doing volunteer work.
 
Hi JG, welcome aboard matey. Ye'll need to be growin' some mighty thick skin to to handle some of the scurvy dogs on this ship.

Remember that a person's real tone is almost impossible to translate into the text of a post. And some times us tree guys don't know which words to use to get our point across, often leading to confusion and hurt feelings. All the members here are decent guys and even the harshest criticism should be taken with a grain of salt and considered "constructive".


Now for your question - "protection against gaffing out?" I think is what you were asking. Three points here:

1) Please don't wear spikes on trees unless it's a removal. The spike wounds great entry points for pathogens and actually are quite harmful. I'm assuming you specialize in removals but sooner or later you're gonna have to start doing some pruning. Clients will respect you and pay you more $$$$ if you can climb spikeless.

2) On that note, get a throwline and maybe a Bigshot so you can set your climbing line overhead before leaving the ground. It's a super great "backup" to prevent a slide on a gaff-out. Alot of climbers still don't do this on removals and I just don't get it - added mobility, safety and versatility compared to just being bucked into the stem. Give it a try.

3)When blocking down wood without any available overhead suspension point then refer to this picture from your website. Notice how the lanyard is wrapped once around the stem, this helps limit your lateral movement and also helps to keep the spar from splitting and pulling you into "the circle of death". The climbline is choked midline with a long tail for retreiving the choke after a short rappel with the Gri-gri (or other device). Once again the rope becomes an overhead suspension point providing greater mobility and safety compared to simply down-climbing on spikes.


Hope you enjoy the Buzz. Stick around, there's more here than just us scallywags and scurvy dogs. Real treasure can be found in the "articles" link at the top o' the page.
 
I will defend my comments as I still think its important to qualify someones skill set before giving out technical information that may be misunderstood with a potentially lethal outcome.

I didnt say you dont have the skills, only that it appeared so by your use of jargon and the experience you listed. If you say you have the skills and experience I am in no position to question you.

Addressing the issue of your photos, say whatever you like about my internet use, representing yourself with photos that are not yours is wrong. Did you obtain releases from the owners of them? Did any of those people pay to have professional pictures taken?

'Gallery' (the heading on your website) is defined as: A room or building for the display or sale of works of art.
http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=define+gallery&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8
We can extend that to include 'products and services' without to far of a leap. Your use implies that you are displaying YOUR services, works, or products. What you are picturing may not be the service you are offering.

I wish you best of luck, nothing less. As you and your business grow, especially since you have chosen to enter the public forum, you would wisely choose to build it on hard work, integrity, and honesty. None of which are represented in:

"Oh and p.s. nick I didnt have any photo's to add of me in a tree. So I used what I could find on the net. No big deal lay off. "

You might be a stand up guy or raging scum bag for all I know, if you are the first it would be a shame to muck it up plagiarizing someone else's efforts.
 
[ QUOTE ]

"Oh and p.s. nick I didnt have any photo's to add of me in a tree. So I used what I could find on the net. No big deal lay off. "

You might be a stand up guy or raging scum bag for all I know, if you are the first it would be a shame to muck it up plagiarizing someone else's efforts.

[/ QUOTE ]

Using other people's photos on your web site without permission is a great way to piss them off, and it is a copyright violation since, it is their property. Other people's content is free to look at on the web but not free to re-use as your own. 'nuf said.

I haven't looked at your web site but you can keep it really simple visually, customers don't actually care, they just want to know what you do (tree work), what your business name is and how to contact you. You'll have plenty of photos of you working soon enough. One thing at a time. Good luck with it.
-AJ
 
Yeah, the photos of other people on the website is a mistake. Maybe with a friendly nudge JG can be persuaded to remove them and just post his own pics.

Without really knowing a guy it's impossible to make a judgement, only assumptions and you know what that means.

One clue we do have as to his character is the fact that he came here looking for help. Asking us to help him be a better climber. The best we can do is give the straight answers and hope he really learns something. If we ostracize a new guy from the Buzz because of unfounded assumptions then he'll just keep on doing it his way, without listening to us.

I know I wouldn't be half the arborist I am now without listening to the great advice I received here on the Buzz (and weeding out the BS) Thanks TB family!
 
When i get some other photo's I will gladly use them. It was a premade template that I personally had to put together. With limited website building skills, limited time and, a limited budget I did the best I could. And I personally don't care to here anymore about it. Agian thanks to anyone that simply helped. You guys (Winch, Merle, Boreality) have helped more then I can say in just a few days. The rest of you need to get a life. There are way better things to worry about I promise.
 
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