One Man Show

GoodYautja

GoodYautja

New member
Location
New England
There is the obvious serious concern for safety when working alone.

I have seen a post on the intricate, detachable after lowering rigging techniques.

Besides these, what other concerns might a solo arborist face?

Is anyone out there rolling like this?

What heavy equipment are you using?

Curious.

Cheers.
 
There's been one astronaut trips to space, solo summitting of extreme peaks, massive undertakings done solo. You just need to be that much more careful. It's so much better to have a groundman it doesn't make sense to do it, but if work is so slow that working slow doesn't matter it can be more profitable, but it makes for an extremely long day and sometimes night. Bring your headlight for the raking.
 
You have to weigh your risk and benefits.

I flew solo for the first 4 years bringing in help only when I needed it. I had a bucket so that made it a little easier but it also slowed me down and my hourly income had to be lower too in order to remain competitive on like jobs.

Rather than rigging, getting down, untying and going back up I'd rig to catch then lower down, cut and chuck into the hole. That helped productivity.

Having had a crew now for the past 6 years I can't say I'd go back solo except for those jobs that really need no more than one person such as pruning the single lilac or such.
 
What do you want from life? a large crew, a part time crew, or no crew.

Know your limits, be careful and cover your bases.

Don't drop a limb on your climbing line...LOL

Make a million or make a living? you decide..


Peace.
 
Solo here, too often, but not removals or anything heavy. Comply with Z by having client within earshot or even cellphone. Sketchy? Sure.

I just ran an ad for temp help on craigslist and was amazed at the good quality help that can be had for $10/hour.
 
Can you control entry into the drop zone? Is it in a high traffic area (even a low traffic area for that matter) with limited vision from aloft such that someone could walk in underneath without you knowing?

What it comes back to is the fact that you are working in a specific profession where what you do impacts how the rest of us are viewed and rated. Our insurance rates are set by statistical analysis not individual performance.
 
I'd like to see the statistics on people getting hit by falling branches caused by climbers working alone. There are many places (backyards) where you can control the traffic. Just bring your own lock for the gate if your that worried.

Other jobs a number of traffic controllers may be required.
 
You mean climber injuries caused by traffic then? Sorry I don't understand.

I really enjoy working alone when it's safe. Almost always I have a helper on site just for the traffic concerns and to keep him employed but it sure is nice when I get to leave him behind.

I'd bet statistically having a rookie or someone hungover or worse yet a hungover rookie on site causes more accidents. Just another hazard we need to manage.
 
I have done alot of work alone and am now beginning to understand what diminishing returns means. No matter how clever you are or how big a bowl of wheaties you eat in the morning, you will never get ahead alone. You can get by, but not ahead. I for one am looking forward to selling all my equipment snd joining a TEAM of professionals in Ohio come March. The nightmare is over.
 
It happens, if you gotta keep the fridge full then make sure your prepared for every thing, anticipate every step, keep hydrated, sugar up, and know when to quit.
wink.gif

Think of your children and family often.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7RyiwHVZdQ
 
[ QUOTE ]
What do you want from life? a large crew, a part time crew, or no crew.

Know your limits, be careful and cover your bases.

Don't drop a limb on your climbing line...LOL

Make a million or make a living? you decide..


Peace.

[/ QUOTE ]

GREAT post!

I work alone often. Whaddya do? Keep in contact with an emerg. contact every two hours. Work safe, work smart, but most importantly...work hard!

Oh, and be awesome.
 
Sorry Boreality, two different thoughts in my post. First being managing the drop zone and secondly, in general, how our individual actions effect our profession as a whole.
 
I am sure we have all worked alone at some point and with the economy the way it is many arbos dont have the cash for help right now.My thinking is if your groundman is not capable of an aerial rescue at least he can call 911 possibly saving your life,which isnt happening if you dont have one there with you.I think people are willing to work for anything these days,cheap groundman should not be a problem.
 
I flew solo for about a year because I couldn't keep a decent groundman (that i trusted with a saw while i was in the tree) - even at 13 bucks an hour. Well, I wound up working 12 - 14 hour days, an inguinal hernia, a $5,000 + doctor bill and almost 3 months without climbing. Don't wanna go back to those days.
Finally I came across a guy with a 2yr degree in forestry that was thrilled to work with me! Yes - i said work WITH me! When i come down out of the tree, i shed my saddle and start dragging and chipping with him. I'm really trying to keep him happy because I've been more profitable in the last 8 months than I ever have! It's a cliche, but GOOD HELP IS HARD TO FIND - AND EVEN HARDER TO KEEP!
 
I have ran a 2 man business for over 40 years but have a huge amount of equipment. In the past I have had suspect help now and then, especially in between good help during tryouts. Back in the day if the wife has gone to work and I was swamped with work and a dope or alcohol hangover prevented their attendance...what do I do to get equipment to a job?

Bicycle. Throw a bicycle in the dump truck or bucket or crane...drive to the job and ride the bike back, get the chip truck....whatever...bike back...repeat. End of the day repeat in reverse.

Not one to watch tv all day when bills are in the mailbox.
 
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