tree gaff vs pole gaff

[islandarb]

Pole gaffs are the way to go if climbing thin barked trees and palms. Like you I live in the tropics where tree gaffs are useless ( IMO ) most if not all the trees I remove are thin barked. I really hate using spikes but they are handy in removals especially when taking down the main spar. I have done many removals w/o spikes once I have a tree nearby with a high TIP and the big spar has stubs for footholds. Just my 2 cents, keep them nice and sharp with the correct taper they have to keep original shape takes some know how, check manufacture's website for correct sharpening. I use ti-buckingham with soft wrap/w steel insert, very comfy, when in them all day add a piece of 1 inch foam to ease the pressure on the shins.

Paul.

 

[islandarb]

I know I said I hate using gaffs but in reality I can't get away from using them on large removals. They are a necessity I just prefer swinging and moving through canopies spikeless hence I tend to prefer pruning. People here in Barbados don't remove trees unless absolutely necessary, the price always jumps them on removals. But I do get my fair share.

Good topic Josh. I have a coconut palm removal at a hotel above a deck next week will try and post some pics using my new DMM inpact block. Take care. Paul.

 

[islandarb]

Josh the pic in the previous post is a spikeless removal of a casaurina tree " mile tree " that grows here I removed all three practically spikeless. At the bottom of one I needed the spikes but that wood is like concrete so kicking out always a possibility. Hard job really as there was no breeze in that posh area of our little island. Heat here can be a prob.
Paul. I added another pic of that job.