Spikes and spur help?

Therrin · 30th January 2008, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Therrin

I'm not sure that people who admit to having knicked and cut their pants, and still don't wear protective coverings, would have much place to point out people who don't wear helmets, boots, ear protection, or other means of PPE though.
(Cass, don't misunderstand me... you claim to have switched, so that isn't aimed at you)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassian Humphreys

Hi Ken, I meant that I knicked/cut my chainsaw pants, that since climbing in shorts I ceased doing so.
Since I rekindled my commitment for proffesionalism I gave away climbing without the protection and am now very bonded with my PPE.

Cass, I used your same phrasing, but tried to avoid any misunderstanding by throwing in the " ( ) " part... apparently it didn't work so I'll appologize, didn't want you to misunderstand what I was saying.

It's hard for me to imagine not wearing them, both on the ground and in a tree.... Not only have I heard and seen stories of "accidents" here on TW, but also just got off skype with another industry pro who had an almost-horror story of PPE pants/chaps keeping his chain from taking most of his leg off.
In my mind this could be related to, say, wearing sandals instead of boots. Same difference.

treekiwi · 31st January 2008, 01:27 PM

Maybe we should all adopt the local use of Samoan Safety Shoes or Jandals or 'thongs' as the Australian's call them, maybe we should use our machettes for breaking down too,

Personally when not climbing or using a saw with chaps instead of chainsaw trousers feel super warry, almost 'naked' without them, habit i guess.....

treevet · 3rd February 2008, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassian Humphreys

Hi Gents - love to be the devils advocate, and I have a challenge - what makes an arborist ? - I havent carried a set of spikes for 10 years.

I reckon tree men (warriors) climb trees not spike them, but then I also reckon an arborist doesnt cut trees down, I see an arborist as a tree carer not a tree remover - leave that to the tree loppers.

There is way to much emphesis on the roar of the wood chipper, the tools of the trade and penis size.

Here's to the age of the tree........

Was wandering around to see what got Ozinus canned and came upon this post. Thought it might make some good day-off fodder.

Cassein, you claim to be a "Shigoist". Shigo had no problem with arborists removing terminal (dieing) or hazardous trees (high risk) in addition to removing thousands of trees for research purposes.

A relevant Shigo quote, "What is a tree, a huge organism that can fall over and kill you".

Also, "Know when to cull. There are times when the best pruning treatments will not solve the problem". Also "Trees have dignity", to Denude, or cut back severely, or top or leave mostly dead or high risk tree with unnatural, abbreviated branches or looking a skeleton is a travesty.

To have a non carer arborist decide on tree removals is a huge mistake. Only someone that loves trees should decide when to put one to sleep.

I think you have the luxury of not doing tree removals because you are an employee. You have placed yourself in just one aspect of a profession and decided to wear it with aloofness.

We company owners have to take care of all of our client's tree needs or someone else will.

I think maybe a cocktail or 2 may have precipitated this post? (penis size) Want to take it back?

D Mc · 3rd February 2008, 07:32 AM

S Mc here...

Well said Treevet. I wanted to comment on this post originally but was reticent about weighing in on a topic that included discussion of the relative size of the genitalia of my male counterparts. (THAT's 6"?

)

I realize Cassian stated he was being a "devil's advocate" so will cut him some slack. However, I also think I read in another post on this website where he was hoping to get permission to fall a tree with respect to his research on his turnbuckle hypothesis. So I don't know where he categorizes that in his tree carer scenario.

S Mc

Cassian Humphreys · 3rd February 2008, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by treevet

Was wandering around to see what got Ozinus canned and came upon this post. Thought it might make some good day-off fodder.

Cassein, you claim to be a "Shigoist". Shigo had no problem with arborists removing terminal (dieing) or hazardous trees (high risk) in addition to removing thousands of trees for research purposes.

A relevant Shigo quote, "What is a tree, a huge organism that can fall over and kill you".

Also, "Know when to cull. There are times when the best pruning treatments will not solve the problem". Also "Trees have dignity", to Denude, or cut back severely, or top or leave mostly dead or high risk tree with unnatural, abbreviated branches or looking a skeleton is a travesty.

To have a non carer arborist decide on tree removals is a huge mistake. Only someone that loves trees should decide when to put one to sleep.

I think you have the luxury of not doing tree removals because you are an employee. You have placed yourself in just one aspect of a profession and decided to wear it with aloofness.

We company owners have to take care of all of our client's tree needs or someone else will.

I think maybe a cocktail or 2 may have precipitated this post? (penis size) Want to take it back?

Tree Vet - if you check my posts - 74 - 76 and 84 + 85 you'll see where my thread went. I stand by the tree carer removalist, my point was for those tree removalists who stroke their cocks with regard the size of their wood chipper, gafs, chainsaw etc and how much tree they can deck. The fact is many sound trees are still being cut down, I was speaking on `their' behalf.

Yes I am currently an employee (last 3 years), since graduating from Merrist Wood (91) I was self employed (subbied to a contractor in Germany) and then ran a Tree Care business from 93 to 2001.
After a number of tree removal years I hung up my spurs. In fact I went thru bankruptcy over my moral dilemma of felling trees to pay my way in life. I went thru anything but luxury following that decision, as for aloofness I have way to much passion to act like a limey (pommie bastard).

I can see your perspective though, as for Dmc's remark regarding the turnbuckle tree the reason that tree still stands is because of my resistance to cut it down.

Regards to all - Cassian...........

Ekka · 3rd February 2008, 03:35 PM

Crikey!

This guys got GUTS, I LIKE IT!

With the recent property boom in Brisbane there's a plethora of large chippers out there, loans becoming easily available. It's like who doesn't own an 18" chipper?

The rates for tree work have steadily declined IMHO and relative to the costs/profit margins I feel we are worse off per tree than 1995 etc.

What does this mean, that tree companies have to do more volume ... END OF STORY. And they are feeding 18" chippers and processing a lot more trees per day.

I dont own a chipper, I have also been told you cant be a proper arborist unless you got one ... funny thing I notice is how many chipper owners aint arborists and give stupid hack advice. You'll see these trucks all over Brisbane, predominantly sign written "Tree Lopping".

Quote:

I can see your perspective though, as for Dmc's remark regarding the turnbuckle tree the reason that tree still stands is because of my resistance to cut it down.

I noticed some candidate trees over on the riverside parks in Jindalee area, dont know if they have formed a turnbuckle or not however not all have to be cut down anyway, there's options and like the QTRA most likely they will fail in adverse weather and no-one around anyway and no property targets ... so let them go I say.

Cassian Humphreys · 3rd February 2008, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ekka

Crikey!

This guys got GUTS, I LIKE IT!

I dont own a chipper, I have also been told you cant be a proper arborist unless you got one ... funny thing I notice is how many chipper owners aint arborists and give stupid hack advice. You'll see these trucks all over Brisbane, predominantly sign written "Tree Lopping".

I noticed some candidate trees over on the riverside parks in Jindalee area, dont know if they have formed a turnbuckle or not however not all have to be cut down anyway, there's options and like the QTRA most likely they will fail in adverse weather and no-one around anyway and no property targets ... so let them go I say.

Hey Ekka I subbied chippers the whole time I ran my Tree Care business and do not see the need for arborists to own them.
Untill we in our proffession have a gold card type licensing system the hacks will keep getting away with work that fails the tree and keeps us real tree men having to compete with fools who fail to value their work because they know it is crap................

The QAA - Qld Arb Association is I believe working on this issue....

Cut down the hacks who cut down the trees......

Therrin · 4th February 2008, 01:31 AM

Cassian...

Doesn't the QAA not only cut down hacks who cut down trees, but also cut's down other Arb's who cut down trees who aren't in the QAA boy's club?

Cassian Humphreys · 4th February 2008, 02:40 AM

Ken as far as I can see there are some good men on the QAA comitee, I recently reconnected with the QAA (was on the comitee 95 to 98) and have to say i'm impressed. There is an openess to new possibility, true there is also the old school perspective (club mentality) but thats everywhere. Life the doubledged sword...
I reckon the more we dump agenda and focus on the tree, the better it will be allround..........

treevet · 4th February 2008, 04:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassian Humphreys

Tree Vet - if you check my posts - 74 - 76 and 84 + 85 you'll see where my thread went. I stand by the tree carer removalist, my point was for those tree removalists who stroke their cocks with regard the size of their wood chipper, gafs, chainsaw etc and how much tree they can deck. The fact is many sound trees are still being cut down, I was speaking on `their' behalf.

Yes I am currently an employee (last 3 years), since graduating from Merrist Wood (91) I was self employed (subbied to a contractor in Germany) and then ran a Tree Care business from 93 to 2001.
After a number of tree removal years I hung up my spurs. In fact I went thru bankruptcy over my moral dilemma of felling trees to pay my way in life. I went thru anything but luxury following that decision, as for aloofness I have way to much passion to act like a limey (pommie bastard).

I can see your perspective though, as for Dmc's remark regarding the turnbuckle tree the reason that tree still stands is because of my resistance to cut it down.

Regards to all - Cassian...........

We re not real tree people if we wear spikes in live trees. Granted that. But now we re not real arborists if we remove dead, diseased or high risk trees. Finally in Cassian and Ekka s opinion we re misguided if we own a chipper, and have no guts?!

Cassian, you do not remove trees, but you come on a spike thread and chastise those that do.

Does your employer remove any trees? Do they ask your opinion as a top level arborist, if a tree warrants removal?

If no, then You are not "PROTECTING" trees from bad decisions by competing bidders or even your company. This is a daily job for top level arborists.

If yes then you re likely agreeing on some removals, and you are cutting down trees just the same as if you cut them down yourself, with or with spurs, chippers, anatomy parts.

I do also see your perspective, though.

You may be preaching to the choir to some extent.

Cassian Humphreys · 5th February 2008, 02:31 AM

Tree Vet I utterley agree, I am prone to the box, I find as I mature the box is used less, truth is I see most sides of the story and have regard for all types of tree operator be it removalists or Tree Carer's. Still if it wasnt for the box we wouldnt be getting to know each other would we?.

Here's to the box............

Cassian Humphreys · 5th February 2008, 02:37 AM

Hey Tree vet, your dead right as I acknowledged to our Kahil poet Sean, often is the time I dribble. As I mature I find less use for the box, still If I hadnt got it out for this thread then we wouldnt be getting to know each other.

Here's to the box.................

treevet · 5th February 2008, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassian Humphreys

Hey Tree vet, your dead right as I acknowledged to our Kahil poet Sean, often is the time I dribble. As I mature I find less use for the box, still If I hadnt got it out for this thread then we wouldnt be getting to know each other.

Here's to the box.................

enjoy getting to know you.

treevet · 8th February 2008, 02:52 AM

Correct me if I m wrong, but these double-wide, more comfort, with 2 straps, called Euc pads, were invented by Don Blair in the eighty s. I still have a pair from Sherrill I keep for occasional use with foot plates on them for all day jobs.

I now have the same pad with velcro, as everything I do all day is based on ease of use from parking my trucks/trailers without having to move anything to get out, to my saddle which is a no frills , easy on/off cheapo that often the leg straps don t even get cinched as it goes on and off during the day. My more elaborate high dollar, comfort, wide back, suspendered all dayer, called a Eucman (also Blair, also eighties) usually sits on the shelf in a ropebag for protection.

I d probably be tempted to even use a velcro foot strap if they invented a dependable one my spikes are on and off so much during a day. Hate walking around with them on.

TrevMcRev · 12th February 2008, 02:30 AM

Spotted Carbon Fibre Gecko spurs at the store today, damn light, weigh next to nothing, cost....$770

Are these new to the market or i just havent seen em before?

I like carbon fibre stuff, but i also like $770 IN my wallet!

31st January 2008, 01:27 PM	#102 (permalink)
treekiwi Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: New Zealand Posts: 101	Re: Spikes and spur help? Maybe we should all adopt the local use of Samoan Safety Shoes or Jandals or 'thongs' as the Australian's call them, maybe we should use our machettes for breaking down too, Personally when not climbing or using a saw with chaps instead of chainsaw trousers feel super warry, almost 'naked' without them, habit i guess.....

3rd February 2008, 07:32 AM	#104 (permalink)
D Mc Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Montana Posts: 72	Re: Spikes and spur help? S Mc here... Well said Treevet. I wanted to comment on this post originally but was reticent about weighing in on a topic that included discussion of the relative size of the genitalia of my male counterparts. (THAT's 6"? ) I realize Cassian stated he was being a "devil's advocate" so will cut him some slack. However, I also think I read in another post on this website where he was hoping to get permission to fall a tree with respect to his research on his turnbuckle hypothesis. So I don't know where he categorizes that in his tree carer scenario. S Mc

4th February 2008, 01:31 AM	#108 (permalink)
Therrin The Tree World Bandit Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Lancaster, Ca Posts: 1,270	Re: Spikes and spur help? Cassian... Doesn't the QAA not only cut down hacks who cut down trees, but also cut's down other Arb's who cut down trees who aren't in the QAA boy's club? __________________ Ken Fessia I.T.S.A. Tree Service (661) 916-4703

4th February 2008, 02:40 AM	#109 (permalink)
Cassian Humphreys Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Brisbane Australia Posts: 61	Re: Spikes and spur help? Ken as far as I can see there are some good men on the QAA comitee, I recently reconnected with the QAA (was on the comitee 95 to 98) and have to say i'm impressed. There is an openess to new possibility, true there is also the old school perspective (club mentality) but thats everywhere. Life the doubledged sword... I reckon the more we dump agenda and focus on the tree, the better it will be allround.......... __________________ Cut through life's drama - With Instinct as your steel and Logic as your temper...

5th February 2008, 02:31 AM	#111 (permalink)
Cassian Humphreys Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Brisbane Australia Posts: 61	Re: Spikes and spur help? Tree Vet I utterley agree, I am prone to the box, I find as I mature the box is used less, truth is I see most sides of the story and have regard for all types of tree operator be it removalists or Tree Carer's. Still if it wasnt for the box we wouldnt be getting to know each other would we?. Here's to the box............ __________________ Cut through life's drama - With Instinct as your steel and Logic as your temper...

5th February 2008, 02:37 AM	#112 (permalink)
Cassian Humphreys Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Brisbane Australia Posts: 61	Re: Spikes and spur help? Hey Tree vet, your dead right as I acknowledged to our Kahil poet Sean, often is the time I dribble. As I mature I find less use for the box, still If I hadnt got it out for this thread then we wouldnt be getting to know each other. Here's to the box................. __________________ Cut through life's drama - With Instinct as your steel and Logic as your temper...

8th February 2008, 02:52 AM	#114 (permalink)
treevet Over mature heritage tree Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA Posts: 913	Re: Spikes and spur help? Correct me if I m wrong, but these double-wide, more comfort, with 2 straps, called Euc pads, were invented by Don Blair in the eighty s. I still have a pair from Sherrill I keep for occasional use with foot plates on them for all day jobs. I now have the same pad with velcro, as everything I do all day is based on ease of use from parking my trucks/trailers without having to move anything to get out, to my saddle which is a no frills , easy on/off cheapo that often the leg straps don t even get cinched as it goes on and off during the day. My more elaborate high dollar, comfort, wide back, suspendered all dayer, called a Eucman (also Blair, also eighties) usually sits on the shelf in a ropebag for protection. I d probably be tempted to even use a velcro foot strap if they invented a dependable one my spikes are on and off so much during a day. Hate walking around with them on.

12th February 2008, 02:30 AM	#115 (permalink)
TrevMcRev Over mature heritage tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Posts: 734	Re: Spikes and spur help? Spotted Carbon Fibre Gecko spurs at the store today, damn light, weigh next to nothing, cost....$770 Are these new to the market or i just havent seen em before? I like carbon fibre stuff, but i also like $770 IN my wallet! __________________ Melbourne Arborist, Total Tree Care, Pruning, Tree and Stump Removal