QUESTIONS ABOUT CLIMBING

[RANCHER]

I'm seriously thinking about purchasing some spikes, harness, and all the other related climbing gear so I can do my own removals on trees that are not near any structures. Mostly 30+ year old Monterrey Pines. Any climbers here have any advise for me on equipment, safety, or techniques,
instructional recommendations, etc...

 

[MasterBlaster]

 

[SkwerI]

Welcome to the Treehouse, Rancher.

Hey guys, I invited Rancher over from the racesaws forum. Don't beat him up too badly.

 

[CurSedVoyce]

Saved by B!

 

[MasterBlaster]

Ha!

 

[Bodean]

Equipment, Safety and Technique?

Seems you're in the right place.

Welcome to the TreeHouse Rancher.

 

[RIVERRAT]

If there are no targets {structure} a Big shot & long line for pulling & learn to do a proper face cut would be a good start.

As far as being safe......











stay the hell out of the tree!

 

[Old Monkey]

Monterey pines are pretty pitchy and can have some really heavy branches. How basic are your skills? There are some good books that can get you started.

http://www.baileysonline.com/itemdetail.asp?item=17370&catID=1064

http://www.baileysonline.com/itemdetail.asp?item=17371&catID=1064

 

[RIVERRAT]

Oh, & I was just kidding. Sort of

 

[pantheraba]

Start with Jeff Jepson's book, The Tree Climber's Companion

and Beranek's book, The Fundamentals of General Tree Work

both at this site. http://www.atreestory.com/books.php

I have both and they are FULL of great info that promotes safety and efficiency.

Be sure to link up with someone that already has climbing/cutting skills and is safety minded.

And Welcome to the House.

 

[wiley_p]

click on my sig.

 

[treesandsurf]

Do some research through the old threads here at the house; there is a TON of information right here in these walls.

jp

 

[Blinky]

Saved by B!

Yep, that was a close one.

Welcome Rancher... what they said. Tree climber's companion is a good start.

 

[RANCHER]

Equipment, Safety and Technique?

Seems you're in the right place.

Welcome to the TreeHouse Rancher.

Thanks Bodean. I'm in Sonoma County too!

 

[MasterBlaster]

Welcome to the TreeHouse, Rancher! Your profile is lacking - gotta first name? Mine's Butch.

How long have you been climbing?

 

[RANCHER]

Do some research through the old threads here at the house; there is a TON of information right here in these walls.

jp

Thanks guys. I'm checking out all the info. you suggested. I'm a good cutter - never done any climbing with spikes though; I can do face-cuts and bring down whole trees no problem; but, I need to be able to chunck some old pines down in order to avoid damaging the surrounding oaks, which are all healthy.

I see there are steel, aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber spikes available. I'm pretty sure I need the longer type, but should I just go with the starter kit at WesSpur? or? http://www.wesspur.com/climbing-kits/basic-spur-climbing-kit.html Tree climber's companion comes with the kit.

Also, anyone have any recommendations on boots?

 

[MasterBlaster]

I would want to buy my gear separately, myself.

 

[RANCHER]

Welcome to the TreeHouse, Rancher! Your profile is lacking - gotta first name? Mine's Butch.

How long have you been climbing?

Hi Butch,

My friends call me GR. I've never climbed with spikes before. I've had lots of guys that do, out here on the property and I've worked with them from the ground on a number of removals. I'm thinking it's doable for me, if I get the right equipment. I have a 200T, 361, 192T, and a just bought the 131 pole-saw, but I do all my work from the ground, until now. Got any suggestions or preferences on gear? Spikes, boots, harness, etc...?

 

[lumberjack]

I'd read the Tree Climber's Companion, look around arb supply sites (get a catalog or two) then come back and post up what you're thinking of buying. Gear selection is mostly personal opinion, everyone's milage varies.

http://www.wesspur.com/Books/tree-climbers-companion.html

 

[Monkeywithasaw]

welcome rancher what state are you in ?

 

[RANCHER]

welcome rancher what state are you in ?

California. No Redwoods on my property though...

 

[RANCHER]

I'd read the Tree Climber's Companion, look around arb supply sites (get a catalog or two) then come back and post up what you're thinking of buying. Gear selection is mostly personal opinion, everyone's milage varies.

http://www.wesspur.com/Books/tree-climbers-companion.html

Thanks Lumberjack. Everybody seems to be recommending that book. So, I'll pick up a copy. I like the gear idea. Should I stay away from the bundled kits and shop individually? I'm really not sure what to brands/types to buy...

 

[MasterBlaster]

I'd recommend an inexpensive Weaver saddle to start with. You must decide between a floating dee or a four dee style. I prefer the former.

 

[Monkeywithasaw]

wesspur/baileys/bishop are three nearest equipment dealers in your state and bishop has some pretty good prices on some things but i would shop around

 

[RANCHER]

wesspur/baileys/bishop are three nearest equipment dealers in your state and bishop has some pretty good prices on some things but i would shop around

Cool. I've been a Bailey's customer for quite a while. They ship right out of Sacramento, CA; so, I get my stuff fast. And I have the WesSpur catalog too. But, I'll have to check out Bishop - didn't know about them...