Issue 2 November 2005 by a World of Trees

Dedicated to Arboriculture

T O TA L A R B November 2005

JO-BEAU Narrow Access

Narrow Access Woodchippers

Interview: Andy Burgess ‘Challenging the illusion of integrity’

New Product: A roll on the drum for Liston Equipment

BASE Explained! A new organisation – a new agenda

Employers Liability Insurance: extra benefits from Arb Insurer

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0 870 240 8903 or visit www.jo-beau.co.uk Professional Narrow Access Woodchippers

Subscription special offers inside

page 9

Total Arb November 2005 photograph supplied by Andrew Cowan

Welcome to the second edition of Total Arb. We have been delighted at the reception the magazine has received from the tree care industry, right across the country. Subscriptions have been coming in thick and fast, as well as suggestions for future articles and ideas for inclusion in future issues. We will be taking up many of these suggestions in the future. Indeed, as a result of the your suggestions we are featuring classified job advertisements for the first time in this issue. These will be a regular feature and will be also featured within our web site. We have always said that we wanted the magazine to be a forum for discussion, argument and as an exchange of ideas across the industry. As a result of a number of requests, will be featuring a letters page from issue three. A number of subscribers have said that they would like the magazine to be published on a monthly basis. It is our intention to do this as soon as possible, in the short term however, we will be updating our web site on a regular basis. These updates will consist of news and articles that we have not been able to feature in the magazine, or which are time sensitive and therefore need to be published as soon as possible. Please visit the site regularly to see what is happening. Once the section is uploaded you will just need to click on ‘news’. The “Find an Arborist” feature that went online in mid September is starting to generate a lot of interest. More and more companies are now signing up to this feature and we will shortly be able Managing Editor Ann Wright email: ann@totalarb.co.uk

to publicise it to the general public. At the same time as publicising the benefits of find an Arborist we will be adding to the site a public portal. This will have information and advice on tree care and when a professional should be called in. It is our aim to get this information featured by a number of gardening magazines and in the relevant sections of the Sunday supplements, directing their readers to the website. At the same time as we will be encouraging the general public on to our site we will also be ensuring that subscribers are able to exclusively view certain areas. This will be by means of a log-in and will give access to the job pages, the archive sections featuring past issues of the magazine and specific sections that will develop – such as machinery, tree diseases etc. We will of course allow some content to be accessible to all – just so non-subscribers know what they’re missing! All-in-all a lot has happened in the last eight weeks, which is overwhelmingly encouraging. I would ask you all to continue to send in your suggestions, your questions, your comments and your moans. I assure you now we will respond to them all – it may take a little while though. Write to ‘The Editor’ at the address below or email: letters@totalarb.co.uk I think at this point I should offer my thanks to British American Tobacco without whose products this issue would not have been produced!

Telephone 01379 608528

Editor Steve Reynolds Telephone 01255 431166 email: steve@totalarb.co.uk Total Arb Magazine is published by Total Arb Limited, Coppice House, Teddesley, Penkridge, Staffs. ST19 5RP.

Total Arb November 2005

Contents B.A.S.E. Building for the future Think Before You Leap Profile - Andy Burgess Subscription Offer Familiar Faces at New Machinery Dealer As Easy as ABC Boys and their Toys Insurance - with extras! Give your Chipper a Break Taking care of the ‘what if’s’? Pushing the Boundaries of our Knowledge How do you like your chips? Manchester City Council tidies up with a Jo-Beau New Arblite lightweight clothing for chainsaw users Rabbits, rats and moles increasing pests or declining species? Deer Management Friendly Finance Arb Jobs

2 4 6 9 11 15 17 21 22 24 26 27 29 30

31 32 34 36

Although every effort is made to ensure accuracy, neither Total Arb nor its authors can accept any responsibility for errors or omissions. The views expressed in Total Arb magazine are not necessarily those of Total Arb Ltd. There is no unauthorized reproduction, in any media whatsoever, in whole or in part, permitted without the written consent of Total Arb Ltd. If you feel that your copyright has been infringed in any way you should contact the editor. We undertake to remove from our publication or website any images or written media that have inadvertently infringed copyright or to give appropriate credit[s] where applicable. Unsolicited manuscripts and photographs are welcomed, but no responsibility can be accepted for them, howsoever delivered. Total Arb magazine is independent of all political parties, private interest groups and government. It has no affiliation to commercial interests other than its own and represents no organizations or associations. Our policy is to provide news and information to our readers in a balanced manner. If you find any error of fact in our pages you should contact the editor by telephone, letter or e-mail. We undertake to correct errors promptly and to issue apologies, where deemed appropriate.

B.A.S.E. Building for the future In our launch issue we were able to give a brief outline of what BASE stands for, but promised a more thorough examination in this issue. Chris Trivett explains exactly what BASE will be addressing as the school of excellence welcomes it first trainees. The British Arboricultural School of Excellence is offering training to a professional standard which places them apart from the crowd. By questioning the status quo and examining the way forward BASE will provide the most appropriate training, deserving of the industry.

What is required under the Law? There is a great confusion in the industry regarding qualifications, and what is required of employers to ensure their employees are adequately trained. The Law that outlines the requirements is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSAW 1974) through Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER 1998). The regulation states: “Every employer shall ensure that all persons who use work

equipment have received adequate training for purposes of health and safety, including training in the methods which may be adopted when using the work equipment, and any risks which such use may entail and precautions to be taken.” This is explained further in the Approved Codes of Practice (ACOP), which states: “(a) Evaluate the existing competence of employees to operate the full range of work equipment that they will use. (b) Evaluate the competence they need to manage or supervise the use of work equipment. (c) Train the employee to make up any shortfall between their competence and that required to carry out the work with due regard to health and safety.” Finally “Chainsaw at Work” (which is the industry guidance) states: “All workers who use a Chainsaw should be competent to do so. Before using a Chainsaw to carry out work on or in a tree, the operator should have received appropriate training and obtained a relevant Certificate of Competence or National Competence Award, unless they are undergoing such training.”

What is a Certificate of Competence or a National Certificate of Competence? A Certificate of Competence is a qualification gained by being assessed to a set assessment procedure and standard. An example of this would be a college certificate.

A National Certificate of Competence is a qualification gained by being assessed to a set assessment procedure and standard which is set by a national body such as NVQ, Btec Diploma, National Certificate, LANTRA certificate or NPTC certificate. The chainsaw at work guidance breaks with the status quo in the industry, which currently has a heavy weighting towards NPTC chainsaw units. Why has the industry allowed its customers or end users to rely so heavily on these certifications instead of recognising other qualifications such as National Certificates and National Diplomas, all of which are “National Certificates of Competences”? The Industry continues to rely on clunky inflexible certification, which is scrabbling desperately to keep up with the industry, delivered with highly intensive training courses’ hardly giving the candidate any chance to gain experience. This allows poor training through inexperienced trainers, some of whom have just barely passed the qualification themselves (unless trained by LANTRA instructors), leading to a driving test style assessment. How many competent drivers are on the road? The point is that a qualification, which can be gained after a highly intensive week-long course will not lead to an effective, efficient colleague. It places them in an exaggerated status, which leads to employers having to pay over the odds for incompetent staff. Example: a member of the public, Joe Bloggs can receive 12 days intensive training, sit four assessments and then enter the

Total Arb November 2005

B.A.S.E. Building for the future

industry as a “competent practitioner”. This is supposed to be an industry striving for professionalism. B.A.S.E have spoken to employers that feel frustrated with the present system. B.A.S.E wish to address this by delivering courses, when requested, in a more professional structure, breaking up training into manageable blocks with highly experienced instructors in a professional environment with first class learning materials.

Communication to the wider Industries that Arboriculture is part of, and serves, needs to be more coherent and comprehensive. What is wrong with having a choice between formal full time study, work place study and a system of allowing colleagues who have never received formal training to prove their competence? B.A.S.E are offering solutions and remedies to the industry and ask a right to reply to the industry. We all need to work towards a more efficient application of the standards in place.

How did we get where we are

Questions to Employers

When you hear employers complaining about the skill levels of prospective applicants, questions need to be asked of employers in accepting just one qualification structure. Industry leaders misleading end users have exacerbated this. That the ‘one-size fits all’ structure is not the only option. Training providers (specifically colleges) have not been as vocal as they should (or could) be to stick up for themselves and their products. It

• Would you like to see a Qualification that gains funding from the government? • Would you like to see a Qualification that you can manage and control? • Would you like to see a Qualification that is recognised by all your end users? • Would you like to see a Qualification that would allow you to develop a trainee to suit your needs?

Superior Quality Tools and Equipment For the . TURIS ABOCL and evrything avilbe f-thesl.o

was all too easy and convenient. All it takes is interpretation of the Chainsaw at Work guidance.

If the answer to these questions is yes, then NVQs could be the way forward. The problem with the current system is that there is nothing wrong with the standards; it is purely in the way they are applied. An NVQ requires a candidate to provide evidence over a proven time frame. Its flexible enough to incorporate skills that can only really be gained by experience instead of tacking certificates on to certificates, and over loading assessment criteria.

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Total Arb recognises that, for some, the above article will be contentious and for others it says openly what has been whispered about for some years. We want to know what you think and will be welcoming comment either through our website, via e-mail or by post. Don’t hold back! If training provision is to improve then the areas of improvement need to be identified –or not as the case may be.

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Think Before You Leap Other than those who are in business as “Lifestylers”, businessmen and women all have a common aim – to make money! It does not matter whether they are farmers or foresters, tailors or technologists, almost everyone who owns a business does so because they see it as their route to making a living which is better than that which they would achieve if they worked for someone else. In today’s world we all want money and we all need money. If most businessmen and women are asked how they would alter their business so that it will make more money, one of their ready replies will be that they will do it by increasing their production, and thus sales – i.e. Increase the business’ turnover… Simple! Simple? Sometimes it really can be that simple. However, it does not always result in the rosy picture that people initially expect it to. Increasing the turnover of a business is very often believed to produce an almost instant cure for any financial problems in the business and ultimately increase the owners’ income. All to often I see businesses who have, for various reasons, been unhappy with the money that they have been making and in 4

response have increased their turnover – the belief being that the more that they sell then the more profits that they will make. The problem is they do not always consider the consequences of the issues that affect their sales. Issues such as: ● Is the market already saturated? ● Will the price be forced down as a direct result of an increase in the availability of a product result? ● Are they currently operating in a niche area, which, in order to increase the level of sales, the business will have to break out of, thus opening it up to the market pressures of main-stream producers. ● Can the current production facility cope with the increased level of production? And, most importantly, ● Does the consumer actually want any more of the product or services? If, for example, the cost of increasing the level of sales significantly increases a business’ overhead costs (perhaps due to the cost of new premises, machinery, etc), it is a very possible result that the actual level of profit could decline as a direct result of servicing these costs. In other words lots of extra work for more risk and less money.

production costs in relation to the speed at which it will receive payment for the products that it is producing. If, for example, a business is paying it’s production costs within 30 days, but not receiving payment for the finished product for 60 days after delivery, it may run out of money even though it appears to be profitable. In effect the business will be strangled by it’s poor cash flow. The moral is not to expand purely in the hope of increasing profits. Always consider all of the possible outcomes. Draw up budgets and cash flow forecasts to demonstrate the proposed outcome of the expansion. Importantly, budgets and cash flows should also be prepared to show the outcome if the business fails to achieve the desired targets – could the business survive if it found that it had saturated the market to the extent that the price of it’s product had to be reduced by may be 5% or 10%, or even more.

Before you embark on expansion, remember – Turnover is Vanity… Profit is Sanity… but Cash flow is Reality!

A sobering thought for any businessman! Another issue that must be considered is the speed at which a business has to pay for it’s raw materials, labour, and other

Duncan can be contacted by email on duncan@totalarb.co.uk

Total Arb November 2005

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Profile ANDY BURGESS

In the last two years Andy Burgess has organised a quiet revolution in British Arboriculturel. By starting up ARBessentials and with his involvement in BASE and Total ARB he has metaphorically set the cat amongst the pigeons, and borne the brunt of sometimesharsh criticism. People deserve to be judged by what they do and not by rumour, or innuendo; so it is timely for that we should interview Andy Burgess and find out what his future plans are and see if we can find what lies behind the flash trousers and mobile phone. Total Arb: Andy, how long have you been involved in British Arboriculture? Andy Burgess: I have been involved with the Arboricultural industry for just over two years. Prior to that I was working as a management and sales consultant on a self-employed basis. I was immediately struck by the lack of organisation and structure that the retail sector of the industry was riddled with. Total Arb: Such as? Andy Burgess: A prime example is the way that retailers were acting as wholesalers, and some supposed wholesalers acting as retailers selling direct to end users at the time as taking the p**s out of their retail network. This undermines the basic structure that normally allows industries to grow. What we had, and still have, to a lesser degree is an old boy brigade dictating 6

the market. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just not good for the industry! It offers less choice and less value for money to the Arborist. Total Arb: How did you address this? Andy Burgess: The first initiative was to set up an arboricultural supply company. I called this company ARBessentials, because thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exactly what it supplied! ARBessentials is a company quite specifically set up to support retailers. ARBessentials does not sell to end users but proudly supports them. My involvement with the I.S.A. tree climbing competitions in 2005, having taken over the main sponsorship from Stihl illustrates this. This was a key factor in getting retailers to take the ARBessentials offer and at the same time offering

end users better choice. Whenever possible I support British manufacturing from choice. This often leads to much reduced margins but at least keeps our manufacturing from going abroad. However, some British manufacturers little understand the meaning of loyalty and they should be careful. A lot of these products are, or have become, market leaders and it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t down to the manufacturers. Total Arb: What is the biggest difference that ARBessentials has made to the industry, as far as you are concerned? Andy Burgess: I feel that in just two years ARBessentials has been able to instil within the supply sector of the Arboricultural industry a meaningful infrastructure. It engages in genuine forward Total Arb November 2005

thinking concerning new products – not just retrospective hand flapping as result of the stumbling beaurocracy of the HSE. We also have a policy of new products being developed after consultation with end users. Total Arb: Aside from ARBessentials, what other areas are you focussing on? Andy Burgess: We have a very fragmented system of training across the country. It seems to me there that it is, at times, unfocused to the actual needs of both the Arborist, and the companies which employ them, and also the end users whether they be the general public or public authorities. There is little overall structure as to the standards being delivered, or indeed the standards set. It is pathetic that relatively inexperienced people can train others without

any formal educational training. At the same time I know there a great number of quality people out there doing a great job. Thankfully some are beginning to work with me on my vision. That is why I decided to support the formation of BASE. BASE offers a real chance to rewrite the training manual, and to bring on a national multi-level NVQ in Arboricultural. Total Arb: I know that there’s something else you find pretty unbelievable; LOLER inspections. Can you tell us about that? Andy Burgess: It’s not the LOLER inspections that are unbelievable; it’s the way in which they are being cynically manipulated for personal gain. An example would be where an inspector turned up on-site to carry out a LOLER inspection, fails a number of items and then produces

replacements from the boot of his car. It is quite clear that inspectors should be able to demonstrate that they are fully independent and are acting without fear or favour. Often this is obviously not the case, but too many people are reluctant to kick up a fuss. This is wrong. People should be able to call inspectors to account and I intend to put a structure in place to allow this. My advice, to you, the Arborist reading this, is to find out who is doing your inspection and if he or she is attached to a retailer go elsewhere. I will soon offer you a choice, keep an eye on the website www.totalarb.com Those inspectors who share my views e-mail me on andy@arbessentials.com those who don’t ....well, good luck for the future. continued overleaf

Total Arb November 2005

Profile Total Arb: What do you see as the role of the various trade associations in this and other issues? Andy Burgess: Virtually all of the associations operating within the arboricultural sector seem to have lost their way. Members wonder why they ever joined up, or question what actual benefits they receive from membership. Incredibly, not every association signing up arborists has a section relevant to the industry. In some cases the association is predominantly a foreign association, and only has limited relevance to the United Kingdom. This mess manifests itself in fundamentally unsatisfactory communication with the general public. This is something that all associations need to address. The promotion of high quality tree surgery should be regarded as a priority and not something that is purely internal. There are far too many mutual slap backing societies and not enough doing real work to promote arboriculture where it needs it - to the general public!. They should remember their members and the real things that need addressing before someone shows them the way. I am not sure we need yet another arboricultural society, but if it comes to the crunch so be it.

Total Arb: How do you believe that this situation can be addressed? Andy Burgess: I believe that the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tree care community from the single self-employed individual to the largest national contractor, needs to come together and communicate with the various associations in order to promote the industry from the ground up. I will do whatever I can to support them in this â&#x20AC;&#x201C; such as the Find an Arborist Campaign on the Total Arb website. Our goals are to highlight the professional and assist the end user in making a educated choice for the right reasons, as to why they should pay the going rate for having tree care done professionally. Of course I am also trying to get rid of the arse****s in the industry who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have even the most basic training and have never heard of insurance. These people are simply giving the majority of tree care professionals a bad name and are undermining the good work done by many.

I believe that we have a responsibility to look after the welfare of our trees and the people who work with them.

I believe that we have a responsibility to look after the welfare of our trees and the people who work with them. Unfortunately, it seems a number of the associations do not seem to share my vision, although many tree workers do.

Total Arb November 2005

Familiar Faces at New Machinery Dealer Listening to your customers is usually a good way to help a business grow, especially a new business. That is exactly what Steve Johnson did when he decided to form Prochip. The company, which has been trading since February 2005, specializes in the refurbishment, servicing and hire of Entec/Timberwolf chippers. It was set up to be reactive to customer problems and proactive in preventing them. Steve was previous employed as the Timberwolf service manager, a position he held for almost eight years. This makes Prochip unique as Steve has an excellent knowledge of all Entec

woodchippers, and their history – not just new machines. The company has become many customers first choice, and with the business rapidly growing and more and more requests for Prochip to sell machinery, Steve was joined in October 2005 by former Timberwolf sales specialist Mike Zarkos. Prochip have now secured the Timberwolf dealership for Suffolk and Norfolk along with exclusive dealerships for Carlton Stump Grinders and LionLift Access Platforms throughout East Anglia. Combining their 16 years experience within the Arboricultural industry means that Steve and Mike can offer an unparalleled level of sales and service for all of the products that they sell. In fact, any type of arboricultural machinery is accepted for service, and many customers and distributors have already taken advantage of Prochip’s experience to speed up a repair or service. Collection from the customer can be arranged if required and machines are available to hire from Prochip to cover the service period at reasonable rates. In addition, spare

parts can be supplied nationwide on a 24-hour basis - providing an order is received before 3pm! The companys’ hire fleet includes chippers from 4” to 7.5” and tracked models, together with stump grinders and access platforms. To help prevent breakdowns Prochip offer a number of planned maintenance schemes, which include regular servicing around the respective manufacturers guidelines and pre agreed pre-emptive servicing for equipment being used in dangerous environments, such as trackside vegetation management and power line clearance contracts. Prochip, Unit 12, Tomo Business Park, Stowmarket. IP14 5AY Tel / fax: 01449 770044 Steve Johnson: 07891 723712 Mike Zarkos: 07918 195570

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Manchester City Council tidies up with a Jo-Beau Manchester City Council has recently taken delivery of the Jo-Beau M500/24 from Fletcher Stewart to help with their ongoing program to reduce hedge heights around the city.

“We required a machine which could operate within back gardens with high capacity output and easily pass through gates and alleyways. Following lengthy trials we found the Jo-Beau to fit our requirements” states Steve Larkin of Manchester City Council. litre jerry can as a fuel tank. The chipper is rated at 120mm (5”) diameter material and the in-feed chute is designed with a parallel 50cm opening onto the 50cm chipping drum which is fitted with reversible chipping knives. The overhaul width of the M500/24 is just 72cm (28”) so access into rear gardens is quick and easy. Power is supplied by a 24hp twin cylinder Honda engine with a 20

Drive is supplied by a hydrostatic transmission unit powering the two large front wheels. The rear wheels are mounted on castors which ensure good manoeuvrability. For further information contact Fletcher Stewart on 0870 2408903

Two Lifetimes of Memories Mervyn Walker of Treefellas of Ilkley is 75 years old and has worked with trees all his life, as did his father before him. His son is now carrying on the family tradition. Mervyn still works but says he has given up climbing unless he really has to! The 2006 Calendar he has produced gives a fascinating insight into treework throughout the whole of the 20th century. There is one photograph for each month with a description underneath - one dating back as far as 1900 (see illustration). Beautifully presented, the calendar provides a fascinating insight into the history of arboriculture and is a must for anyone with a love of trees and an interest in those who have worked with them. We believe this shows one of the first newly invented Yankee crosscut saws. Having four cutting teeth and a raker, the teeth cut a long strip of wood just thicker than the width of the saw and according to the set of the teeth the raker stabs the strip of wood and pulls it away from the centre of the tree. When sharpened correctly, with lengths of up to 1ft long, it sawed quietly and straight. The rakings can be seen lying at either side of the tree. The men are also using an 18th Century long axe. A Century old tree - a Century ago.

Total Arb November 2005

To order your copy send your name and address together with a cheque for £8 to Mervyn Walker P O Box 103 Ilkley West Yorkshire LS29 8YD

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Total Arb November 2005

As Easy as ABC Anybody working in tree work will know that if an accident occurs there’s a fair likelihood that it will be serious. Working with chainsaws at height or on the ground, together with woodchippers and stump grinders all add up to the potential for serious injury. So if the worst does happen – what do you do? Bearing in mind the serious nature of injuries that are likely to be sustained within Arboriculture, I recently took the opportunity to sit in on a course run by ABC Response of Manchester and designed specifically for the arborist. The course took place at Newark in Nottinghamshire and had been arranged for TilHill Forestry UPM. The aim of the course was that all of those attending have at least the First Responder status by completing a one-day Appointed Person’s course. Steve Johnson was running the day’s training. Steve has a lot of experience in applying first aid in adversarial conditions and has spent some years the with mountain rescue and now carries out specific training for mountain rescue services. The appointed persons course whilst being certificated, is not assessed. Attendees are given a certificate that confirms attendance and outlines the content of the course. The course which I attended was intended to give attendees basic knowledge of first aid, and more specialised training to deal with the sort of shock experienced by both the injured and their colleagues if confronted with severe injuries resulting in Total Arb November 2005

complete or partial amputation, crush or severe soft tissue injuries. The first half of the course consists of a basic introduction to CPR and general first aid. It’s worth-while saying that whilst most people will be familiar with the principles of CPR from watching 20 years of Casualty and similar programmes on TV, the opportunity to actually practise was most welcome. Practising this type of technique enables people to build confidence, and if they were required to use this particular procedure they should be able to without hesitation. Similarly, the information given concerning the treatment of persons who are in shock is a potential lifesaver. Few people truly realise how serious shock is. In many cases it is shock that kills the individual rather than the injury. Swift and proper treatment of shock before the emergency services arrives is vital and is likely to save an injured person’s life more than any other form of first aid. Remember, if you are suffering shock from being confronted by the casualty, then they are almost certainly suffering clinical shock. The course also covers what to do if you are confronted with amputation caused either by sharp objects or by

crushing. It was impressed that the most important thing was to reduce the amount of blood loss. Great emphasis was placed on the importance of time in relation to crush injuries. There is only limited time – typically fifteen minutes – from the start of the incident, before we would need specialist help to release the victim. If this can’t be done in the time scale then it is best to wait. The course also covers the treatment of breaks and fractures of the bones, which may be either closed or open. In all cases the treatment has the aim of making the casualty comfortable and reducing blood loss, whilst the emergency services arrive. Of particular interest to arborists, or anyone who is working in an isolated area or is working on their own is the provision of European wide 112 emergency number, which can be used in areas where the normal 999 cannot be accessed. It is worthwhile remembering this number or programming it into mobile phones as a second emergency number. It is in the afternoon session that the fun really begins, Steve gets out the theatrical make up and begins to design a series of wound’s on a number of the trainees. These members of the group then have to run outside acting as if they have just been injured. For the remainder of the group their role is to attend to the ‘injured party’ whilst being watched and guided by Steve. Comments are made during these sessions as to how the patients can be made more comfortable or the ‘wounds’ more appropriately treated. Everybody gets the opportunity to 15

As Easy as ABC The following information has been taken from the HSE Web site:

www.hse.gov.uk play a role and those who are injured are placed in a variety of scenarios, such as in the open where they are clearly visible to members of the public, or in between parked vehicles. In this way they are able to simulate a likely working environment, perhaps surrounded by vehicles, buildings, trees and walls. Applying appropriate first aid often means being prepared for almost anything, and being aware of the immediate surroundings will reduce the likelihood if secondary accidents occurring.

Assessment of first aid needs:

The provision of basic first aid training for persons working with powered machinery should form an integral part of any company’s health and safety policy. In any event, the named first aider should have the location of first aid kits the location and directions to nearest hospital and be aware of any possible complications in getting people to hospital, or of the emergency services reaching the worksite. These should all be noted in the risk assessments that are completed for specific jobs. When you consider that the one-day appointed person’s course that I observed costs just £45 per person it’s a small price to pay for the security of knowing that your staff are able to deal with an emergency.

You must make an assessment of the hazards and risks in your workplace and establish an appropriate level of first aid provision. What this means in practice is that if you work in a low risk activity, eg clerical work at home, a normal domestic first aid box would be adequate. If your work involves driving long distances or you are continuously on the road, the assessment may identify the need to keep a personal first aid kit in your vehicle.

Employers are required to carry out an assessment of first aid needs. In other words they need to identify the level of risk to their employees in carrying out their work duties and consider what first aid equipment, personnel and facilities they need to make available.

Chief Application of the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 to self-employed workers As a self-employed worker, you are required to ensure you have adequate facilities to provide first aid to yourself while at work.

Many self-employed people work on mixed premises with other self-employed or with employed workers. Although you are legally responsible for your own first aid provision, it is sensible to make joint arrangements with the other occupiers and self-employed on the premises. This would generally mean that one employer would take responsibility for first aid cover for all workers on the premises. HSE recommends there is a written agreement for any such arrangement.

Anybody working with powered equipment should consider this type of course a minimum requirement; indeed the Health and Safety Executive already do, see panel above. 16

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Boys and their Toys Andrew Cowan Arborecology I hope this article will help you begin to get to grips with the Unimog range, while in a couple of following articles I will look at the diversity of attachments that can be fitted, towed or powered by a Unimog, and of course the nitty-gritty of licensing, not to mention whether you should or should not run it on red diesel. So where to start? The Unimog was conceived in Germany in the late 1940â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s when a small four wheel drive vehicle was developed with power take off (PTO) options for driving implements and various linkage variations for mounting them. These early Unimogs were known by numbers such as 411 and 421. The latter became the U600 when they started linking the model number with the horse power of the engine. This is one of the first useful things to remember about the model numbers, because with a few exceptions the number indicates the size of the engine Designed to be a capable road vehicle as well as a superb off-road tractor, the Unimog can be driven in two wheel drive while on tarmac and on light tracks, but when it starts to get sticky the air operated central differential can be locked at the flick of a switch. Turn the switch again and both axle differentials are also locked, also using the vehicles inbuilt compressed air system. Compressed air is also used to assist the breaks which are disc on all four wheels except early versions in the U600, U900 & U1100 ranges, which used drums all round. The drive mechanism for the Unimog is split between a number

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of different gear boxes which are either bolted together or linked by a drive shaft. Early models had either a standard four speed box which can be operated in both forward and reverse, while others had a six speed option split between three boxes, with first and second gear operating in both forward and reverse. Later models have eight main drive gears split between two boxes, with all eight operable in forward and reverse, by utilising a third box. In addition to the main high-range drive gears there are various low range options which can be added by fitting further gear boxes to the combinations above. Early models usually come with at least one low range option which can be used in all main gears (forward and reverse), but some may be fitted with an option known as a super cascade box that offers intermediate gear selection. Later model options generally come as either 16 speed (eight main high range gears with low range) and 24 speed (eight main high range gears with low range and crawler) all operable in forward and reverse. In addition it is possible to have low or high range options in the main gear range depending on the design build of the vehicle in question, while the gearing is further altered by the size of the tyres fitted to the wheels. Power Take Off (PTO) facilities are available on all models but are not always fitted, and where the separate gear box is built into the vehicle at the factory the shafts may not be. 1â&#x20AC;?3/8 and 1â&#x20AC;?3/4 splined output shafts are available fitted to the front or rear of the Unimog chassis .with drive speeds rated at the standard 540rpm or

1000 rpm at working range engine speeds. Mid-chassis rear output shafts are also available for chassis mount winches etc. PTO drive can be directed to the front or back separately or both at once. There is also a gearbox output drive designed for high revolution low torque applications i.e. to power crane pumps/vehicle based fluid drives etc, which is at a ratio of 1 to 1 of engine revolution. Hydraulic spools are usually fitted as standard, but will vary in number from one to four, and can be fitted to both front and rear. Spool control is double acting, i.e. piped in groups of two. Either pipe can be the flow or return. Agricultural spec machines will generally have 3-4 spools which can offer 6-8 connections front and rear. Hydraulically powered link arms are available for the front and rear, with either one or two lift rams using double acting hydraulic rams. Non pressurised hydraulic return connections are available if needed sending oil directly back to the on-board reservoir and one is usually fitted to front and rear. Some later models were made with computer control of hydraulics to aid draft control etc. From a practical point of view the U900 and U1100 offers a very usable vehicle with a compact rounded body making it very manoeuverable in confined spaces. However, although they have some classic appeal they are now more than a little basic for every-day use in contract work. To meet health and safety requirements many of these models need fitting with a role cage. The rounded cabs that make these models so compact also mean that the space inside

can be limited with only just enough space for two occupants of average to small build. Larger cabs were fitted to later versions of this model but leg room remained limited with little or no space for even hand tools. When the cabs were upgraded to the larger â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;modernâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; square type (U1000 through to U2400) there was space for three normal sized people inside with a few tools tucked behind the seat. However, it is important to bear in mind that the Unimog is designed to be driven on the right-hand side of the road so the steering wheel is on the left. Although they are built in right-hand drive this is a factory

conversion where the wheel is moved but the rest of the shaft and gear remains on the left side in the passenger foot-well. The biggest disadvantage though is that the gearbox is designed for left hand drive and when the vehicle is converted there is no space for a double passenger seat and the long gear handle can make gear changes a little sloppy. The later bubble cab models (U300, U400 & U500) where not originally produced with an agricultural specification and have been bought mainly by utility companies, to be fitted with access platforms. Although an agricultural specification has been developed

for the UK market it is a kit that has to be fitted post factory production so as a result there are a limited number available on the second hand market. In addition to the models discussed above an intermediate range was built including the U90, U90LA U100L & U140L, which again was mainly produced for the utility market, although there was an agricultural specification available in the U90. These models are distinctive because they have a square cab with a sloping bonnet. The Unimog range from U900 through to U2400 is built on two different chassis sizes with

The information in the table below is presented here as a guide only, because the broad variation in model specification means that exceptions will exist, and vehicles are likely to be modified throughout their working life. Model

Wheelbase

Power* HP

Round cab models light weight chassis U900 2250 84/120 U1100 2900 110/120 Square cab models light weight chassis U1000 2650 100/120 U1200 2650 120 U1250 3250 120 U1300L 3250 130

GVW (Kg)

Un-laden Weight** (Average)

Rear Body size Width/Length

Vehicle Width *** (Average)

6-8000 6-8000

3300 3350

1950x1890 ****

2040 2040

7-8000 7-8000 7-8000 7-8000

4160 4210 4600 5000

1950 x1890 1950 x1890 2780 x 1950 2200 x 2600 or 3150 1950 x1890 2780 x 1950 1950 x1890 2780 x 1950

2100 2100 2100 2300

2340 2340 2340 2340

U1400 2650 140 U1450 3250 140 U1600 2650 156-214 U1650 3250 156-214 Square cab models heavy duty chassis U1300 2810 130 U1500 2810 150 U1700 2810 170 U1750 3250 170

7-8000 7-8000 10-11,300 10-11.300

4210 4600 5260 5650

10-11.300 10-11.300 10-11.300 10-11.300

5400 5400 5400 5650

U1800 U1850

2810 3250

180 180

10-11.300 10-11.300

5500 5750

U2100 U2150

2810 3250

214 214

10-14,000 10-14,000

5500 5750

U2400 2810 240 10-14,000 U2450 6x6 3900/1400 240 Square cab models with sloping front bonnets U90 2690 87 4800 U90LA 2690 87 4800 U100L 3220 98 5500 U140L 3470 133 7500 Bubble cab models U300 3,080/3,600 150,177

5500 5750

2320x2140 2320x2140 2320x2140 2.200 x 2550 or 3150 2320x2140 2.200 x 2550 or 3150 2320x2140 2.200 x 2550 or 3150 2320x2140 ****

2773 3173 2800 3430

1700x1750 1700x1750 1800x2350 ****

2340 2340 2340 2200

2050 x 2400 or 2900 2050 x 2400 or 2900 2200 x 2670 or 3450

2,200

U400

3,080/3,600

230

12.500

U500

3.350/3.900

280

16.000

2100 2100 2170 2170

2340 2340 2340 2340 2340 2340

2,200 2,300

Notes * Approximate power of engine illustrated in horse power (HP). ** Un-laden weight of vehicle will vary depending on specification and these are average measurements of the basic Unimog. *** Vehicle width will be dictated by tyre width and wheel off-set **** No standard bodies available for these models. Custom build only.

Total Arb November 2005

correspondingly rear load areas, while there are also long wheel base versions of some models that are denoted by numbers such as U1250, U1750 etc, and, where an extra long body is fitted, an ‘L’ is added like in the U1300L or U2150L. The two chassis sizes are grouped together as follows: The smaller chassis and bodies size are on the following: U418, U900, U1000, U1200, U1400 and U1600, which have a rear body size of 1950 x 1890mm. The long wheel base versions including the U1250, U1450 & U1650, may either be fitted with a long rear body or a short body with a crane mounted onto a separate subchassis. The bigger chassis and bodies are on the following: U1300, U1500, U1700, U2100 and U2400, which have a rear body size of 2320 x2140mm. The long wheel base versions including the U1750, U2150 & U2450, may either be fitted with a long rear body or a short body with a crane mounted onto a separate sub-chassis. The model sizes get confusing

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where the old U1300 was the smallest of the big chassis models, then over time the desire for more power increased engine output in some smaller models to above 130hp resulted in the U1400 at 140hp. There was also a U1300L produced as a military troop carrier on the light weight chassis, but although the rear load space is large (approximately 3m) the vehicle GVW was no greater than the standard models at around 7500 – 8000 kg. The U1600 ag. (introduction early 1990s) is a later model and is really a mix up of both sizes comprising larger chassis axles combinations but with smaller bodies When considering the alternative it is worth remembering that you are likely to use your new toy to the maximum of it’s capability and probably beyond. There is a reason the larger chassis models were developed, and they have been considerably ‘beefed up’ on the older design of the light weight versions. Yes, the axles and hubs may have been up-rated on

vehicles in the U1600 range but often their brakes are not. So it is important to double check the build specification of your vehicle of choice not to mention the modifications that may have been made to it by previous owners. For example the larger chassis models also include things like a much bigger tipping ram for the rear body, which as not trouble lifting pay loads up to 5,000kg or more.

Well, having picked our way through the various model options I hope you are not too confused, and if you want any more information please do not call me, because we could be on the phone for hours. The man with the answers is Ian Philips of ParkAgri Unimogs, log onto www.parkagri.com, e-mail him at info@parkagri.com or call 01-245-476-994

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Insurance with extras! The Trust Insurance policies for arborists and tree surgeons have certainly been popular within the industry. The company now accounts for an estimated 25% of the sector, a figure that is steadily rising. Trust only use UK domiciled insurers fully regulated by the FSA. But surely insurance is all the same? It’s just a question of getting the best price, isn’t it? Not necessarily, Geoff Parrish, Trusts’ Commercial Director and sector specialist told me of a particular benefit which is winning them business, as it is included at no additional cost.

Geoff explained that all of their arboricultural employers liability policyholders had, as an integral part of the policy, the provision of a rehabilitation benefit. The purpose of which is get an injured employee back at work in the shortest possible time. Rehabilitation uses specialist treatments including physiotherapy and osteopathy to accelerate and improve recovery, including ‘work hardening’ techniques, which are designed to simulate the working environment. This type of rehabilitation therapy can reduce the likelihood of the injury re-occurring. It is particularly useful as an early intervention treatment for soft tissue and musculoskeletal injuries. Typically these would include injuries to the bones, joints, muscles tendons and ligaments. Having this type of rehabilitation available should be seen as a significant benefit, both for the employee and the employer. Employees who are able to return to work, fully fit after an injury, at the earliest opportunity put less strain on a company’s resources and will reduce the costs associated with long term absence. These can take the form of overtime or the hiring of temporary staff to cover for an injured employee. Employees will also feel that they are valued. Valued employees have been shown to be happier and are more productive. They have a greater sense of loyalty than those who feel undervalued. This also has the effect of reducing the likelihood of an adversarial relationship arising between the employer and an injured employee, and can reduce the incidence of legal action. Of course, the treatments offered are appropriate to the injury and

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only decided upon after assessment. The injured party is not obliged in any way to take the rehabilitation offered, but declining treatment may be taken into account should the case come before a court. The rehabilitation treatments offered under the relevant Trust Insurance policies are carried out by IPRS. IPRS are one of the largest organisations operating in the UK specialising in injury prevention and the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. Working with leading insurers, blue chip companies and elite sports bodies, they are able to provide swift and appropriate intervention treatment helping to ensure recovery as quickly and safely as possible. Treatments are carried out by IPRS Associate Practices. The network is managed by IPRS and includes physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors and counsellors. The aim is to provide treatment within a seven-mile radius of the injured parties work or home address. As Geoff Parrish said to me,”...every employer, large or small, should assess the implications of a member of staff suffering an injury in the course of his work. A few minutes spent discussing the details of a proposal can result in some significant cost saving and the application of valuable benefits, such as rehabilitation.” For more information, and an assessment of your insurance requirements contact Geoff Parrish on 01604 492644 or email: geoff@trustinsurance.co.uk or visit: www.trustinsurance.co.uk

Give your Chipper a Break by David Orange of Orange Plant photograph supplied by Andrew Cowan

With a busy season ahead for tree surgeons across the country, David Orange offers some timely advice to operators of wood chippers, stump grinders and other large plant. Whilst not wishing to tar everyone with the same brush, I feel it is appropriate to point out to all users of woodchippers, shredders and stump grinders the importance of regular maintenance. Professional arborists are well aware of the need to maintain and service their chainsaws and most will run a file over their chain several times during a working day. At the end of the day, or at least once a week, more in depth maintenance of the saw will be necessary; checking the bar and sprocket condition, safety features, fuel and filter systems and the overall condition. What climber wants to pull an 020T up a tree only to find that the chain is dull? Something he doesn’t need on top of his tiredness and frustration is a difficult dismantle. For some operators, but not all, it is a pity that not so much attention is paid to their poor old chipper. Having supplied hundreds of tree surgeons, landscapers, local authority’s and other users with arboricultural equipment through sale and hire, I have seen all manner of horrors relating to poor maintenance and operator abuse over the last ten years. This situation has always intrigued me. Why would someone who pays from say £300 to £1200 on a chainsaw dedicate more care and attention to that piece of equipment than he does a piece of equipment

which may have cost between £2000 and £50,000? Is it because there is a thought that if a piece of equipment costs so much it shouldn’t need as much maintenance? Is it because the arborist is connected to his chainsaw and can therefore sense when he needs to sharpen it while with the old chipper he just keeps ramming the wood in until the machine is on it’s knees? Perhaps in this instance these operators should use gravity fed machines with blunt blades, which would result in them having to push the material through the blades. I can assure you that they would soon tire of this having suffered the vibration transfer from the blade, through the wood and into their hands and arms.

hydraulic motors is begging for mercy; this type of strain leads to enormous forces being transferred through other machine components. Machinery maintenance is not rocket science. A good manufacturer and/or supplier will run through machine maintenance thoroughly before running off to the bank with your cheque. This maintenance schedule should include the regular sharpening of blades, maintenance of anvils, feed rollers, drive train systems and most importantly safety features. All of this information should be presented in easy to read workshop manuals, with good graphics accompanied by maintenance schedules.

Modern machines make chipping a doddle. No stress devices control the throughput of the timber, twin hydraulic rollers crush down wide joints making the whole procedure less tiresome for the operator, but perhaps this ease of operation makes the operator less aware of the forces that are being exerted when the machine is not maintained correctly.

Again, just like a chainsaw, good maintenance also includes cutting the right material, WOOD ! Not soil, stones, bricks, steel, cloth or railway clips. Stump grinders and shredders also require regular maintenance, especially as they are coming into contact with much more abrasive materials such as soil, stone bricks etc. How much fun is it burning your way through a stump with a grinder with blunt teeth? The novelty soon wears off! If operators are not mechanically minded, source someone who is. Your supplier should offer a full parts, service and warranty back up. One last point, only use genuine parts supplied by the manufacturer, pattern parts are not cheap when they fail.

With a chainsaw you are cutting off about 5mm of timber. With a chipper you are cutting through branch wood and timber that may vary in size from 5 mm to 300mm. Come on lads, give your faithful old chipper a chance! A machine that is having timber forced against blunt blades by powerful

In closing I would urge all operators to read the machine manual thoroughly with regard to safe use, maintenance and operation of their machinery and to carry out regular inspection and maintenance of this machinery accordingly. Total Arb November 2005

email: arboreaters@btconnect.com

Taking care of the ‘what if’s’?

Envirostar Technical Specification Chipper galvanised input and swannecked output chutes to chip up to 65mm diameter. 3 metre flexible hose supplied for connecting output to point of collection. Bagger chipped, mulched and vacuumed material can be neatly collected and bagged

The work of the arboriculturist is far from the cosy confines of a workshop with all tools to hand and electricity on tap to power them. Working out in the field takes planning – what tasks are on today’s schedule, what pieces of kit will I need and what about the ‘what if’s’? Envirostar has launched a unique, multi-functional piece of kit described as the ‘Swiss Army Knife of grounds maintenance’. While the Envirostar won’t pick stones from horses’ hooves, its ingenious design offers the flexibility of a chipper, mulcher, vacuum, blower, bagger, pressure washer and electricity generator – seven functions all in one machine. Developed and manufactured in the UK, the Envirostar was unveiled for the first time at Saltex this year and generated a lot of interest from professionals working within the arboriculture industry. With a single 9HP Briggs and Stratton engine, it’s simple to maintain and is supplied with its own trailer that comes with a choice of on-road or off-road tyres. Its compact design also means it 24

Vacuum powerful action with integrated mulching function. Supplied with 6 metre x150mm diameter lightweight hose with 6kg max pull, 21m/s flow rate plus 90mm diameter hose with 1kg max pull at 26m/s flow rate. Blower Supplied with 90mm diameter (17m/s flow rate) and 150mm diameter (27m/s flow rate) wander hoses with ergonomic heads Mulcher breaks down most green and organic waste into mulching or composting material Pressure Washer delivers an impressive 100 Bar/12 litres per minute can be comfortably mounted on most vehicles and trailers. Envirostar has been rigorously tested on the rugged and difficult terrain of North Yorkshire and has proved extremely robust and versatile in all conditions. Two machines are already in use at the Rievaulx sporting estate. “We believe it will revolutionise the way that professionals operate,” said Andy Campbell, Director of Envirostar. “This machine is the next generation, replacing the current requirement to purchase and maintain a variety of dingle function machines. In addition, it can be used to power lights, enabling operators to extend outdoor working hours during the winter season. It’s easily transportable and pretty much takes care of the ‘what if’s’.

Generator rated at 2.2kVA @ 115 – 230V 50Hz Complete with road-legal trailer, choice of on-road or off-road tyres and carrying frame for hoses, attachments and tools. Optional accessories available are a trailed vacuum head, wander hose holster and fork lift attachment. Price: £7,495 ex VAT with 12 months warranty.

For information or to arrange a demo, contact Envirostar on 08450 066 099 or email info@envirostar.co.uk

Total Arb November 2005

Narrow Access Stump Grinders Danequip UK Ltd Unit 2 Inverallen Yd Main Road Kingsley Bordon Hants GU35 9LW Tel 01420 476248

Self Propelled 28 - 26" Access 25 & 27hp

Hydraulic 29" Access 27hp

ALGARVE INSURANCE BROKERS Professional solutions to all your Forestry and Arboricultural Insurance needs Cover Available for:

• Public/Products Liability • Employers Liability • Professional Indemnity • Tools & Equipment • Personal Accident • Harvesting & Forwarding Machines Tel: 01483 489291 Fax: 01483 797301 Email: enquires@algarve-ins.co.uk 14a High Street, Knaphill, Woking, Surrey GU21 2PE Algarve is a trading style of Lycett, Brown-Swinburne & Douglass Ltd (Reg. No. 706042) Lycett, Brown-Swinburne & Douglass Ltd is authorized and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

Pushing the Boundaries of our Knowledge Exploring Innovations in Arboriculture – an International Perspective This article begins a succession which will follow an inspirational series of seminars prepared for us by Treework Environmental Practice. The following text has been written to wet your appetite and encourage you to follow the seminar series as it explores the boundaries of arboriculture and beyond. Future articles will review some of the ideas presented by the seminar speakers. Neville Fay is the driving force behind Treework Environmental Practice (TEP) and the inspiration for the seminar series entitled “Exploring Innovations in Arboriculture – an International Perspective”. Through his own research and meetings with others Neville realised that although research and development in arboriculture has moved on in leaps and bounds over the last decade or so, we could still be missing out on a wealth of related information and innovative developments that have taken place both overseas or which might be ‘locked away’ in other disciplines. Realising that for one reason or another there are whole fields of investigation and knowledge that are not well known or understood in the UK, Neville started exploring beyond the boundaries of arboriculture in search of research developments in other disciplines and other countries. As a result the TEP Seminar Series has been developed in collaboration with the Arboricultural Association to introduce new ideas, perspectives and practices. Seminar III - Life Within & Beneath the Tree 17th 18th November 2005: Keele University Conference Park

This seminar further develops themes introduced in Seminar II exploring the interactions between roots, soil and microorganisms that are part of the coevolutionary processes influencing tree physiology and health. This will take a closer look at the relationships between fungi and trees in the context of the influence of air and water on the tree-root-soil system, as a basis for understanding factors affecting tree condition, pathology and remediation (before interfering with the above-ground tree), and suggest alternative ways of looking at factors affecting pathogenicity.

The Speakers

Dr Jan Cermák , Czech Republic The fundamental influences of air & water on tree health: Experimental evidence of investigations into tree health & decline will be presented. This will look at investigations of whole-tree root systems and crowns, the use of tree-crown parameters & georadar, electric measurement of absorbing root surfaces, supersonic airstream assessment, and sap flow profile measurements estimating absorbing root distribution. Dr Cermák will assesses the effects of trees on shrinkable clays, water balance studies based on root distribution & sap flow measurements, and drought, waterlogging & tree decline in seemingly adequately hydrated soils. Dr David Lonsdale, Consultant on Tree Health and Structural Integrity, UK Environmental factors affecting disease and decay in trees: Factors including temperature, waterpotential, soil-pH and the availability of nitrogen will be discussed in relation to concepts of physiological stress. Some aspects of the co-evolution of trees and micro-organisms in relation to host stress will be explored. Examples of the relevance of these relationships to tree management will be given. Dr Olaf Ribeiro, Arboricultural & Plant Disease Consultant, USA The Tree’s Response to Pathogens: This will look at the unique processes in the tree’s arsenal such as chemotaxis, electrophysiology and root exudates that take place in response to environmental and biotic changes that result in pathogenicity. The concept of the tree as a dynamic fluid organism whose complex internal circuitry plays a major role in determining responses to outside stimuli will be discussed. The consequences of soil disturbances and addition of nutrients or amendments that may potentially affect this complex electrophysiological balance of the tree will be explored. Dr Alan Rayner, Reader in Biology, University of Bath, UK Trees as Host Space: The ‘inclusional’, contextually aware science of understanding the diverse ecological relationships between trees and other organisms in terms of their fluid dynamic living space and boundary properties. The relevance of these ecological relationships to perceptions of health and disease. How these perceptions influence management practice and aesthetic considerations.

Seminar IV - Wind Load Simulation in Trees (Management for Extreme Climactic Events) 5th & 6th December 2005: Ashton Court Mansion, Bristol.

This is a master class in the theory and practice of tree statics. It is the intention of this seminar that through better understanding of the science and technology in this field, a more informed debate can take place within arboricultural circles for the benefit of good tree management practice. Delegates will have the opportunity for hands-on experience of the techniques and will be taken through the theoretical principles underlying the methodology. Guest Speakers Dr. Jaroslav Kolarík, Arboricultural Consultant, Safe Trees Ltd. Czech Republic Static Integrated Assessment (SIA): The visual method for the failure assessment of trees will cover field-based method for tree wind-load analysis, illustrated with examples of its application in mainland Europe. Wind Load-Simulation (Pulling) Test: The nondestructive device-supported method used in specific situations for evaluating a tree’s breaking and uprooting resistance. This will involve demonstration and field analysis. Prof. Dr. Petr Horácek, Head of Wood Science Department, Mendel’s University Brno, Czech Republic Material properties of wood: Dr Horácek will describe the properties of living wood, examining its special characteristics and the nature of its responses to external stresses. This will also involve explanation of the mechanical behaviour of wood through the visual observation of adaptive growth in trees. Wind load analysis: This will explore and provide the basis for understanding external loads affecting the standing tree, the most significant of which is wind force. Types of wind-produced load effects (static, dynamic, bending, torsion) and their relational impact on load-bearing profiles of tree parts (branches, forks, stem) will also be examined.

For further information and to book a place, please visit www.treeworks.co.uk/seminars or email seminars@treeworks.co.uk. If you do not have Internet access, please call Yolanda or Debby on 01225 744 666 to request a booking form.

Total Arb November 2005

How do you like your chips?

photograph supplied by Andrew Cowan

Sussex based machinery dealer Liston Equipment recently held a demonstration day to showcase the new Woodsman MX 20 woodchipper. The demonstration was held at Stubbs Copse Woodyard, a trade green waste recycling centre and firewood merchants near Arundel in West Sussex. The Woodsman Model 20Xtreme drum chipper is a large machine capable of chipping between 60 and 80 tonnes per hour. The model on demonstration was fitted with a 320 horsepower engine and the optional folding infeed conveyor. Although it is technically a hand fed machine, the unit can be fitted with its own self loading crane, although on this occasion a separate grab was used to load the machine. Total Arb November 2005

The Woodsman Model 20Xtreme has a maximum input diameter of some 20 inches. Material is drawn into the chipping chamber by a pivoting feed roller, which works in tandem with a moving floor system on this model. The design of this roller ensures that material is always being pulled into the machine from over centre, even if the moving floor conveyor system is not fitted. At no time did we notice the roller riding up on top of the material, stalling or losing grip in any way. One of the most unusual things about the Woodsman range is that the drum makes two full cuts per revolution rather than four half cuts used by most other types of drum chippers. The results are more uniform chips, as can be seen by the photographs; this makes it an ideal choice for the production of biomass fuel. The Woodsman Model 20Xtreme boasts the largest chipping drum available in a handfed chipper today. The Woodsman Model 20Xtreme is

an extremely quiet machine, unsurprising really because drum chippers has have a naturally more gentle action than disc chippers. But, even so, this is an exceptionally quite machine for its size and throughput. This is an important factor if the machine is to be used in built-up areas or where other persons may be working in the vicinity. A 12 in. capacity model is also available. This version whilst being smaller, still enables high throughput to be achieved. The 12 in. version ways a little over 2.5 tonnes and maybe a suitable alternative for tree surgeons or landscapers who have need of this high level of throughput but also require a machine that can be towed behind a smaller vehicle. The Woodsman 20Xtreme is the ideal choice for contractors that need to dispose of high volumes of material quickly and efficiently. This would most typically be a contractor involved in the processing of waste wood, contractors who were converting wood or green waste of into chips for biomass heating, or those 27

How do you like your chips?

picture supplied by Andrew Cowan

engaged in the clearance of large areas of land prior to building or motorway works, for example. This model can be configured to meet specific needs by equipping it with a loader, winch, conveyor bed, or as a hand-fed unit. In addition, it can be outfitted with a wireless remote control that allows you to operate it from a distance or from an auxiliary piece of equipment. The trailer chassis is equipped as standard with electronic brakes and United Kingdom specification road lighting kit. The Woodsman 20Xtreme, in the configuration demonstrated cost £89,000.00+VAT. Whilst this is a sizeable sum, it should be borne in mind that this type of machinery can make huge savings on labour costs!

Specifications

Horsepower 185-325 hp

Infeed Opening 183cm x 96cm (72” x 38”)

Length 5.64 metres (18’-6”)

Fuel Capacity 300 litres (80 US gallons)

Chipper Opening 94cm x 56cm (37” wide x 22” high)

Width 2.33 metres (7’-8”) Height without Loader 2.90 metres (9’-6”) Height with Loader 3.51 metres (11’-6”) Weight without Loader 5.08 tonnes (11,200 lbs.)

Add to this that the unit would cost around £700.00 per week on a lease scheme over 3 years, this payment being 100% tax deductible. It’s easy to see that a machine of this type, in the right application can offer significant benefits.

Hydraulic Capacity 132.5 litres (35 US gallons) Tires (4) 235/75R 17.5 Axle (2) 3.63 tonnes (8,000 lbs.) Torflex

Weight With Loader 6.58 tonnes (14,500 lbs.)

Finish Sand blast and baked on powder coat paint

Knives (6) 12” x 5” x 5/8”

Frame 3” x 8” x 3/8”

Loader Reach 5.18 metre (17’-0”) Loader Lift Capacity 1.36 tonnes (3,000 lbs.) at 1.83 metres (6’) or 317kg (700 lbs.) at 5.18 metres (17’) Loader Turn Radius 320 degrees Loader Grapple 107cm (42”) bypass with hydraulic rotator

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The New Ver meer Envir onmental Range... Continual product development ensures Vermeer remains a world leader in environmental equipment. New products such as the 27hp SC252 stump cutter BC600 brush chipper and the tracked 25hp S600TX mini skid steer, offer improved performance, ease of operation and reduced operating costs. The new HG6000 horizontal shredder has many innovative features to reduce maintenance time and increase output. Ideal for processing wood, pallets, board material and green waste the unit has class-leading performance. And for Total peace of mind, all Vermeer machines have sole UK and Ireland distributor B-Trac Equipment Total Care on Parts, Service and Technical Support.

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New - Arblite lightweight clothing for chainsaw users Arblite Arblite lightweight protective clothing is around 33% lighter than most other currently available clothing. This includes trousers with all round protection to EN 381-5 Design C Class 1, jackets to EN 381-11 Class 1 and front protection trousers and bib and brace to EN 381-5 Design A Class1. Arblite clothing combines proven traditional materials with new such as Kevlar and Teflon to produce

hardwearing, comfortable, lightweight protective garments. Design C trousers, as required for arborists and untrained chainsaw users, feature protection, incorporating Kevlar, for the front and back of the legs. They have elasticated waists with buttons for braces, and hip and leg pockets with flaps. One of the pocket flaps has a label inside for such information as users name and blood group! Three different types of outer material are used, including Teflon for water repellency, and a ventilated

seat area for increased comfort. Currently these are available in blue with yellow trim. The matching protective jacket conforms to Class 1 despite it’s lower weight – most jackets are only Class 0. Sizes S - XL. Design C bib and brace will be introduced in the very near future. The Design A (front protection) garments are a more traditional green in colour with orange trim. However they incorporate the same technology to produce lightweight, hardwearing comfortable garments. All arblite trousers and bib and brace are usually available in waist sizes 30” to 44” with a 32” inside leg. Garments up to 50” waist are available to order but this currently involves a wait of around 6 weeks. Similarly different leg lengths are available – 29”, 30” and 31” at no extra cost. 33” and 34” cost an extra 20% - 35, 36, 37 and 38” an extra 25% As time goes on Severnside will be keeping a wider range of sizes based on demand. The first step in this direction is to be a small stock of 32” and 36” waist trousers in both Design A and Design C with the 34” inside leg.

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Rabbits, rats and moles – increasing pests or declining species? Indications suggest that rabbits, rats and moles are now at plague proportions but is this a local problem or a real trend? Moira Hart from Active Solutions investigates. The mole is native to the UK, with an estimated population of 31 million. Its presence is a good indicator of soil vertebrates, mainly earthworms but it does cause problems in habitats such as pastures and amenity grasslands. A recent Joint Nature Conservation Committee report “UK Mammals: Species Status and Population Trends” suggests, from limited data, that the UK mole population is stable or increasing slightly. The report also looked at the rabbit, a particular pest in agriculture and forestry. At the turn of the 20th century numbers were estimated at 100 million but when myxomatosis hit in 1953, 99% of the population was destroyed. By the early 1990s the population had recovered to an estimated 37.5million, although rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) may account for a subsequent decline in the UK population until 2003. Now there are indications, that in localised areas, rabbits are on the increase. Rats are perhaps the most problematic mammal pest due to their commensal existence and as vector to some important zoonotic diseases. “The trend in rat populations varies when

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Mole hills can damage grass cutting equipment

considering the rural and urban situation,” explains, Adrian Meyer, Acheta Partnership. “The English House Condition Survey 2001 certainly shows an increase of rats outside in rural locations.” Trees and shrubs face their fair share of problems from rats, rabbit and moles. “Moles probably cause the least problem,” explains Nick Anderson, proprietor of Kent based Rural Pest Control. “The main effect they can have is when making their runs, these can cause tree roots to dry out, which can be a problem for young trees that are getting established. Rabbits on the other hand can strip young plantings, eat the bark of trees, causing a trip hazard with their burrows and chewing through plastic waterpipes. The main concern with rats is a Health and Safety one although they can also chew the bark of young trees.” Controlling mammal pests is now

becoming more of a challenge for today’s arboriculturist. The future of strychnine for mole control is currently under question, trapping is labour intensive and approved chemical control methods now centre on aluminium phosphide. “Trapping is still used in pest control but is costly in terms of time. Gassing with an aluminium phosphide product, such as Talunex, is the only approved chemical treatment now available. However, in certain areas where it would be difficult to gas rats for example, then baiting with an approved rodenticide, would be recommended. In any situation where pest control methods are used a risk assessment must be undertaken,” advises John Lill, freelance wildlife management specialist The advantage of a product such as Talunex is that the flask of pellets is attached to an applicator

Rabbits, rats and moles – increasing pests or declining species?

Deer Management M Griffith-Jones

Recently deer have increased both in numbers and spread, the changes being clearly visible on the population maps.

Rat run under fence shows the presence of a rat population nearby

giving little opportunity for the product to come into contact with the operator. “Operator safety is of paramount importance when using aluminium phosphide,” explains Helen Ainsworth, sales and marketing co-ordinator, Luxan UK. “The Topex applicator is an engineering control so it is one of the safest ways of applying the pellets. It is also a very cost effective treatment method.” Rodenticides are a good, versatile means to control rats in and around buildings in external bait boxes. “The Luxan Vermigon range of ready-to-use rodenticides offers a choice of, a solid bait block, grain bait or pellet,” explains Helen Ainsworth. “These baits are palatable and ideal for use even in damp areas such as drains and ditches as they hold their shape and do not break up in that environment.” Moira Hart 01664 822678 email: moira@activesolutions.co.uk

Rat run under fence shows the presence of a rat population nearby

Consequently there have been ever more strident calls (from DEFRA particularly) to increase the cull: calls which inevitably devolve downwards to the individual woodland owner, who is faced with paying for the problem. Indeed the Deer Initiative, in a recent survey, was implying that it should be given similar powers to the Deer Commission for Scotland - that is to have the authority to impose a cull on a landowner and send him the bill. Surprisingly, DEFRA last spring said something to the effect that its aim was to increase the cull within a deer management friendly environment. The reality is that in the last year venison prices have fallen by 50% or so, and muntjac, one of the problem species, has become virtually worthless. Next, DEFRA is sponsoring new regulations for January 06 which will further increase costs of production and limit the scope for marketing venison. Apparently dragging a carcass is now to render it unfit for consumption! There will be a lot of carcasses left out, or inaccessible places beloved by deer left well alone by stalkers. There are changes afoot in the firearms department too. Foreigners bringing weapons into the country to pay for their stalking (and our deer control) need additional, duplicate, documentation and there are to be quite astonishing controls on the movement of ammunition. Certainly one can think ahead and acquire all this documentation, but having dealt with the big continental sporting agencies, it’s surprising how many operate at relatively short notice. The American market, in decline since 9/11, is of course virtually dead since 7/7, with large-scale cancellations. In short much of the money has gone out of stalking, to the point that many of the bigger freelance stalkers have stopped, or are scaling down their operations. This does not help the smaller woodland owner manage his deer economically or effectively, since his opportunities to get a useful rent, or some return on venison produced, are going to be, on the averages, very limited. Total Arb November 2005

Deer management Were I a woodland owner that is the way I would go – I’d accept that the money was gone, or very largely so, and just make sure I had the job done properly by someone who knew what he was doing. Such a man would be gold dust.

NDR (Environmental Services) Ltd. 24 Harland Road, Castletown, Caithness, Highland KW14 8UB Scotland • Tel: 01847 821495 email: consultancy@ndres.co.uk company & staff are members of IEEM; IEMA; IAIA; BES licenced batworker network of surveyors throughout UK

Some continue to hark back to the days when deer were of a (considerable) value, and continue to ask concomitant rents. The response amongst the increasing number of amateurs is to club together into syndicates. However, syndicate members want value for money – a value which in general exceeds their purse. The result is a year’s bliss followed by the realisation by the woodland owner that all his deer have been shot, and he now has nothing left of any value to sell. That realisation also extends to the punters, of course, who move on, disillusioned. Times, they are a-changing.

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The future? Clearly the whole pattern of stalking is going to change, and those who want to retain the old venison/client-based revenue earning system are going to find it very difficult to show a return, or even to cover their costs. The other route lies with the talented and interested amateur: someone who is genuinely good, who understands the social structure of the deer and can use it to advantage. One who, above all, realises the limitations imposed by the time available to him, and does not take on more than he can reasonably manage effectively.

Roebuck

Check out our Website www.forresteraccess.co.uk

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Friendly Finance

The Agricultural Mortgage Corporation PLC (AMC) was established in 1928,it is one of the best known and most established brands within the land-based sectors. But how has the company has adapted to the changing needs of rural industry; and how can they can help woodland enterprises?

AMC is a finance specialist for the farm and rural sector. Offering secured loans to farmers and rural landowners in England, Wales and Scotland. Originally established by Government to facilitate investment in the agricultural industry, particularly funding tenants to the purchase the farms they rented. Today the company lends for a multitude of rural business purposes. Secured loans are provided for periods of between five and 40 years, these can be for any farming or rural business purpose. The minimum loan available is £25,001 and there is no maximum. Lending is usually limited to 60% of the land value. However, more security may be required depending on the circumstances. AMC offer a choice of fixed and variable interest rates and both are negotiable. Instalment options include both repayment and interest only loans. In response to demand for shortterm finance and sufficient flexibility to accommodate the seasonal nature of many farms’ financial position, we introduced a Flexible Loan. This is available for five years, although this can be extended if required. Loan repayments can be made to suit cash flow as incomes fluctuate during the year. Repayments can be set as low as £5 per month or capital can be paid off when you have the cash to spare. Monies can be re-drawn at any time up to the limit of the loan, without reapplying. These transactions can

be arranged over the telephone. Subject to the normal credit appraisal process, AMC will lend for any farm and rural business purposes such as: land acquisition or refinancing, diversification, new buildings, land improvements, forestry enterprises and horticultural related investment. This list is not exhaustive, but indicates the type of the projects that are considered. AMC are keen to support any wellplanned project and can help with farm diversification into woodland and forestry enterprises. With the markets for farm products under pressure and the recent Common Agricultural Policy reforms reducing farmer’s subsidies, increased growth in farm diversification is anticipated. AMC can boast extensive experience; having dealt with a wide variety of projects. From securing flexible and reliable finance to suggesting ways to minimise costs, AMC are committed to helping rural businesses diversify successfully, with the minimum of risk. The prospects for timber and fuelwood production from farm woodlands should not be dismissed. Where there are reasonably sized blocks of trees, a little additional management can produce a significant return from a previously under-utilised asset. Grant aid and support under the new Entry Level Stewardship Scheme is available to support tree planting and maintenance, but AMC is happy to consider lending to cover the cost of replanting and ancillary investment such as fencing, drainage and access roads. Where security includes plantings,

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It is important to ask whether their loan is callable on demand since ‘peace of mind’ is an issue. The people you deal with and the longevity of that relationship is also a factor worth considering.

Sue Allington, AMC Regional Agricultural Manager, East Anglia

all timber must be insured against wind-blow and fire. All too often people will look at the obvious costs of the deal being presented, such as the interest rate and setting up fee, but will forget about the hidden elements. Costs payable on an annual basis such as annual review charges, management fees on the account and the cost of producing annual accounts for the bank all add to the ‘lifetime’ cost of the loan once the

Total Arb November 2005

agreement has been signed – effectively adding to the interest rate margin. With AMC there are no hidden annual costs. The flexibility of repayment is also important, particularly in today’s volatile markets. As markets become more volatile, budgeting in a farm or rural business will become harder. With AMC you can make repayments on an interest only basis and make capital reductions only when the business has sufficient cash to make them rather than on a regular budgeted basis.

Proposals can be discussed face to face with a local AMC agent. AMC agents are specialist Rural Chartered Surveyors. They perform an important role as professional contacts in your local area. They will meet with you to discuss your proposal in greater depth, complete the application form on your behalf and submit it with other supporting documentation, such as your last three years trading accounts. If you are considering the purchase of, or have, land available and are considering a new business venture, it’s worth contacting AMC. Telephone: 01264 334747 Details of your local agent are on the website at: www.amconline.co.uk.

Arb Jobs Location: Northwest Company: Amenity Tree Care Ltd Job Ref: TOTALARB-JOB-00003 Job: Grounds Person Salary: Negotiable Duration: Permanent Commence: Immediately CONTACT: Telephone: 01829 770075 email: simon@amenitytree.co.uk Felling, processing of trees, basic aerial tree surgery. Full training given if not already held. Over 25 preferred. Full driving license. Honest and reliable. Location: South West Company: Bawden Job Ref: TOTALARB-JOB-00004 Job: Team Leader, qualified climbers and trainees Salary: Competitive salary package Duration: Permanent Commence: T.B.A CONTACT: Telephone: 07899 907389 email: philipc@bawdengroup.com Team Leader with at least three years industry experience required. Must have excellent climbing skills and be able to run the day to day work of a small team, reporting directly to the Arboricultural Manager. NPTC/LANTRA certificates essential. Location: London Company: Valley Tree Surgeons Job Ref: TOTALARB-JOB-00005 Job: T.B.A Salary: £15,600 - £22,000 per annum Duration: Permanent Commence: T.B.A CONTACT: Telephone: 01689 855069 email: andy.cowan@westlandgroup.co.uk

Location: Midlands Company: Treewise Ltd Job Ref: TOTALARB-JOB-00006 Job: Arborists Salary: Negotiable Duration: Permanent Commence: T.B.A CONTACT: Telephone: 01664 820207 email: enquiries@treewiseltd.co.uk Experienced? Let us take your career further. Novice? Full training provided from basics to advanced Location: London Company: Wassells Arboricultural Services Ltd Job Ref: TOTALARB-JOB-00007 Job: Lead Climber / Arborist Salary: £25K+ depending on experience Duration: Permanent Commence: November 2005 CONTACT: Telephone: 02072 815729 email: wassells@blueyonder.co.uk Applicants must be fully qualified and hold a current UK driving licence. Good presentation and the ability to communicate well with clients is essential. Location: London Company: Norton & Associates Ltd Job Ref: TOTALARB-JOB-00008 Job: Arboricultural Surveyor Salary: Negotiable Duration: Permanent Commence: Immediately CONTACT: Telephone: 0208 8699237 email: jon@norton-associates.co.uk The successful applicant should be qualified to HNC/HND level or equivalent and will have experience in trees and development, condition surveys and general arboriculture. The position is full time with a negotiable salary. Location: Midlands Company: Central Tree Services Job Ref: TOTALARB-JOB-00009 Job: Full time Arborist Salary: £15K to £25K depending on experience Duration: Permanent Commence: T.B.A CONTACT: Telephone: 0121 776 7769 email: centraltrees@hotmail.com Full time Arborists and Groundstaff required in the Birmingham and Midlands area.

Location: Midlands Company: Central Tree Services Job Ref: TOTALARB-JOB-00010 Job: Groundstaff Salary: £10K to £16K depending on experience Duration: Permanent Commence: T.B.A CONTACT: Telephone: 0121 776 7769 email: centraltrees@hotmail.com Full time Arborists and Groundstaff required in the Birmingham and Midlands area. You must have knowledge of arboricultural principles and hold the relevant NPTC Certificates. You should also have the ability to supervise and organise a workload of a small team and equipment. Have excellent communication skills and the willingness to work outside normal hours occasionally. Location: Midlands Company: Beddow Tree Care Job Ref: TOTALARB-JOB-00011 Category: Crew leader Salary: £17,400 - £18,900 per annum Duration: T.B.A Commence: T.B.A CONTACT: Telephone: 0116 2392233 email: mike@beddowtreecare.co.uk Must be experienced and able to undertake all aspects of climbing works, hold relevant NPTC’s and able to manage a crew. Location: South West Company: ACD Landscape Architects Job Ref: TOTALARB-JOB-00012 Job: Arboricultural Consultant Salary: T.B.A Duration: Permanent Commence: T.B.A CONTACT: Telephone: 01666 825646 or 07768 352000 We are looking for a keen arboriculturist to join the team, working mainly in the Home Counties area from Godalming, but reporting to the Malmesbury office weekly. You may be a sole practitioner looking to expand your work-load or be seeking full or part-time employment, any option is a possibility. We require an experienced Arborist to share climbing duties and ground work. Applicant must have full driving licence and at least aerial rescue and basic chain saw certificates.

To advertise in Arb Jobs please email: jobs@totalarb.co.uk

Location: London Company: Ground Control Ltd Job Ref: TOTALARB-JOB-00013 Job: Arboricultural Manager Salary: Negotiable Duration: T.B.A Commence: T.B.A CONTACT: Telephone: 01277 650697 email: kim@ground-control.co.uk City and Guilds Phase II Arboriculture; National Certificate in Arboriculture and at least five years relevant tree experience. Candidates should have the drive and ability to assume management responsibility. Relevant experience in pricing tree work and preparing tree surveys is absolutely essential. Location: North Thames Company: Garden Works Job Ref: TOTALARB-JOB-00014 Job: Climbing Arborist Salary: £18,500 – £22,500 depending on experience Duration: T.B.A Commence: T.B.A CONTACT: Telephone: 01223 880643 email: Michael@trees3998.wanadoo.co.uk Location: Southern Ireland Company: Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort Job Ref: TOTALARB-JOB-00015 Job: Arborist / Tree Surgeon Salary: From ?25k per annum + benefits (DOE) per annum Commence: Within 1 month CONTACT: Telephone: +353 (0) 61 605221 email: humanresources@adaremanor.com Experience: Min of 2 years previous experience in all aspects Hours of work: Flexible Job Spec: Pruning, Removal of Trees, Maintenance of Vegetation, Climbing, Tree Identification, Chainsaw Useage, Conservation works. Accommodation provided. Location: Nuneaton based Forestry & Arboriculture Contract Company requires qualified climber for nation wide contracts. Company: Martin Evans Services Ltd Job Ref: TOTALARB-JOB-00016 Job: Climber qualified to a minimum CS38/39 Salary: competitive including holiday pay. There will a requirement for occasional weekend and night work. Duration: Permanent Commence: T.B.A. CONTACT: Martin Evans Telephone: 02476 382700 Our main contracts cover railway deveg, power line clearance, forestry & commercial arb. Drugs and alcohol tests are compulsory due to the safety critical work involved. Minimum age 18 years old. Position is full time.

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E-mail: comments@tigercat.com

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