Dedicated to Arboriculture
T O TA L A R B www.totalarb.co.uk
June 2006
Chainsaws – Carburettor Overhaul
Karabiners
The right one for the job
Sycamore Trees A graceful interloper?
Head Protection Keeping your Head
Bootlace Fungus What to look for and its control
Towing Keeping within the Law
BASE UK, COPPICE HOUSE, TEDDESLEY, PENKRIDGE, STAFFORDSHIRE, ST19 5RP
T O TA L A R B June 2006 The leaves are finally making an appearance after one of the most delayed spring seasons on record. With the leaves comes a welcome surge in business. As usual, none of us has any idea how good or bad business will be this year, and that is where TotalArb comes in with advice and guidance for our industry. It seems that each year we face more difficulties keeping our business on track. This takes the form of more bureaucratic interference and ever more cut-throat competition in pricing on any arboricultural work.
Contents
It is no use to just keep grumbling about our lot. Remember we are all facing the same problems and the best way to deal with these new burdens is to anticipate what is coming and what is expected of us. Every area of business is facing the same problems, with many old industries going to the wall, as modern tastes and expectations change, coupled with nearly instant access to products and services through the Internet. When you sit back and analyse what has happened over the last 5 years, I am willing to bet that history will dub this period the Information Access Revolution.
Using Karabiners
So, imagine we have been through the revolution; are we making the most of it? The biggest problem is in keeping up with the changes, while still running our businesses and making a living. Time is limited, so where do we set our priorities in grasping the challenges of new equipment and technologies, against constantly striving to provide a better, competitive, personal service. The answer will be different for each of us, but the common crunch is that we all have to change, and take on board this new aspect in our work. Instead of treating change as a problem, reverse your attitude and use the speed and easy access to information and technologies to your advantage over your rivals. There is nothing more satisfying than learning a new skill and finding it saves money and time; just look at the effect of mobile phones in 10 years on changing and making new businesses.
Easy Site Clearance
We all face competition and it is the one who produces the goods that will survive. In the publishing world new magazines always appear and promise the world but we at TotalArb pledge to keep listening, and learning from all of you out there at the sharp end. This enables us to keep you abreast of any relevant changes in this dynamic industry. One of our major challenges for this year is our “Find an Arborist� campaign, which will raise the public’s understanding of the role of the Arborist. By raising the profile of our industry and the skills that are required to undertake safe and competent work on trees, we hope to persuade any potential customers to only consider an accredited arborist. We wish to equate the folly of employing a cowboy tree surgeon to using a witch doctor instead of a doctor! Our evolution on TotalArb continues and if you think we are missing any important areas or you wish us to investigate new areas, please contact us. One new change is that we are pushing back our publishing date by one month starting in June, and then running bi-monthly. Our next issue will close for articles, letters and news on July 14 and be with you the end of July for the August issue. We look forward to hearing from you. Hugh Barnes For Editorial contact: Hugh Barnes telephone 01543 500255 email: www.totalarb.com For Advertising contact: Dal Parmar telephone 0121 288 6825 or 07855 320935 email: dal@totalarb.co.uk Total Arb Magazine is published by Total Arb Limited, Coppice House, Teddesley, Penkridge, Staffs. ST19 5RP.
Total Arb June 2006
Sycamore Trees
The Ranger 22 Armillaria Root Infection
Hedge trimming with Henchman Chainsaw Maintenance Towing within the Law TotalArb Photo Competition Facelift and Haulotte Platforms Keeping your Head Dalen Wood Products Lowering Devices Compared Arb Jobs
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.
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The Sycamore Hugh Barnes
Part of our natural heritage or an opportunistic interloper
The Sycamore has rapid young growth and can reach heights of 8m in 10 years. It is through this fast growth and its adaptability to cope with most soils that the tree has been called a weed through its amazing germinating skills. Coupled with its ability to cope with urban pollution it is no wonder that the Sycamore is now one of the UK’s commonest broadleaf trees.
The Sycamore tree has long provoked discussion over its right to be included as part of our traditional image of the countryside, or whether it should be regarded as an imported newcomer. From some quarters, the tree is seen as one of nature’s opportunists and from others as an invasive weed. In truth the Sycamore in its proper place is one of the giants of our countryside but if you leave it to its own devices it will spread like wildfire! To best understand this love hate relationship between the custodians of our countryside and the Sycamore, you have to examine its biological and social impact on our current and past landscapes.
Historical Confusion
It is generally accepted that the Sycamore arrived in this country during the middle ages. Its original habitat was throughout central Europe, mainly in the hills up to 1000m above sea level. Its optimum ground conditions are well drained but it will grow on most soil types but not in saturated ground. It is semi salt tolerant and will be found near the coast. The strength in its trunk and branches enables the Sycamore to maintain its form in strong windy areas without becoming lop-sided. 2
The Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) was long recognized by its leaf arrangement and veins as a maple and was originally known as the Great Maple due to its size and form. However, it has had a confused history as its dense foliage is often confused with both the London Plane Tree (Platanus x hispanica) and Fig Mulberry (Ficus Sycamorus). The confusion with the Fig Mulberry seems to date back to the Crusades when its local name was the true Sycamore. With its spreading form and offering of great shade, it was likened, by the returning Crusaders, to the European Great Maple which they also called Sycamore. The Fig Mulberry Sycamore has a religious link with Christ’s entry into Jerusalem and the name Sycamore developed a symbolic meaning in mystic and religious circles. The confusion of the two sycamores led to considerable planting in Britain of the Great Maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) by religious groups after the Crusades, in the hopes of gaining some of its mystical properties. This mystic confusion has been used to explain the extensive planting of sycamores in Scotland around the Roslyn Chapel
The spreading form of a field sycamore in spring
by the Sinclair Family whose links with the Knights Templar go back to the Crusades. It was also in Scotland that the other confusion started, as here the Great Maple or Sycamore (Acer pseudo-platanus) was and still is sometimes called Plane. This confusion is seen in its generic name “pseudo-platanus” which translates to “false plane”. The reason for this confusion seems to rest solely with the similarity between the leaves of both trees. Total Arb June 2006
Tree Growth and Foliage As mentioned the Sycamore is fast growing tree and it reaches its full height of 20m in about 60 years. It is not known as a long lived tree but one example in Switzerland is reputedly over 500 years old but generally 200 to 300 years is an average life span. Its smooth bark trunk keeps good cylindrical form and branches occur from 2 m upwards. The lower branches form large horizontal limbs and can form a diameter of over 30m with the branches reducing towards the top of the tree so that in parkland form it presents a regular rounded form. For timber production the tree should be over 80 years old to enable good wide boards to be extracted. Sycamore timber is very light in colour and gives a long tight grain. The tight grain is very resistant to moisture and the wood is traditionally used for “scrubtopped” tables and dressers. The wood when seasoned is stable and does not tend to warp and split. The foliage of the sycamore is a very uniform dark green colour with no variation. With its very dense leaf canopy the tree casts a shadow which can be very cooling Total Arb June 2006
on a hot summer day. The broad leaves of the Sycamore are between 10cm to 20cm across with a greenish grey hue on the underside of the leaf. The leaf is divided into 5 pointed fingers or lobes with a toothed edge and with prominent veins on the underside of the leaf. In May and June the Sycamore produces long pendulous flower chains consisting of small green flowers. The long flower chains give the leaves a soft focus effect during the couple of months of flower activity.
Sycamores – Suitability and Problems As a specimen tree Sycamores in Parklands give superb form and shape to any landscape. It gives great summer shade for animals and humans alike. With their fast growth, Sycamores are used as screening trees, either as single group species or in a mixed group to provide protection to slower growing species. In plantation settings Sycamores are used as nursery trees to protect other valuable timber trees, as their rigid rapid growth gives excellent wind protection. In more general urban settings the tree can be again used for screening as their dense foliage give good sound and light insulation to hide unsightly or noisy industrial estates, car parks etc... However, in a garden setting this will cause problems with Sycamores blocking light from gardens and causing shading problems which could also lead to problems with neighbours.
In summer the leaves and flowers of the Sycamore are packed full of sap, which is a well known fact associated with all maples. The flowers exude this sap during their flowering while the leaves are attacked by aphids which drip their sticky sugary sap. In the urban environment this sap plays havoc with lawns, garden furniture and cars which can make the Sycamore a very unpopular tree! The success of the Sycamore is that generally they are very robust trees. They can withstand various forms of insect and fungal attack and as mentioned can grow in most situations. The most common fungal infection of Sycamores is Tar Spot (Rhytisma acerinum) which can be unsightly late in the season but is never usually fatal to the tree. Large, irregular black spots are found on the underside of the leaf which will not wash or scrap off. The leaves are infected in spring from spores of last season’s dead leaves. The black tar spots start to appear from mid-summer and are made up of a mass of mycelium. When the leaves fall the mycelium develops spores which go on to infect next year’s growth. One of the best ways to control the tar spot is to collect and burn the leaf fall in the autumn, as any large spraying is uneconomic. When Sycamores exude large amounts of sap, or honeydew in summer then the usual cause is from Scale insects. The telltale signs are waxy threads on the underside of the leaf or just pale dull scales. This infestation again is never fatal but the excess sap attracts other insects and the dripping honeydew can cause a mess. In large trees there is no treatment. 3
ISC Spring lock
Karabiners – Types Steel 3 way
Ian Morgan
ISC 3 way aluminium
As in all areas of industry as new items become available it is important that we know what equipment is suitable and when to use it. The karabiner has changed in design, material construction and methods of use and it is important to understand these effects on their operation. Our aim here is to review the main types of karabiners in use and what would be best practice for their use.
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Steel 3 way
ISC Spring lock
As the name suggests this karabiner is constructed from steel and is generally considered to be best for rigging operations. There is no strength advantage of steel over aluminium where the two karabiners have the same Minimum Breaking Strength (MBS).
This new, innovative spring locking karabiner has been recently launched on to the UK market. It has been designed by the manufacturer as a main attachment karabiner between ropes and harness. The two spring-loaded barrels are free to spin, alleviating the possibility of the rope passing through the karabiner rotating the twist-lock gate to open accidentally. Operation of the springlock requires the gold barrel to be pushed up over the black barrel to get a perfect alignment of the internal mechanism. As pressure is released on the gold barrel allowing it to drop back slowly, a sideway force from the thumb pushes the gate open.
There is a much greater resistance, however in steel, to abrasion and other forms of mechanical damage. Two of the main advantages of using steel for rigging are, firstly, they can withstand more damage from rough rigging operations than aluminium karabiners. Secondly, you can easily identify steel karabiners from aluminium. In general, for best practice, steel is used for rigging work and aluminium for personal protection and climbing.
Petzl Ball Lock
The karabiner is one of the most important pieces of equipment in the Arborist armoury. It provides the attachment between us and our work, both for our safety and lowering / lifting operations. The karabiner has changed as new techniques evolved and safety has become paramount.
ISC 3 way aluminium This light aluminium karabiner is generally considered to be the main type of karabiner used as the main attachment between the climbers harness and his ropes. Industry recommendations are that three way or triple locking karabiners are the minimum requirement for climber attachment to their climbing system. This should also include the karabiners used on side strops or adjustable strops. A THREE way locking karabiner means that the gate, or the part that opens in order to insert your rope, must operate with 3 separate movements before the gate opens.
Petzl Ball Lock This karabiner is classed as a 3 way locking karabiner. However it is quite different to other three way karabiners as it has a small plastic button or ball, hence the name, which must be pushed in as the first of the three operations. This karabiner was shown, during recent research, to be one of the safest with relation to “roll out� or where the rope is able to rotate and open the barrel. Total Arb June 2006
and their Use ISC Captive eye screwgate
Plain gate Karabiners It is not possible to lock this karabiner closed so it should never be used in any way or form for personal protection. Many climbers use this form of karabiner for the attachment of chainsaws and hand saws to their harness. I believe that any equipment attached to the harness should be with locking type karabiners. Chainsaws are expensive tools and to hear one becoming fainter and then suddenly stop many feet below can give you a sickening feeling.
ISC Captive eye Screwgate The captive eye on this karabiner is ideal for those people who use harnesses where the manufacturers require a steel link, like a Mailon Rapide, to connect “D” rings at the front of their harness. The captive eye can be inserted on to the Mailon Rapide in order to prevent miss-alignment or side-loading of the karabiner. Another method of preventing miss-alignment or side-loading would be the way in which the ropes are attached to the karabiner, prussic loops can be “locked” onto the karabiner using a simple larks foot knot. Climbing lines can be attached using single fisherman’s knot or a Buntline hitch, both of which will “lock” the rope onto the karabiner unlike the large eye splices commonly manufactured on ropes.
Total Arb June 2006
They are also commonly found on quick draws used during aerial rescue for attachment of casualty to rescuer. This attachment point can be one of two between rescuer and casualty. There is a school of thought that even for emergencies the quick draw should be a 3-way locking karabiner!
Steel Screwgate
Plain gate Karabiner
These karabiners can also be used on harnesses with detachable textile bridges, as long as they are not distorted when passed through the karabiner. Screwgate type karabiners are not recommended as a main attachment points in a climbing system. Captive eye, 3 way karabiners are available if this is your chosen method of attachment.
Even a handsaw accidentally unclipping from a harness can cause serious injury to the groundsman who has just been given permission from the climber to clear debris from under the tree.
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Yorkshire hirer adds a 30m reach Teupen truck/track mounted platform to its fleet The first Teupen Leo30T tracked access platform to arrive in the UK, complete with a Mercedes 7.5 tonne Vario truck, has been delivered to Aspect Access of Harrogate by Derbyshire based Ranger Equipment, the sole UK importer of the full range of German built Teupen machines with working heights from 12 to 50m. The truck configuration chosen by the customer will enable the platform to be used either as a truck or self-propelled track mounted unit for added operational versatility. The Leo30T offers a working height of 30 m with up to 15.7 m of
horizontal outreach. In order to provide an extensive working envelope, the platform also features a self-centering teleboom with a 180 degree articulating jib and a similar angle rotating basket. Powered by a Kubota 3-cylinder diesel engine developing 15.1 kW (20 hp) or an AC mains electric motor for indoor use, the 4200 kg machine has super-smooth ‘fuzzy’ controls with infinitely variable proportional drive, radio remote control and self-levelling stabilisers. Being track mounted, the Leo30T has impressive cross-country ability with a fast travel speed of 3 km/h and a class leading ground bearing pressure of just 5.7 N/cm
sq, allowing it to cope with soft ground conditions with ease, as well as being ideal for use on internal floors. Commenting on his new platform, Andrew Cook of Aspect Access said: “As far as we are concerned Teupen offers the best overall quality of any machine currently available on the market and the Leo30T is the third unit we have purchased from this manufacturer.” Mr. Cook continues: “We have already acquired a great deal of experience using tracked platforms within our tree surgery division and we now offer a specialist hire service concentrating on solving difficult access jobs throughout Yorkshire and Lancashire.”
More Information from: Steve Hadfield, Ranger Equipment Ltd., 52 Shaw Street, Whittington Moor, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S41 9AY. Tel: 0870 225 5554. www.tracked-access.co.uk
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Total Arb June 2006
Root Disease – Armillaria Hugh Barnes Bsc
Honey Fungus Mushrooms Armillaria is one of the most common and damaging soil borne fungi, more commonly known as bootlace fungus, oak fungus, shoestring root rot and honey mushroom. It is found worldwide and it is now known to contain at least 20 genetically distinct fungal species, while up to 20 years ago they were all considered to be just one species, Armillaria Mellea. The various species of Armillaria have a huge host range, infecting conifers, broadleaf forests, orchards and shrubs. The age of the tree is important for survival with young conifers in plantations being particularly susceptible to fatal attacks. The condition of the tree and the amount of environmental stress it is under and has previously endured will affect the success of the Armillaria infection. A healthy host will be more resistant to the fungal and subsequent enzyme attack than the young and stressed tree. The fungus could be found to be restricted to the inactive wood, called butt rot, in some species. This allows the unaffected growing wood to maintain water and nutrient flow, keeping the tree essentially healthy.
Size Matters! An interesting offshoot of research into Armillaria over the last 15 years has speculated on whether an individual colony of Armillaria could be classed as the largest organism in the world. The debate centres on how we define an individual organism. Most people accept an organism as one that can easily defined, is visible and has a communication system throughout its mass. 8
Credit David Mitchell. Northern Ireland Fungus Group In the case of Armillaria, a huge area of the fungus was mapped and the DNA profiled in Michigan, USA by Smith et al. in the early 1990’s. It was found that this huge clone had the same DNA marker patterns throughout the entire system, which would then class it as a single organism. Smith et al. published their research in Nature, in 1992, and concluded that this Armillaria clone should be classed as an individual. This has led to a lively scientific debate focusing on the question of “what is an organism”. In this case when most of the organism cannot be seen to the naked eye and is lacking in any communication system amongst its mass, then the definition is very blurred.
Symptoms
Smith et al. found their particular Armillaria clone to cover more than 37 acres with an estimated age of 1,500 years old and weighing in at over 100 tons. When compared to a giant redwood (Sequoiadendron Giganteum) which is estimated to weigh over 1,000 tons but with most of its mass is dead xylem tissue, then the Armillaria could well be recognized as the oldest and largest living organism on earth! Since, the release of this paper an even larger example has been found in Oregon, USA. In 2000 an Armillaria fungus was found to cover over 2,200 acres or 3.4 sq. miles and with a possible age of 2,400 years. The argument rages on and the race continues to find the largest fungus. However, let us get back to our little problem of identifying and controlling our local infestations.
There are numerous indications that a tree may be infected with Armillaria fungus but the same symptoms could also point to numerous other forms of disease. The essential points to look out for are as follows:-
• Crown thinning •
Stunted leaves in broadleaf species
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Yellowing of needle and leaves
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Splitting and shedding of the bark
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Excessive sap production in conifers
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Early autumn colour change
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Early leaf fall
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Excessive cone or fruit production
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Dieback and eventual death of the tree
It will be through the observation of a number of symptoms coupled with investigation of the bark and roots that will eventually lead to an accurate diagnose of Armillaria infection.
Infection and Identification Armillaria causes the roots of its host to decay through the injection of enzymes into the root cells. The root cells start to break down, becoming fragile and spongy, as the fungus takes hold, effectively blocking nutrient
Total Arb June 2006
Root Rot of Trees Rhizomorphs (bootlace fungus) on an infected root. uptake and water to the tree. This type of attack is known as “white rot” due to the colour of the infected roots. This white colour is one of the methods to identify the disease. As the root becomes infected all its major components are broken down at the same time leaving the woody root soft and very fragile but distinctively white in colour. Of the common names for Armillaria, bootlace fungus is so called because it can spread through soil or under bark by producing rhizomorphs, thin tubes of hyphae, which resemble bootlaces. These rhizomorphs contain thousands of organised hyphae which form brown/black threads, between 1-5 mm in diameter, with a form of “growing tip”. These “bootlace” threads grow over infected roots and out in to the surrounding soil to find a new host. The hyphae tubes allow nutrients to be passed which in turn allow growth and life to be maintained throughout the fungus. The fruitbodies of Armillaria Mellea gives rise to the other colloquial name for this disease, “honey mushrooms”. These are found in large clusters around the base of dead and dying trees in our woodlands. They are yellowish brown, hence the honey name, and appear in autumn for 2-3 weeks. One further form of identification is possible on a suspected tree; pull away the bark at the base of the tree. On the exposed sapwood, if white or creamy fan shaped sheets of mycelium can be seen growing, this will indicate that the tree is probably infected.
Total Arb June 2006
Reference;www.rhs.org.uk www.forestrypathology.org www.TomVolkFungi.net Smith, Bruhn, Anderson 1992 Nature 356
Credit David Mitchell. Northern Ireland Fungus Group
Control and Management Once Armillaria has been confirmed in trees or shrubs, there is no quick fix. To protect surrounding species a fatally diseased tree or shrub must be carefully removed. The best method is for the infected tree or shrub to be felled and the wood burnt on site, this will stop Armillaria spores being spread on the wind or through direct contact; if the tree is simply transported away. The stump and major roots should be dug out and burnt on site, not transported. Once the major food source of Armillaria is removed the rhizomorphs or “bootlaces” left in the soil will die away. In some specimen and exotic species, if the infection is caught early and only a few roots are affected, then it is sometimes possible to stem the fungus attack. In this method the soil is cleared from the infected root area and allowed to dry out with the roots exposed to the air. This also removes the damp habitat that the Armillaria requires and it soon dies away. The roots must be protected from frost damage so this method is only suitable for spring and summer. Before the onset of winter the dried out roots should be covered over with fresh uninfected earth. Obviously, a close watch should be kept each year for any reoccurrence. In suspect areas where the trees and woody shrubs are still in good condition, there should be an active management programme to keep environmental stress to a minimum. By keeping the trees well watered in droughts, regular fertilisation and other pest control,
the tree will be able to naturally combat any potential infection. In construction areas, keep a large perimeter around trees and shrubs to avoid root damage, which could allow an easy access site for the fungus to enter. If an area is subjected to water logging, new drainage should be installed to disrupt the favoured environment of the fungus. There is experimentation with various systemic chemical applications but in general the cost is too great and the results not guaranteed. The same is true when infection has been found and the tree cleared, stump application of chemicals has not reached the fungus and is not thought of as an effective treatment. There has been worry over the increase in mulching in the UK and whether this will increase the spread of Armillaria. Research work by The Royal Horticultural Society has been ongoing for a number of years. Results to date show only a marginal increase of risk through the application of bark and wood chipping mulches. The key seem to be using only layers of mulching up to 10cm as these tend to dry out in summer months which is not conducive to Armillaria fungus growth. Armillaria is one of the major causes of root disease in the UK but through observation and good management it can be controlled. There is, at present, no easy treatment except the tried and tested route of felling, digging and burning. New biological controls are being tested along with new chemical treatments and as they come online we will report on their progress.
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Site Clearance The Easy Way The AHWI RT 400 Have you have ever looked at a site that needs clearing and wished you could just snap your fingers and utter the famous words “make it so�. Well your wish is closer than you think with the introduction of the AHWI RT 400, operated by Acorn Tree Surgery Ltd. This clearing and mulching machine can take on two acres of scrubland in one day and reduce it to fine mulch suitable for immediate construction and landscape work. As time on site is now one of the most important factors governing costs, the use of RT 400 should be at the top of the list when developing new sites. The actual breakdown of the scrub can be controlled from very fine mulch to a rough mulch selection by the number of passes the machine makes over an area. The RT 400 is a tracked carrier which allows it to cope with any site and slope conditions so that work is not hampered by normal weather conditions.
Technical Specifications The AHWI RT 400 is a multiple use tracked tractor unit connected to a UZM700 mulching head. A powerful 400HP turbo diesel Deutz V8 16 litre engine, powers this amazing machine. The engine has a special oil pan which enables work up to a 45 degree slope angle without fear of oil starvation through oil surge. The power is fed through a turbo clutch to the hydrostatic main drive of the tractor. The hydrostatic drive, acting like an automatic gearbox, allows infinitely variable working speed depending on the site conditions. The turbo clutch allows the main drive to continue even when the mulching head is blocked, so that the machine can be driven to a clear area to unblock the mulching head. The mulching head UZM700 is attached to the tractor unit by a standard three point linkage frame at the front of the tractor unit, giving the operator good vision of the work area. The mulching rotors are turned through direct mechanical drive, connected by a drive shaft from the turbo clutch of the RT 400 tractor
In Action I watched the RT 400, by invitation of Acorn Tree Surgery Limited, in action on a sloping wooded two acre site in the Ironbridge Gorge in Telford. The most striking fact was the area cleared in one day. The quality of the clearance was superb with construction work on the vehicular access being able to start as soon as the machine moved to another part of the site. The gradients of the slopes did not impede movement of the RT 400 and work progressed at a steady pace all day. Most of the trees were up to 10 meters high and these were dispatched by the rotors as if they were matchwood! The type of finished mulch was determined by the number of passes over one area. It seemed to take about three passes to reduce the scrub to fine mulch but this could be dependent of the amount of large trees on one site. I could see the RT 400 being used to plough paths through woodlands and be a great asset to Country Parks and Estates. With the tractor unit cutting a path through a tract of land, and carrying out a number of passes, to produce fine mulch which would make a superb flexible clear path in a matter of minutes. Overall, the RT 400 should now be the first option when choosing a method for large scale site clearance. When speed equates to cost then there can be no better UK machine. Thanks to:Acorn Tree Surgery Limited, Bordesley Hall, The Holloway, Alvechurch, B48 7QA Tel. 0800 093 3898
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FIRST AID COURSES Specialist first aid courses by emergency professionals for professionals ■
Specialist and appropriate first aid training for the forestry and arboricultural industry.
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Courses are made as real as possible by being conducted outside and using fake wounds.
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We are A&E doctors, nurses, paramedics and mountain rescue medics, people used to working in remote and hostile environments.
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Courses all over the UK and Ireland, weekdays and weekends
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First Aid kits and supplies FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE COURSES AVAILABLE CONTACT: Dr Emma Grandidge 0161 626 1364 or 07860 639479 emma@abc-response.co.uk ABC Response Training, Magnolia Gardens, 84 Oakbank, Chadderton, Lancashire OL9 0PW
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Total Arb June 2006
Major new addition to the Henchman range of Safe Hedge Cutting Platforms
Haygate Engineering, the pioneers of the Henchman range of safe hedge cutting platforms, has launched the tallest cutting platform of its type on the market – the Major. Forming part of the company’s highly successful Hi-Step range, the Major’s platform height varies from 6’ to 8’, or up to 11’ with a Height Extender fitted. This enables the user to cut across the top of hedges up to 16’ (when cutting at 5’ shoulder height). The main difference with the HiStep Major is that it has an
Total Arb June 2006
aluminium frame with plated steel legs. This has resulted in a really strong and very stable platform, but one that is remarkably light in weight for such a big platform. The Hi-Step Major is packed with all the benefits associated with the existing Hi-Step range and for which it has become renowned. These include: • Individually adjustable legs and feet to keep the platform level and stable; • Guard rails to lean on without fear of toppling; • Both hands always remain free to operate cutters or chainsaw. Other safety features associated with the Hi-Step Major include: • wide non-slip feet to prevent sinking into soft ground; • a 3” steel thread for minute adjustment
of feet without which complete stability is unobtainable; • 4 fixed bracing bars to give 100% reassurance of rigidity; • a platform failsafe feature; • non-slip rungs and standing platform for added stability and safety. The Hi-Step Major, like all Henchman platforms, provides the safe alternative to ladders and stepladders when cutting at height. There are now over 15,000 Henchman platforms in use in the UK and Europe. Retailing at £409 (excluding VAT), the Henchman Hi-Step Major can be purchased direct from Haygate Engineering (01635 299847) or online via the Henchman website www.henchman.co.uk Haygate Engineering Company Ltd., Manor Farm, Hannington, Tadley, Hampshire RG26 5TZ
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Chainsaw Carburettor Maintenance Tools Required
In the arboricultural world the chainsaw is the single most widely used item of mechanical equipment. Virtually every arborist uses one on every job he tackles, and it can be considered the most important piece of kit in our machinery store. Over the years the chainsaw has become an extremely reliable machine and we sometimes forget that they need regular servicing to keep them in peak condition.
In order to carry out a carburettor service you will require a clean surface to lay out the parts as they are dismantled. When dealing with the fuel system, cleanliness is vital to keep dirt and grime out of the extremely fine jets of the carburettor, so do not try this on a dirt floor or on site! Whenever working on the motor of a chainsaw, always empty the tank to avoid later fuel spills as parts are removed.The basic tools needed to carry out this maintenance are a long flat blade screwdriver, a cross-head screwdriver, small socket set and a pair of long nosed pliers. It is always a good idea to buy the Carb Kit before you start taking the chainsaw apart, making sure you have the right kit for your model. In this article we are using the popular top handled Stihl 200T model chainsaw. For other models there may be some differences but the basic principles are the same.
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Picture 3 Picture 4
The Work
Picture 5
Picture 1
One common problem which develops over time is for the chainsaw to become difficult to start and when eventually started, to run rough and unresponsive on the throttle. At this point the signs are usually pointing to a carburettor problem. If this sounds familiar, read on to learn about the simple remedy of checking the in-built filter and changing the diaphragms. Most professional service groups consider these two problems add up to 90% of the reason for poor running chainsaws. It is also a job easily undertaken by any handy individual with the parts easily available from dealers in special Carb Kits.
Picture 2
The Problem
With the chainsaw on a clean bench and the fuel drained, using the flat blade screwdriver, unscrew the large screw at the rear of the machine (Picture1). This will allow you to pull off the air filter and gain access to the two nuts holding the air filter plate to the machine body (Picture 2). With the two nuts removed, pull off the filter plate and the carburettor can be seen below. Moving to the right-hand side of the carburettor cover, undo the single screw, and remove the bracket and side rubber grommet (Picture 3). Moving back to the carburettor body, place your finger behind the choke rod and pull it out of the choke lever (Picture 4). Then using your screwdriver, carefully push off the
Total Arb June 2006
Total Arb June 2006
Picture 10 Picture 14 Picture 15
Picture 7 Picture 8
The carburettor is now ready to be placed back onto the chainsaw. As you ease the carburettor back onto the two locating bolts, grab the throttle rod through the side access with the long nosed pliers and place it into the throttle lever on the body of the carburettor (Picture 14). With the carburettor pushed back into place, grab the choke rod and place this
Picture 9
After the filter has been cleaned, place the new pump diaphragm onto the body of the carburettor and then place its’ gasket on top of the diaphragm (Picture 12). Carefully place the pump side plate back onto the body of the carburettor and tighten the large cross-headed screw. Turning the carburettor over, this time place the metering gasket onto the body first and then the metering diaphragm, with the large metal disc facing towards the carburettor body (Picture13). Place the side plate back into position and replace the four set screws.
Before replacing the air filter, wash out the filter in clean petrol and when dried, click it back into place. Place the air filter cover back over the filter and tighten up its retaining screw. Replace the side rubber cover and bracket and tighten up its one retaining screw. We are then ready to test out the chainsaw and hopefully we will have an easy starting and smooth running machine.
Picture 11
With the carburettor removed from the chainsaw, place it on its side with the four cross-headed screws facing upright (Picture 7). Remove the four screws and lift off the side plate which will reveal the metering diaphragm (Picture8) and this can then be pulled off the side plate (Picture9). Turn the carburettor over, to reveal the large crossheaded screw, which can be undone and the side plate lifted off to expose the pump diaphragm (Picture 10). With the body of the carburettor still facing upright the inbuilt filter can be examined for any blockages on the mesh and cleaned as necessary (Picture 11).
Picture 12
back into the choke lever on the body of the carburettor (Picture 15). Finally, push the rubber fuel line back onto the fixed pipe and place the filter body back over the locating bolts and tighten up the nuts.
Picture 13
Picture 6 rubber fuel pipe from the carburettor’s fixed pipe (Picture 5). You can now gently pull the carburettor away from the machine (Picture 6).
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Towing Before 1997 it was very easy to tow a trailer if you had a full car licence, just hook it up make sure the trailer was safe for the road and off you go. However, after 1997 life changed, with a raft of legislation restricting who is licensed to tow trailers and what type of trailers we could tow. Even the authorities have difficulty in explaining the changes but I hope to simplify the basic changes and how it effects towing in the arboriculture industry.
Driving Licences If you gained your car driving licence before 1997, towing trailers is very much easier. Your Category B car licence allows you to drive vehicles up to 7500kg and a total vehicle plus trailer to a maximum weight of 8250kg. These so called “grandfather rights” stay with pre-1997 licence holders until the age of 70, unless we lose our licence through disqualification. If you are unlucky to have been disqualified since 1997 and have had to retake you driving test then you will lose these “grandfather rights”, and have to take the new tests to upgrade your licence to tow a trailer. If you have passed your test since 1997 then you are now restricted to driving or towing with a vehicle up to a maximum weight of 3500kg. You are still allowed to tow a small trailer up to a maximum weight 750kg. 16
However, if you wish to tow a heavier trailer then this is still allowed without taking an upgrade test but strict weight ratios must be observed. Basically, if you wish to tow a heavier trailer then the maximum weight of the heavier trailer plus the vehicle must not exceed 3500kg and here is the catch, the trailers weight must not exceed 100% of the towing vehicles unladen weight. If you are unsure of your vehicles unladen weight or more important the weight of the trailer, then our recommendation is to take a B + E test which is the rights to tow trailers over 750kg.
Trailer Size and Weight The maximum individual length of trailer that can be towed by cars and light commercial vehicles up to 3500kg is 7m long and 2.3m wide. The trailer weight, if being towed by a light commercial of up to 3500kg, is restricted to 3500kg as well. Heavier and longer trailers can be towed but the tow vehicle must also be increased to HGV standards. Most modern trailers have a Maximum Gross weight on their ID plate which will give you your load levels and exceeding these will bring you into conflict with the law.
Test details are available on the Driving Standards Agency website (www.dsa.gov.uk ) and then go to the learners section. Tests take place at your local Goods Vehicle Test Centres. Total Arb June 2006
The Law and You
Towing Equipment Towbars since August 1998 have been subject to legislation and must meet Type Approval Regulation. All current towbars will be marked with the approved standard (EU 94/20) with the maximum download that can be applied. The download weight, or noseweight, is a guideline set by the manufactures to keep even weight distribution between the trailer and car. Too much weight at the front of the trailer can cause instability in the towing vehicle so care and attention must always be used when loading a trailer. All vehicle manufacturers have specified towbar mounting points which must be adhered to for safety and the towbar must not obscure the number plate. If the towbar is up to specification it will probably have a breakaway cable fitted. These must be used and in good condition and “fit for Total Arb June 2006
purpose”. Most modern towbars have a proper “pig-tail” fitted but if just the cable breakaway is fitted then it must be looped around the towball.
care” not only are you open not only to action from the police but also from civil claims if a third party is injured.
There are, at present, no MOT requirements for trailers (This may well come!) but the running gear must conform to the same laws as cars. Tyres must be fit for purpose, suitable for the loads to be carried and used with the correct inflated pressure. Visually, tyres must be in good condition with a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm over threequarters of the width of the whole circumference of the tyre.
Road Use When towing a trailer you are restricted to 50mph on a single carriageway and 60mph on dual carriageways or motorways. One area that most people forget when towing a trailer, is that, when on motorways or other three lane carriageways you are not allowed to use the third lane, so have patience.
There is a legal requirement to ensure that all the running gear and accessories on your trailer are maintained to ensure no possible danger to other road users. This includes tailgates, sides and mudflaps which all must be anchored when the trailer is moving. If you ignore your “duty of 17
The Total Arb Photo Competition Get your cameras out! The Total Arb Photo Competition is about to start. We want to see the results of your creative talents and there are prizes to be won for your efforts. We want to highlight two distinct areas for the competition. The first is what we call the open competition where we want great shots of any aspect of nature within the Arboriculture environment. This could be pictures of Trees, Wildlife, Landscapes in fact any aspect, which can relate to our natural environment and Arboriculture. The second separate area of the competition is Arboriculture in Action. We want to see photographs of any aspect of work within the industry. These can be action shots, results of work carried out; in fact anything related to your work. You have all summer to collect and send us your shots, as we will announce the Two Winners in the September Issue. Each winner will collect £100 worth of premium bonds for First Prize, £50 for Second and £25 for Third, plus publication of your winning photos, of course! The closing date for the competition is August 5th, 2006. Entries can be sent by e-mail to www.totalarb.co.uk or by mail to: TotalArb Photo Competition, Coppice House, Teddesley, Penkridge, ST19 5RP
We look forward to seeing your results. 18
Total Arb June 2006
Second Haulotte investment for Facelift Facelift Access Hire has recently taken delivery of its second major investment into self propelled booms from French supplier Haulotte. The 30 machines, delivered in late March are Haulottes HA16SPX with a working height of up to 16m. It’s also four wheel drive, two-wheel steering, 180 degree platform rotation, cage load control with a thirty eight centimetre ground clearance. Previously known for its large fleet of truck and trailermounted platforms, narrow access, and under bridge units, the initial move into the boom marketplace was seen as a completely new directional step for the company, but a second order shows positive results. Managing Director Gordon Leicester said ‘This second investment is purely based on our customer’s demands and I am quietly pleased with the way Facelift has begun to establish itself within this industry sector. The machines have fitted into our fleet portfolio well, and once again we have revisited Haulotte because of their build quality and great serviceability’.
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Your Head Hugh Barnes
How to Preserve and Protect Your Head Of all the parts of your body your head is the key to life. Damage it and your life may never be the same again! You sometimes only get one chance, so suitable protection for your head is one of the most important considerations taken during your life The Arboriculture Industry has been amongst the most dangerous occupations during the 1990’s according to HSE reported injury rates. The rate of fatal and serious injuries reported during this period for arboriculture, was over 315 individual cases for every 100,000 workers. That means your chance of being killed or having a major injury while working was 1 in 120! This does not include minor or unreported injuries which resulted in a further 800 people per year having 3 days or more off work. Based on these figure you can see why there has been a major campaign to improve safety and training throughout the industry. Over the next few issues we will be looking at how to keep our bodies safe and in good health and investigating the effect on our bodies from different working practices. In this issue we will be looking at the head and how to best protect it while working.
Head Injuries Head injuries are generally placed in two categories, penetrating trauma and blunt force trauma. The majority of the head injuries in arboriculture are through blunt force trauma, or more simply, things falling on our heads or actually physically falling onto our 20
heads! The effect of either of these injuries can be from a simple headache, through mild concussion to even in the most extreme cases - death. The actual effect on the brain of something hitting our head can be compared to a stone rattling in a tin can. Our skull provides a hard fixed shell protecting the soft brain tissue. If we hit our head or an object bounces off our head, the skull will stay static while the soft inner tissue will absorb the trauma and bounce back and forth against the hard skull bone, a bit like a rubber ball deforming as it bounces off a wall. It is the severity of the brain tissue moving inside the skull that will determine the seriousness of the injury. All head injuries are serious, and we now know even mild concussion can take weeks to clear up. Long term effects can include tiredness, blurred vision, an inability to concentrate and headaches to name but a few symptoms, which can occur for weeks after the event. To this end the most common form of protection is through the safety helmet as this will absorb the trauma of the blow instead of your head taking the impact.
Head Protection Since 1989 when the Construction (Head Protection) Regulations came into force it has been a legal requirement to wear and/or provide head protection when there is a risk of head injury. These regulations have a simple objective to protect people who are working in an area where there is a risk of objects falling onto their head or hitting their head against solid structures. The law was modified in 1992 with the introduction of the
Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulation. These two directives placed duties on the employer, individual employees and the self-employed to carry out these objectives. This means that all employers must provide helmets for all their employees when working on site. This also applies to the self-employed arborist. Employers and any other person who is in control of the site must ensure that head protection is worn. It is interesting to note that according to the HSE, head protection need not be worn if the only risk of head injury is due to a fall as current head protection gives little or no protection in the event of a fall. However, a little protection is still better than none at all. Head protection is considered suitable by the HSE if it meets three main points. ■ To protect against risk of injury to the head. ■ To fit correctly after any adjustment. ■ It must be suitable for the work or activity being carried out by the wearer. If the helmet provided conforms to the British Standard BS EN 397 then it will be assumed to meet the above points. Total Arb June 2006
Care and Use of Helmets In general, according to most manufacturers, the average life expectancy of a helmet is two years. If the helmet has any cracks, deep scratches or dents then it should be replaced.
The Safety Helmet The basic idea of the helmet is that the hard outer plastic cover acts as your skull to protect the brain tissue. The inner webbing forming the headband and outer shell support holds the plastic shell away from your head and acts as shock absorbers to soften any blow. It is the inner webbing system which gives all helmets their effectiveness and there are numerous types available. These range from the types worn by Formula 1 drivers, which use a special solid absorbent material between the shell and the head, to the ubiquitous construction helmet found all over the world. The quality of each is usually determined by price. Helmets are designed for numerous applications and it is important to choose the right one for your job. For instance, surveyors helmets usually have a small peak as they spend a lot of their time looking up while others may require chinstraps if they are bending over during their work. Never modify or drill a helmet if additional eye or hearing protection is required, as this will weaken its structural integrity. Correct helmets can be bought which contain the correct mounting points and are designed for the job. Total Arb June 2006
If the fitting adjustment keeps working loose, again the helmet should be replaced. When not in use keep the helmet out of direct sunlight, preferably in a cool dry locker or box, and do not hang it by the chinstrap. Do not apply paint or solvent to the plastic shell, as like UV light, this can weaken the structure of the plastic.
Tips on Use and Fitting A badly fitting helmet can be as dangerous as no helmet. Numerous accidents have been reported when helmets have fallen down over the eyes, so the correct fit is of the utmost importance. There are a number of different types of helmet adjustments (see photographs) but the end result should be that the helmet will grip the head through the internal webbing band. The grip should be tight enough not to pinch the head but firm enough to allow the head to move without the helmet moving independently to the head. A good test is to just bend forward, and if fitted correctly, the helmet should not move on the head or feel if it is about to fall off. If a chin strap is fitted it should be worn. Some people prefer helmets fitted with chin straps, as it gives the fitting a more secure feeling when wearing the helmet. 21
Dalen latest Lid Jarnindustri AS has supplied the Norwegian and international agricultural- and contractor- market with quality products for nearly 60 years. Our company‘s varied history and professional knowledge, enables us to keep a constant focus on functional and dependable solutions, and has given us many satisfied and loyal customers. Marshall Agricultural Engineering is the sole importer of the DALEN firewood equipment in the UK and Ireland. Based in East Sussex, they have been in business for more than 20 years supplying equipment to the forestry industry. The knowledge gained during this time enables them to give excellent service back-up and advice on all aspects of wood harvesting, milling and logging. DALEN has launched several new products and product updates this season. Please contact the undersigned if you have any questions.
DALEN Firewood Processor 2054 DALEN Firewood Processor 2054 is a fully hydraulic machine for quality conscious customers, who require efficiency, functionality and userfriendliness. The machine is equipped with a chain saw for havesters which cuts up to Ø44 cm. Read more about the DALEN 2054 on www.dalen.no
NEW! Electric or hydraulic sawdust extractor DALEN deliver electric or hydraulic sawdust extractors for mounting on firewood processors. The extractor leads the sawdust away, reduces the amount of sawdust around the machine and in the air. Sawdust gathering around the tank may cause heating. A five meter long hose for sawdust can also be delivered. The 2041 is fitted to Firewood processors 2054, new and old, but can also be mounted on other machines. Read more on www.dalen.no
NEW! Outlet for external hydraulics on DALEN Processor 2054 DALEN Firewood processor 2054 can now be delivered with outlet for external hydraulics. The outlet makes the machine more flexible and effective, since you can mount a separate splitter or timber crane.
NEW! DALEN Log deck 2048 The effectiveness of the firewood machine depends on, among other things, how fast you can feed new logs into the machine. DALEN Log deck 2048 is a part of ”DALEN’s system for effective production of firewood”, and provides an effective and flexible tool for even better usage of the DALEN machine’s capacity. The logs are fed into the machine with the aid of mechanical or hydraulic supporting roller(s), or a hydraulic feeding table with 3 rollers.
Read more about the DALEN 2048 on www.dalen.no Bjarte Endal Lid Jarnindustri AS E-mail: bendal@dalen.no
Tel: +47 56 55 38 00 Tel., dir.: +47 56 55 38 29
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Rigging Equipment Lowering – the safe and easy way Jonathan Tonks
Hobbs versus the Harken GRCS Hobbs has long been considered the master of lowering devices currently on the market, with their proven tack record for ease of use and durability in handling heavy awkward loads. However, the recent arrival of the GRCS lowering device has added a new dimension to control in rigging operations. Both these products are considered to be an expensive investment if they are only occasionally utilized by the Arborist. With a price of ÂŁ1500 and upwards they must justify their purchase through increased efficiency, speed of operation and safety. The advantages of both lowering devices should pay back their cost through time saved coupled with the ability to work safely whilst controlling the lifting and lowering of large limbs in one smooth operation.
HOBBS The Hobbs is rated for use with Arborist lowering lines from 0.5 to 0.75 inch in diameter. They offer solid trunk mounting, smooth and precise rope control with increased lifting and pulling capacities. The Hobbs is designed to perform on demand every day, in all conditions for years to come.
Features of Hobbs The Hobbs is designed for high impact loading, wear resistance and heat dissipation. It has a 0.75 inch thick wall structure. Massive, maintenance-free, oilimpregnated bushes support the front and rear of the spool, which rotates on a solid steel 1.5 inch shaft. The configured spool is cast from A-356 aluminium and then machined and hardened.
The device uses the winch strap bar to rotate the nose of the Hobbs during lifting. Its design is simple, reliable and has impressive pulling and lifting power. With a 16:1 ratio the Hobbs can develop over 3,000 lbs of pulling force and is rated to lift 1,000 lbs. The Hobbs increases its versatility by being able to remove unwanted rope slack, lifting up limbs and performing other pulling and lifting tasks. The unique angle frame may be mounted in three separate configurations to suit the rigging task. PRESERVATION MOUNTING - for maintenance pruning when large limbs are removed and main tree is preserved. A hinged guard prevents spike insertion and the hinged heavy duty rubber pad provides additional protection. Maximum working load limit for this mounting is 1000lbs. STANDARD MOUNTING - 3 side spikes aggressively cut into the tree when the strap is tightend for increased holding strength for most rigging needs. This is for tree removal and carries a maximum working load limit of 2000lbs. CUT-IN MOUNTING - a notch is cut into the tree and the top frame is placed beneath it for high impact loading. This is for large timber removal during the felling of the tree. This carries a maximum working load limit of 3000lbs.
Thanks to: James C. Tonks Tree Surgery, 9 Holly Hill Road, Shenstone, Lichfield WS14 0JS Telephone 01543 480509 Hobbs
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Total Arb June 2006
THE HARKEN GRCS
Rope Brake
Developed by arborist Greg Good, the GRCS is the ultimate lowering device.
With the GRCS body strapped to the tree, you can simply remove the winch and replace it with a rope brake. The rope brake should be used in situations where severe shock loading can occur. The rope brake can be kept cool by inserting a freezer pack, if needed, into the tube prior to use.
The GRCS features a powerful Harken winch which features a unique 2 speed gearing system which can give you mechanical advantages of 22/1 and 44/1. The self-tailing mechanism means that only one member of your crew is needed to operate the device. The handle drives in one direction and ratchets in the other to facilitate cranking under high loads. The two speed winch enables quick grinding in first gear then when loaded the reverse direction gives more power in second gear. The winch drum always turns clockwise, regardless of the direction the handle is moved.
Rigging The GRCS body is equipped with fairleads to lead the rope onto the winch drum at the proper location. The top mounted fairlead is used for the overhead work. Side mounted fairleads are provided for side pulling applications, such as using the winch for felling. These are the incoming fairleads. The fairleads are positioned on the mount to facilitate clockwise winding of the rope on the drum. The ropes must always be wound clockwise around the drum. For best results always use a false crotch pulley that is matched to the size of the rope being used in raising and lowering scenarios.
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Truck Mounted Adapter The GRCS has facilities to be vehicle mounted through the trailer hitch mount. With this added benefit it makes the GRCS an incredibly flexible and versatile device in numerous situations.
Summary Who wins? The Hobbs has been around a long time, it is simple and durable, virtually maintenance free, and great value for money. Both perform the same tasks but the GRCS has more flexibility through its winching system and can be a one man operation. The key questions are the long-term durability and maintenance of the winching mechanism of the GRCS against the virtual maintenance free operation of the Hobbs. The GRCS is more expensive, but when time means money, the cost should not be a factor. In conclusion they both perform perfectly for the tasks they were designed for. It will probably come down to amount of work available for each arborist. If a lowering device is in use every day, then through ease of use the GRCS may be the preferred choice but again this must be weighed against the simple operation of the Hobbs.
The Harken GRCS
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Newsand Views IOG Saltex Show The annual flagship event takes place on the 5 -7 September, 2006, at Windsor, Berkshire. The show is attended by open space management professionals and contractors – from groundsmen, greenkeepers, architects, play officers, in fact all areas of our industry. The IOG Saltex show will embrace fine turf and sports surfaces, turf maintenance equipment, children’s outdoor play and safety surfaces, landscaping vehicles and all forms of outdoor leisure. The show is a must for all who work in the industry and want to keep up with new innovations. For further information log onto www.iogsaltex.co.uk or call 020 8232 1600.
8th Arborists Trade Fair 2006 Can you afford not to be there? It seems that the exhibitors are falling over themselves to offer you the opportunity to see their kit – 70 booked by the beginning of May and still more expected before it all happens on 23rd and 24th June. NEW for 2006 – the show extends into the woodland edge and houses exhibitors and a tree dismantling demo by Treevolution. Join us at the superb Cotswolds country Bathurst Estate by kind permission of Lord and Lady Bathurst to see the latest products and try before you buy. Join in the FREE Technical Seminars: The Noise at Work Regulations, HSE priorities for action in arboriculture, LOLER 26
advice, Contractors Q&A, The AA Approved Contractor scheme Register at the Trade Fair for your chance to win £1,000 worth of fabulous Stihl kit completely free! The Arboricultural Association’s 8th Arborists’ Trade Fair is here to help you choose: All the big name manufacturers and suppliers side by side – chippers, stump grinders, chainsaws, tools and clothing, access platforms, vehicles, protective clothing, ropes & harnesses, colleges, training & advice. Visit the Stihl Technical Centre for chainsaw and product related questions answered (free) throughout the day. Get practical at the Arborists’ Trade Fair: see demonstrations, try the machines and PPE (subject to exhibitors consent), compare kit, join in the Contractors’ Workshop, see the technical demonstrations by the Treevolution team, enter the fungi ident at the Tree Life Training display, visit the Tree Climbers’ Forum sponsored by Fletcher Stewart. Admission: Adults £7.00*; Students/unwaged £3 (must show SU card or UB40); Children (under 14) Free. *£1.00 off per Adult per brochure. Show open 09.00 hrs to 17.00 hrs Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th June 2006. Access: Limited access for those with impaired mobility due to uneven surfaces. The Arboricultural Association is grateful to the show’s main sponsors: Stihl, Forestry and British Timber and essentialARB.
Pine Fragrance slows global warming New research from the Air Pollution Laboratory in Stockholm, Sweden, suggests that the fragrance we associate with pine forests helps in potentially reducing global warming. In a recent issue of Science, Professor Hans-Christen Hansson found a strong correlation between air mass movement and fragrance particles, called monoterpenes. It is these microscopic fragrant particles that give our huge tracks of boreal pine forests the aroma that we associate with pine trees. These monoterpenes affect climate by acting as reflectors and reflecting solar energy back into space. They are also thought to initiate the formation of clouds through a form of “seeding” which has the same effect of bouncing the solar radiation harmlessly back into space. Researcher have found concentrations of 1000 to 2000 per cu/cm of monoterpenes, in the atmosphere above our boreal forest. These huge areas located between 50 and 60 degrees north, covering Alaska, Canada, Siberia and Europe contains more than 15 million sq. kilometres of coniferous forests. Up to now no account has been taken of the effect of monoterpenes when modelling global warming, and as such, may have an affect on our current projections. However, they will have no major affect on our current rate of temperature change but they are part of the overall global warming model. Their existence is another step forward in our understanding of this complex issue.
Total Arb June 2006
Extreme ironing? twilight zone! But the more I thought about getting the perfect creases in my best Sunday shirt, it became apparent to me that we could use this rather unusual sport to help highlight the arboriculture industry and bring young peoples attention to the trade. Naturally I jumped at the chance along with my fellow climbing colleague John Pryor when course tutors Andrew Treadaway and Stephen Hailes gave us the opportunity to get all the high altitude ironing practice we wanted. The experience was not only lots of fun but also very educational, and I hope that many more people might be inspired to get out there and become interested in this challenging and rewarding career we call Arboriculture”
Two students from Barony College in South West Scotland have taken extreme sports to a new level – by ironing up an 80ft tree!
For more information please contact Andrew Treadaway or Doug Irvine on 01387 860251.
Barony College is situated 10 miles from Dumfries in South West Scotland. There are a range of fulltime, work-based and short courses in the department. The Urban forestry course, which is similar to the National Certificate in Arboriculture will commence in September 2006 and will run for 24 weeks, incorporating a 2 week placement. There is a high practical skill content built into the course involving the use of various arboriculture and land-based machinery, chainsaws, tree climbing, felling, tractor operations, chippers, grinders, etc, and includes a variety of industrial visits and may involve a study tour. Theory content covers pesticide application, tree biology, tree surveying and inspection, disorder of trees, etc. There is also an opportunity to sit some NPTC tests with a further chance to build on these via the work-based VQ Arboriculture.
The worldwide craze has seen wacky participants ironing items anywhere from underwater to the top of a cliff. The idea came from the website www.extremeironing.com Peter Hall and John Pryor, both NPTC qualified tree climbers, were the two students that were keen to take up the challenge. Peter said: “To be honest, I thought my leg was being pulled when I first heard of extreme ironing – it almost sounded like something from the Total Arb June 2006
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ArbJobs Location: Midlands Company: Central Tree Services Job: Arborists & Ground Staff Salary: Arborists £15K to £25K Ground Staff £10K to £16K Depending on experience Duration: Permanent Commence: TBA CONTACT: Telephone: 0121 776 7769 email: centraltrees@hotmail.com Full time Arborists and Groundstaff required by AA approved contractor in Birmingham and Midlands area. Location: Silverstone, Northants Company: Tree Profiles Limited Job Ref: TOTALARB-JOB-00017 Job: Climber Salary: Negotiable Duration: Permanent Commence: Immediately CONTACT: Telephone: 01327 858553 email: enquiries@treeprofiles.co.uk Experienced Climber wanted. We operate a professionally run arboricultural business serving both domestic and commercial clients and work to BS3998. We offer good rates of pay, training and a friendly working environment. Location: Midlands Company: Treewise Ltd Job Ref: TOTALARB-JOB-00006 Job: Arborists Salary: Negotiable Duration: Permanent Commence: T.B.A CONTACT: Telephone: 01664 820201 email: enquiries@treewiseltd.co.uk Experienced? Let us take your career further. Novice? Full training provided from basics to advanced. Now recruiting in East and West Midlands. Location: Dublin Company: Shaw Tree Services Job: Arborist - Driver Shaw Tree Services established in 1925 are seeing arboricultural staff for work in the Dublin area. Specialising in renovation of amenity woodlands and consultancy we also carry out all aspects of normal arboricultural work including stump grinding. Applicants must hold a full clean driving licence (including a licence for trucks) and hold the relevant training certification. Accomodation provided for suitable applicant. Salary negotiable depending on qualifications and experience. Contact: Mr Shaw Telephone: 00 353 1626 4556 Email: info@shawtreeservices.com www.shawtreeservices.com Address: Shaw Tree Services Palmerstown Dublin 20
Location: Dublin & surrounding counties. Company: Dermot Casey Tree Care Job: Qualified Arborists Ireland’s largest Tree Care Company is recruiting: •NPTC qualified personnel for private and utility work in Dublin and all other counties throughout Ireland. Excellent Rates OF Pay & Conditions. For further details please call us on (UK 00353) 022-21854. Please submit CV / Letter of interest to us via email or post. Competitive salary dependant on qualifications and experience. Contact: Human Resourses Department Telephone: (UK 00353) (0) 22-21854 Email: treecare@dermotcasey.com www.dermotcasey.com Address: Dermot Casey Tree Care, Upper Quartertown, Mallow, Co. Cork Location: York & Yorkshire area Company: Bartlett Tree Experts Job: Skilled Arborist/Crew Leader Bartlett Tree Experts is the largest privately owned Arboricultural Company in the UK and leaders in the tree care industry with twelve contracting offices nationwide throughout England and Ireland. We provide a discerning tree care service to private clients who require an exceptional level of customer service. Our arboricultural approach is to treat the plant problems and not the symptoms through a scientific and systematic approach to woody plant management. Applicants should be experienced, qualified and possess a pre-1997 driving licence. Enthusiasm and a desire to produce work of a high standard is essential. Our Arborists are backed up by research findings from our R&D Laboratory at Reading University and equally supported by our Consultancy and Safety & Training staff. An exceptional package is on offer for the right candidate. To apply please send a covering letter and CV to york@bartlettuk.com Competitive salary dependant on qualifications and experience Contact: Jonathan Slight Tel: 01423 359090 Email: york@bartlettuk.com Address: Bartlett Tree Experts Unit 10, Centre Park, Rudgate Tockwith York YO26 7QF
Location: London Company: Companies33 Job: Arborist Part of a team mainly dealing with trees along the London underground and railway system. Trackside safety training will be included as will all personal protective equipment. We require enthusiastic arborists climbers and groundstaff for this long term contract. NPTC certificates will be required. Salary negotiable depending on qualifications and experience Contact: Francis Annesley Telephone: 07841020107 Email: annesley@onetel.net Address: Companies33 Ltd 3 Ruby Close Wokingham RG41 3TX Location: London Area Company: Goss Tree Surgeons Job: Tree Surgeons and Tree Climbers Required Minimum requirements: NPTC Certification. Clean, Current Driving License. A minimum of 3- 5 years relevant experience required. Excellent Salary + Bonus. This is an opportunity to join a wellestablished family run business to undertake works on a new and exciting contract in the London area. Vehicles, Tools, PPE all provided. Competitive salary. Contact: Rob Goss Tel: 01277 650 363 Email: shgoss@bt.connect.com Location: Sevenoaks, Kent & surrounding area Company: Down to Earth Job: Crew leader & Skilled arborists Down to Earth is a progressive, dynamic and forward looking company employing 25 staff. We are approved contractors of the Arboricultural Association (since 1987) and have been established since 1980. We pride ourselves on quality of work and are currently looking for 2 or more skilled and experienced climbers to complement our existing staff. A high standard of work and a ‘pride in the job’ is an essential requirement along with the necessary qualifications and experience. An LGV and/or pre 1997 licence would also be needed. We are committed to training and providing a safe, quality environment for our staff. If you are unhappy in your present position and want to be part of a valued team with high regards and a sound future, please contact Jenny on 01959 524623. Salary negotiable depending
on qualifications and experience Contact: contact Jenny 01959 524623 Email: enquiries@dte-arborists.co.uk www.dte-arborists.co.uk Address: Down To Earth The Oast Preston Farm Shoreham Kent TN14 7UD Location: London & South East Company: Connick Tree Care Job: ARBORICULTURAL MANAGER Connick Tree Care is currently seeking a Contract Supervisor / Team Leader, who is a highly motivated, contentious professional, to be based in Croydon, Surrey. The successful candidate will be required to have excellent people and man management skills, in order to effectively control a team of Arborists and manage selective client portfolios and contracts. This vacancy is a split job, which will be roughly 40% office based and 60% of which will be spent carrying out practical arboricultural operations. A drivers licence is essential, along with relevant NPTC certificates, arboricultural qualifications and commercial contracting experience. Connick is a dedicated arboricultural company, approved by the Arboricultural Association and we have a culture of continuous improvement, with a strong emphasis on staff training and development. The salary package is around £28,000 p.a. Including a Company Hi Lux 4 x 4. Please send your CV to: Suzanne Peters at Connick tree Care. Competitive salary depending on experience. Contact: Suzanne Peters Telephone: 01737 779191 Email: speters@ connicktreecare.co.uk www.connick treecare.co.uk Address: Connick Tree Care New Pond Farm Woodhatch Road Reigate Surrey RH2 7QH Location: NE Scotland Company: Kelly Arboriculture Job Ref: Job: Tree Surgeon / Ground maintenance staff Salary: Negotiable Duration: Permanent Commence: Immediately CONTACT: Telephone: 01569 730498 We require an experienced Arborist to share climbing duties and ground work. Summer work includes some ground maintenance. Applicant must have full driving licence and at least aerial rescue and basic chain saw certificates.
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Total Arb June 2006