Tree Service and Climbing Info Thread

[460 magnum]

Weaver WLC-700 Cougar Arborist Positioning Saddle

ArborMAX 1/2" BlackMAX LT 12-Strand Climbing Rope (120' Hank & Rope Bag)

Teufelberger 1/2" Hi-Vee Single Eye Split Tail (Hand Spliced)

Climb Right Auto Lock Aluminum HMS Carabiner

Climb Right Rope Grab (Fits 1/2" - 5/8" Rope)

Weaver Throw Weight and Line, 12 oz. Kit 08-98327-BO

ArborMAX Double Braid Positioning Lanyard (1/2" x 8') with Steel Rope Snap

Folding Throw Line Cube

This is the kit I was looking at on Bailey's I really like the looks of the saddle.

 

[460 magnum]

Any suggestions on a good set of spurs for a beginner? Not trying to spend as mush for spurs as I did on the rest of everything else but I do know these are not cheep either.

 

[Rob Stafari]

That'll definitely get you into a tree. I was fortunate when I bought my spurs, I got some cheap steel kleins from treestuff. Unfortunately they raised the price by more than a hundred dollars since then. I would consider looking around on craigslist, just make sure they are tree spurs, not pole spurs. Maybe go over to Treebuzz forum and see if anybody has an old set they'd be willing to part with.(Also a good place to learn over there.) If I were to choose a set from treestuff now, I'd be looking more at the climbright aluminum as they aren't much more than the steel ones over there.

 

[Lightning Performance]

This won't help much but try other guys spurs if you can. I bought five sets over the years. Still using the old style second gen of the good old all steel welded kind with adjustable uppers. Never like the aluminum ones. They never felt right. The short new claw things were the worst for me. Some guys like base plates, I don't too clunky imo.
Just not remembering any of the names tonight. Fill in the blanks please. Buckingham is the name. Like another type out there.

The best good advice I have is bend them things till they fit right! No one told me that or recommended it. I took straight ones and made them six to seven degrees. Did not like the ten degree set back, they sucked and hurt. T pads suck if you have skinny legs, just sayin. Full front wrap steel or aluminum lined pads are the ticket. I bent and hammered the steel till they fit right and then put the pads back on.

Try everything..... comfort is paramount to developing great skills.


Oh btw.....everyone is the bestest and fastest while *b-wording from below. YMMV

 

[Rob Stafari]

Buckingham, klein, bashlin, climb right, gecko, notch, stein... to name a few. I have only used the klein's with the *s-wordty t pads. They work well enough for as rarely as I use them. Most of my climbing is spikeless(pruning, recreational, or treehouse building), even some small removals if there's branches in the right places I'll just stand on some stubs. Then cut the stubs off before felling the spar.

 

[J. Loe]

I started with steel buckingham spurs with tree gaffs and caddy pads.

If I could go back I would’ve got the titanium buckingham spurs with pole gaffs and the caddy pads
Caddy pads are the best.

With these instead of the regular lower straps.
https://www.treestuff.com/store/catalog.asp?category_id=71&item=9095

Be nice to come up with a close wrapping Velcro upper as well.

I do have a pair of the dmm gecko aluminum spikes but can’t get the hang of them.

I love that the straps are wrapped all the way around.

I find the traditional straps always catch my downline and every other line.
Really annoying.

 

[460 magnum]

Thanks guys these r really helpful tip I would have never thought of bending the spurs. I have chicken legs my wife calls them. I'll have to do some lerking around of at tree buzz see whT they got going on.

 

[J. Loe]

Here’s my 02cents
Take if for what you will


Cougar Arborist Positioning Saddle
Fine but do the liger mod.
I think the liger mod is key.

I have one that was issued to me by my job.
Meh but I’m sure there’s worse.
It’s bulky but I like the simplicity.

Still you can do better.
I have the treemotion
I think the lite is a great deal that you won’t grow out of.

ArborMAX 1/2" BlackMAX LT 12-Strand Climbing Rope (120' Hank & Rope Bag)

A rope bag is a great idea.
Don’t go 12 strand, go 16 at first
It’s got good abrasion resistance

You’d do better with Samson blue and white or safety blue etc.
12 strand is nice for rigging but too stretchy for climbing.

Teufelberger 1/2" Hi-Vee Single Eye Split Tail (Hand Spliced)
Blake’s hitch is fine.
I think you’ll grow out of it soon.
I’d look at the hitch climber with a spliced line and 10mm eye to eye.

Climb Right Auto Lock Aluminum HMS Carabiner
Fine but I like the rock exotica rock os much much more

Climb Right Rope Grab (Fits 1/2" - 5/8" Rope)
Sure.

ArborMAX Double Braid Positioning Lanyard (1/2" x 8') with Steel Rope Snap
I’d consider 10ft wire core yale with the steel snap.
Probably a 2in1 lanyard is a better idea

Folding Throw Line Cube
Definitely.
I don’t know if they make a divider so you can get two set ups in there.

Get two throwline setups.

They get stuck.boy do they ever get stuck.
I have 10,12 and 16oz weights and two lines.
I really don’t like the weaver throwline kits.
Zing it or something like that.

You need a climbing helmet.
I like petzel but whatever.

You’ll need a hand saw.
I like silky but whatever.

You’ll find no better climbing chainsaw than that little echo 2511t ported of course.

Get a good rock exotica transporter or something like that.
You’ll need something like that.

 

[460 magnum]

So the T-pad's are junk for skinny legs, how about the L-pad's

 

[J. Loe]

Caddy pads man.
They’re the best

https://www.treestuff.com/store/catalog.asp?category_id=70&item=1582

 

[460 magnum]

I was looking at them also but wasn't sure.

 

[460 magnum]

Found these on FB with a lineman belt (which I dont need) for 60$ shipped to me i figured i could get started with these and once i start making a little money off from it i can up grade. Buckingham and the spikes r solid not the replaceable ones

 

[J. Loe]

Did you buy them?

 

[460 magnum]

Yep just got them in the mail today

 

[NeSurcaster]

Get some pads w/ a metal insert in them. It'll be one of the best investments you make. Also I learned/ climbed w/ a old weaver saddle that sucked, I knew it sucked but now I know it really sucked. Just got the monkey beaver saddle that I'm lovin. Back support and the rope bridge w/ large leg straps are amazing. Also endless attachment spots for more stuff then I'd ever need. Stay safe and learn your knots just off the ground and always make sure beaners are locked. Have fun

 

[Lightning Performance]

Bought five sets.... still climbing in those basic hooks. They all sucked. These last forever. Those T pads are good trade bait. Get rid of them.

Right and left handed rope grabs make slinging lanyards quick.

Never climb not tied in!!!

Enjoy

 

[mrmoneywood]

Awesome thread. I’m in the process of starting my own tree business right now. Learning a lot from everyone here.