Author Topic: climbing gear (Read 2337 times)

justintimemoto · « **on:** March 31, 2010, 06:17:23 pm »

i been looking into getting some gear for quite somethime now and i just want to know what some good gear to get and what not thanks

bill m · « **Reply #1 on:** March 31, 2010, 06:23:10 pm »

Get some training first. Climbing trees is not something you learn on the fly by yourself. Your training instructors will point you in the right direction with what is good and what is not.

Kevin · « **Reply #2 on:** March 31, 2010, 06:31:46 pm »

Buy the tree climbers companion and read it over .

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

plasticweld · « **Reply #3 on:** March 31, 2010, 07:28:52 pm »

I learned everything the hard way I made my own climbing gear, still have it. not that comfortable for long days but it works, I made many mods to it over the years. I worked a few jobs with a ground man that knew less than I did. I was fortunate that about 4 months into it and after many close calls I found a experienced ground man that ran the show and told me what and what not to do. Your perspective is quite narrow hanging from a rope and a set of experienced eyes and guide you through most steps and give you a good 360 degree view of things and prevent many mistakes. I am not sure if there are any old time guys around that can teach you the tricks but if there were a way to work with someone for a time it would be well worth it. The gear is important as far as comfort and your ability to work longer hours but the most important part would a mentor. I only mention because if you had someone around who knew the business they could tell you what worked and the plus and minuses the different styles and gear that you can use.

justintimemoto · « **Reply #4 on:** March 31, 2010, 08:12:24 pm »

Kevin · « **Reply #5 on:** March 31, 2010, 09:12:58 pm »

You won't need the safety lanyard if you buy the flip line/rope grab combination.

What is the intended purpose for the rope snap?

You'll need more biners, rigging and climbing, some loop runners not to mention different rope and a rope brake plus a million other things such as slings, blocks etc.

If you don't have everything available along with the knowledge things can go bad really quick in a tree .

chevytaHOE5674 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 31, 2010, 09:34:16 pm »

If you want to get into climbing your best bet is to try and work for a tree service. Chances are you will start dragging brush and feeding the chipper, but you can work your way up to climbing, rigging, etc with time. Or you can go to school for the trade. Either way it isn't something you want to get your feet wet in without proper instruction and training. Things can and will go bad in a hurry if your not sure what to do.

DonT · « **Reply #7 on:** March 31, 2010, 09:56:26 pm »

I agree with the others that suggest some formal training.North american training solutions offers some good courses,as well as arbormaster(you get to try out a variety of equipment and figure out what you like and do not like).There is all kinds of learning material available.Jerry Beranak's videos are good.Check out the ISA website,and Sherrill tree for more educational aids.Maybe I missed it but i did not see any rope in your wishlist?What where the 13kn biners for saddle accessories,because the 13kn biners do not meet climb standards(24kn).I have a a buckingham master and it has been a good saddle,but this is an area that I might upgrade.As Kevin pointed out you have just touched on the tip of the iceberg as far as equipment goes.That said I learned to climb 4yrs ago,do it for a living and love it.

plasticweld · « **Reply #8 on:** March 31, 2010, 10:47:29 pm »

http://cgi.ebay.com/Tree-Trimming-and-Climbing-Equipment_W0QQitemZ280486710222QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item414e4f8bce

http://cgi.ebay.com/Bashlin-Tree-Pole-Climbing-Gear-Spikes-Gaffs-Belt_W0QQitemZ290418886014QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item439e50857e

Check ebay here are a couple of things that are reasonable, always a good place to check if your not in a hurry

captain_crunch · « **Reply #9 on:** March 31, 2010, 11:15:30 pm »

I would talk to the tree boys and see what they use there are several different spur lengths so you need to know which works best for your needs. The E-bay ones with them leather pads will take the desire to climb out of you fast, Mine have Aluminium pieces with foam pads and they wrap around the front of your shin so the strap dont have to bite into your leg.

justintimemoto · « **Reply #10 on:** April 01, 2010, 06:54:56 am »

thanks foe the imput aboout train and stuff , but i want to save up for gear so im picking out the stuff i would like to get i picked out a few more things that i think might need

http://www.baileysonline.com/itemdetail.asp?item=KH453S
http://www.baileysonline.com/itemdetail.asp?item=RP145
http://www.baileysonline.com/itemdetail.asp?item=12BL 150
http://www.baileysonline.com/itemdetail.asp?item=WS 34

when if i do get the gear i plan on just climbing alot and practiceing one of my buddys climb for the grid, and my gf dad climbed for verizon

bill m · « **Reply #11 on:** April 01, 2010, 07:37:47 am »

when if i do get the gear i plan on just climbing alot and practiceing one of my buddys climb for the grid, and my gf dad climbed for verizon
[/quote]
Verizon does not have tree climbers working for them. Climbing poles is nothing like climbing trees. I started climbing 26 years ago and still do. I have also trained many of my employees over the years. Find a good tree service to work for that offers in house training so you will know how to use the gear when you do buy it.

DonT · « **Reply #12 on:** April 01, 2010, 05:12:25 pm »

I like my buckinghams with velcro cushion wrap,but even then at the end of the day you still feel it.I have moved away from spurs and only use them if I have to now.I find i am for the most part a more efficient climber on rope.Still did not see any rope in the wishlist?

justintimemoto · « **Reply #13 on:** April 01, 2010, 07:13:35 pm »

http://www.baileysonline.com/itemdetail.asp?item=12BL+120&catID= thats the rope i picked out. now i know all you said i should get training wich is totally understand able which i will work on. but i think this is my last quiestion for now is how is the gear i picked out?

Maine372 · « **Reply #14 on:** April 01, 2010, 07:29:48 pm »

the gear is only as good as the climber using it. a farrari cant win a race with a gorrilla behind the wheel.

rather than dumping loads of cash on gear, get a job in the tree industry. many companies will help you by gear, provide you gear, or you will be able to buy older gear CHEAP from coworkers who are upgrading.

also, climbing gear doesnt do much for you if you dont have an arborist license and insurance.

justintimemoto · « **Reply #15 on:** April 01, 2010, 07:33:47 pm »

i got a job i just want to get the stuff because i can do side jobs at some point b.c people around here ask me to cut stuff for them and i alwsays wanted to buy the stuff to do it gor the past 2 years, my dad owns his own business so i could go under him if i ever wanted to get in the business

Kevin · « **Reply #16 on:** April 01, 2010, 08:06:05 pm »

That's a new climbing rope by Yale, it looks good but what are you using for a rigging rope?

chevytaHOE5674 · « **Reply #17 on:** April 01, 2010, 09:35:37 pm »

Quote from: justintimemoto on April 01, 2010, 07:33:47 pm

because i can do side jobs at some point b.c people around here ask me to cut stuff for them...

Have you priced insurance lately for tree work...?

justintimemoto · « **Reply #18 on:** April 01, 2010, 11:02:17 pm »

nope im 18 i dont plan on getting into stuff right away. i just made to post b/c all i wanted to kow what gear was good and stuff

captain_crunch · « **Reply #19 on:** April 01, 2010, 11:46:02 pm »

nuff said

VTMapleFarmer · « **Reply #20 on:** April 02, 2010, 10:08:02 am »

If your starting to climb definitly take a training coarse or college level program to get started. For buying gear I would personally buy everything from Sherrill Tree Comapny. The catalog has many helpfull hints and sugestion for buying your gear.

justintimemoto · « **Reply #21 on:** April 02, 2010, 01:14:04 pm »

just priced out at sherill tree they got better deals and there price ended up being cheaper so i am goign to go with them when i go to buy it and it has that manual in the kit i want to buy and it has more stuff in it thanks for the information guys

DonT · « **Reply #22 on:** April 02, 2010, 03:38:46 pm »

Check out wespur as well.They have free shipping on orders over 150.00

justintimemoto · « **Reply #23 on:** April 02, 2010, 03:50:23 pm »

ok thanks ill show you my wish list i made up on sherill tree heres a link http://www.sherrilltree.com/show-wishlist?wlId=94&cusId=161116

Shotgun · « **Reply #24 on:** April 02, 2010, 04:16:13 pm »

Quote from: justintimemoto on April 01, 2010, 07:33:47 pm

my dad owns his own business so i could go under him if i ever wanted to get in the business

What type of business does your dad own? My opinion: Unless you have money to burn, slow down...you have the cart waaaaaay before the horse. I think that there are a number of people here telling you the same thing. Find out what you need for the type of work that you'll be doing. Working in trees is a serious business. You really need to "learn the ropes" first, so to speak. Anyway, good luck with whatever you decide to do and however you decide to do it.

justintimemoto · « **Reply #25 on:** April 02, 2010, 05:37:46 pm »

i dont plan on going in the business i just cut trees now and then, plus then i can make one nice tree stand

chevytaHOE5674 · « **Reply #26 on:** April 02, 2010, 05:46:22 pm »

Quote from: justintimemoto on April 02, 2010, 05:37:46 pm

i just cut trees now and then

For yourself or for others?

bill m · « **Reply #27 on:** April 02, 2010, 06:12:15 pm »

Even if you are only going to cut trees every now and then you still need insurance because when something goes wrong, and it will -nobody is perfect, the consequences can be devastating. What about your ground man? workmens comp? I'm not trying to discourage you from doing this just take it slow and do it right. The people that have replied to this thread seam to have many years of experience and are trying to help you not make the mistakes we have.

justintimemoto · « **Reply #28 on:** April 02, 2010, 06:15:41 pm »

i know what you and there saying. as far as taht other site its cheaper than sherill tree and baileys

bushhog920 · « **Reply #29 on:** April 03, 2010, 12:41:48 pm »

go to http://www.wesspur.com/ they have lots of climing gear there, might suggest the training dvd's you can rent for about $50.

DonT · « **Reply #30 on:** April 03, 2010, 01:34:55 pm »

Where are you in upstate new york?

justintimemoto · « **Reply #31 on:** April 03, 2010, 03:18:45 pm »

amsterdam probably about 3 and a half hours or so from canada

stonebroke · « **Reply #32 on:** April 03, 2010, 03:28:53 pm »

Ah, The great Mohawk Valley

Stonebroke

justintimemoto · « **Reply #33 on:** April 03, 2010, 04:50:23 pm »

yeah

but im out in the town part country w.e you want to call it so its not bad

HolmenTree · « **Reply #34 on:** April 07, 2010, 10:50:47 am »

Justin like what some others have said here, go out and take a 2 day basic climbing skills course through ArborMaster or North American Training Solutions. Spend $500 on this course before you buy any wrong expensive equipment.
They supply all the stuff needed to get you in the tree. Then by the end of day 2 you will have the proper list of equipment and the basic knowledge what to do, practice comes next.
I felled timber for a living since 16, but at age 42 when I took my 1st ArborMaster climbing course I was in a whole new league. Hell they even had me footlocking on static and dynamic rope by the 2nd day. Best $500 I ever spent.
Willard.

Kevin · « **Reply #35 on:** April 07, 2010, 07:54:35 pm »

Willard, still footlocking?

chevytaHOE5674 · « **Reply #36 on:** April 07, 2010, 07:58:59 pm »

Footlocking is a way of the past IMO

. I climb SRT with a pair of ascenders and life is so easy compared to footlocking, I wish I would have made the switch from the start of my climbing days.

Chet · « **Reply #37 on:** April 07, 2010, 08:23:48 pm »

Quote from: chevytaHOE5674 on April 07, 2010, 07:58:59 pm

Footlocking is a way of the past IMO . I climb SRT with a pair of ascenders and life is so easy compared to footlocking, I wish I would have made the switch from the start of my climbing days.

Dats da problem with kids nowadays, der not as tuff as dey usta be.

Lookin' fur da easy way.

chevytaHOE5674 · « **Reply #38 on:** April 07, 2010, 08:32:04 pm »

Ooo I can footlock, its just faster to climb my way. And until dey add a couple more hours of daylight into the day I need every extra minute I can get between work, running cattle, making hay, plowing snow, fixing equipment, etc there just isn't enough time.

Chet · « **Reply #39 on:** April 07, 2010, 08:38:38 pm »

excuses...excuses....

chevytaHOE5674 · « **Reply #40 on:** April 07, 2010, 08:45:44 pm »

If i had all day to spend on one job in the tree and it paid all my bills then i would climb the slowest way possible

...

But over here in the real world technology has been invented to make life easier

.

flushcut · « **Reply #41 on:** April 07, 2010, 10:43:20 pm »

I vote for training but if you must learn on your own the rule is low and slow. IMO all the catalogs and supply houses have good gear but its up to you to pick what's going to work for you. I can say this piece of gear is the cats meow but you think it's a piece it's all personal taste.

HolmenTree · « **Reply #42 on:** April 08, 2010, 01:01:47 pm »

Quote from: Kevin on April 07, 2010, 07:54:35 pm

Willard, still footlocking?

Yep still footlocking. Over the last 10 yrs I have tried various ascenders but ended up giving them away to other climbers who figured they needed them.
I will admit, in year one I used 2 Petzl hand ascenders so I could concentrate better on my feet. When I caught on good with the foot wrapping I ditched the Petzls. Just 2 less things to mess around with and carry on the saddle.
When your redirecting and moving around pruning a big hardwood footlocking comes in real handy and instantaneous, time and safety is gained not lost when monkeying around with ascenders.
10 yrs ago in my 1st course, instructer-owner Dwayne Neustator of ArborMaster Canada [ now North American Training /Arboriculture Canada] showed the class how to footlock climb 40' into an elm on static rope in 15 seconds. Immediately while up there he pruned out some deadwood for us. I was amazed. Good motivation.
Willard.

Kevin · « **Reply #43 on:** April 08, 2010, 01:45:15 pm »

I haven't footlocked in a few years, I found it was too much of a work out.
Short ascents aren't a problem for me but I can use the foot ascender for that.
For long ascents I use my GRCS, a seat and a gas drill.
Puts me up there real quick, not out of breath and ready to work.

HolmenTree · « **Reply #44 on:** April 08, 2010, 09:44:22 pm »

I'm just starting up my tree biz next week. After a long winter off season working in the shop plus a couple of weeks in a Mexican resort, my "gut" is going to get in the way during those upcoming climbs.
It won't take long to get back in shape though. I don't footlock on static anymore, just footlock dynamic on a split tail.
With dynamic you're only hoisting 1/2 your bodyweight which is alot easier on the cardio, may take twice as long to ascend over static, but you don't waste time switching over to the split tail from static when you get to the top.
Willard.

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Author Topic: climbing gear (Read 2337 times)