Post APnwSihcGR2UlGuwgC by Glencoe@mastodon.scot
(DIR) More posts by Glencoe@mastodon.scot
(DIR) Post #APb2wHwOOwy97RpfvM by fitheach@mstdn.io
2022-11-14T14:02:25Z
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It's a monster!You don't realise how big the cherry picker is, until you're standing next to it. To give you some idea, the control panel (to the left of the word "Genie") is at head-height. The base unit weighs 10 tonnes.In fact, the sheer size is reassuring. When you are 20m up in the air, it is good to know that you are securely anchored to the ground.#ProjectTrees
(DIR) Post #APb5950C1CGqfBpxo0 by penguin42@mastodon.org.uk
2022-11-14T14:27:13Z
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@fitheach Be careful with that thing! How much did it cost to hire?
(DIR) Post #APbAgSeLcKwTKfM8Y4 by fitheach@mstdn.io
2022-11-14T15:29:07Z
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@penguin42 https://mstdn.io/@fitheach/109321720119101690
(DIR) Post #APbAkrGi1lFGqPOc6a by wrdwoose@mstdn.io
2022-11-14T15:29:53Z
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@fitheach a 'unit' sounds more like something the megamind of machine culture after its conquered humanity will call this 'little guy'
(DIR) Post #APbBvFyV7mxwJsOxSC by gairsty@fosstodon.org
2022-11-14T15:29:58Z
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@fitheach that looks like soooo much fun!!
(DIR) Post #APbE2IDHOtvTCHnTNo by fitheach@mstdn.io
2022-11-14T16:06:46Z
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@wrdwoose Actually, the base unit shape reminded me of the ED-209 from Robocop (1987), minus the guns, of course.
(DIR) Post #APbEkfHezB1fUW0Je4 by fitheach@mstdn.io
2022-11-14T16:14:47Z
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@gairsty I'm mostly controlling it from the basket. It is fun moving the basket, and driving the base unit. It has two speeds: "tortoise" and "hare". 😃 In practice there isn't that much difference in the two speeds. After about 30 mins use I've memorised the controls.
(DIR) Post #APbG3UK43zOix4fUau by fitheach@mstdn.io
2022-11-14T16:29:22Z
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I've realised, after using the cherry picker for a while, that my chainsaws could also do with safety harnesses. The basket isn't surrounded by mesh, just two guard rails. My harness stops me from slipping out. However, there is nothing to stop a chainsaw from doing the same..Tree-climbing arborists use chainsaw straps. I could do with one, but, it is probably too late to order one online. I'll maybe check some of the stores in town. Otherwise, I'll fabricate something.#ProjectTrees #DIY
(DIR) Post #APbJZLm5gCRHZOf61I by edavies@functional.cafe
2022-11-14T17:06:12Z
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@fitheach When working at height I usually tie my nail gun to myself as it's expensive enough that if I dropped it I might otherwise be tempted to make an ill-judged grab for it. Other tools can look after themselves - big Makita drill didn't notice bouncing down the roof.A chainsaw, though, is something I think I'd want to go as far away as possible if anything went wrong and not be swinging around on the end of any harness even if they are supposed to stop if you let go (I assume!).
(DIR) Post #APbKMgKC40jDUi8VjU by fitheach@mstdn.io
2022-11-14T17:17:40Z
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@edavies Arborists use straps when they have the chainsaw working. The straps are long enough that if the chainsaw is dropped, it falls to below the person.I've never dropped a chainsaw. My primary concern is the chainsaw falling from the base of the basket, which it could do quite easily.
(DIR) Post #APbZvHL4S1VxRxVAcC by fedops@fosstodon.org
2022-11-14T18:19:42Z
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@edavies they don't. If you let go of the throttle it will slowly reduce chain speed. The brake is only intended to stop it in case of kickback.The worst thing I could possibly imagine is seeing the saw slip and instinctively grabbing it. That will be a bad day. 🤕I'd advise against any sort of restraint that will tie the saw to you. If you need your hands free, kill the motor, set it down in the basket, and step on the handle to keep it there.@fitheach
(DIR) Post #APbZvHweCJZXKV5BBY by fitheach@mstdn.io
2022-11-14T20:12:00Z
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@fedops I'm not going to tie the saw to me, to the basket safety rail. My main concern is it getting knocked out when sitting on the basket floor.Cutting from the basket will be quite safe. No worse than at ground level. @edavies
(DIR) Post #APdQoUVWa72eze03Gq by fitheach@mstdn.io
2022-11-15T17:39:25Z
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To-day was the first full-day of tree cutting. I'm exhausted. The cutting isn't strenuous, it is the clearing-up afterwards that is hard work. In particular, I need to clear away branches from around the cherry picker, so, I can manoeuvre it into position. The wheels cannot get traction over big branches.Ideally, this work would suit a minimum of 2 persons. One to do the cutting, and one, or more, to do the clearing. As I'm doing it myself, I'm up-and-down like a yoyo.#ProjectTrees #DIY
(DIR) Post #APdczqRuXeuFgCURY8 by edavies@functional.cafe
2022-11-15T18:07:52Z
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@fitheach Look on the bright side, the wind down your way is a lot less than over here.
(DIR) Post #APhYzVPZ8ai7FPocdM by fitheach@mstdn.io
2022-11-17T17:29:52Z
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This is the Cherry Picker control panel, in the basket. All operations of the CP can be controlled from here. The two joysticks on the left control the two main extending arms.The joystick on the right controls the wheels (4x4). This joystick also has a switch on the top for controlling the steering.Almost out of sight (behind right joystick) is the big red engine stop.All the remaining buttons and switches control other aspects of the extending arms and the engine.#ProjectTrees #DIY
(DIR) Post #APhbqjFuaxrjRPo46S by fitheach@mstdn.io
2022-11-17T18:01:52Z
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The control panel looks complicated, but, one gets used to it very quickly. I started by only operating one control at a time. I'm now confident enough to operate two motions at the same time. For example, up and forward or down and swivel.Below the control panel is a bay for tools. Far too small for my requirements. The two circular ones are for power tools, like a drill. Although, I've noted they are also exactly the right size to hold two takeaway coffee cups. ☕ 😃 #ProjectTrees #DIY
(DIR) Post #APinUw5daegTU1KrPk by fitheach@mstdn.io
2022-11-18T07:47:01Z
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@zlatko It is something I'm spending all the daylight hours doing. 😉 Background described here:https://mstdn.io/@fitheach/109310499713744724
(DIR) Post #APjOuc4eKPDlEoyq5w by fitheach@mstdn.io
2022-11-18T14:46:19Z
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What a day, and I don't just mean the weather. It has been pelting down with rain all day. It doesn't make the work easier. Every time I look up I get huge drips in the eyes. The tools are wet, making them harder to grip firmly, and the basket mesh floor is slippy.To add to my woes my small chainsaw developed a blockage in the oiler. Consequently, I've reverted to my BIG Echo saw, which is unwieldy for the job.https://fitheach.co.uk/life/echo-cs-620sx-chainsaw-review/Although, it does cut very fast.#ProjectTrees #DIY
(DIR) Post #APjRZL1EqJsW7kvpCK by yngmar@social.tchncs.de
2022-11-18T15:10:50Z
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@fitheach What do you use for chain sharpening?
(DIR) Post #APjV1wP1kDVO2ROByS by fitheach@mstdn.io
2022-11-18T15:54:46Z
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@yngmar A rat's tail.
(DIR) Post #APjX5OdnPaY6OX4Z4C by fitheach@mstdn.io
2022-11-18T16:17:57Z
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I've also developed a technique of starting the saw whilst I'm still on the ground. Although perfectly safe, pull-starting a big saw when you're 20m in the air, makes the whole basket wobble. Which is a bit disconcerting. The extra fuel used is inconsequential.#ProjectTrees #DIY
(DIR) Post #APjabIJ0njKTsLFjKS by fitheach@mstdn.io
2022-11-18T16:57:18Z
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@zlatko They are called cherry pickers because that is what they were used for first. I've never picked a cherry in my life. 😃
(DIR) Post #APjggv4KhuBNGpS6UK by simon_brooke@mastodon.scot
2022-11-18T17:46:30Z
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@fitheach That sounds a bit too exciting to me.
(DIR) Post #APjhFKRSsR4poFgCB6 by fitheach@mstdn.io
2022-11-18T18:11:49Z
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@simon_brooke It's funny, the more you do it, the more you get used to it. The only concern is getting the cut *exactly* right. If the cut were to go wrong there is nowhere to run.
(DIR) Post #APjkUoPG3Hq6wsip3w by fedops@fosstodon.org
2022-11-18T18:34:25Z
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@fitheach that is a serious saw. How much wood do you cut in a year?
(DIR) Post #APjl01U7TcTIUIsWmm by fitheach@mstdn.io
2022-11-18T18:53:46Z
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@Jkp Aye, when I saw the joysticks that was my first thought, too. Although, in this game you don't have multiple lives.
(DIR) Post #APjlHKBRD05NP5OG8W by fitheach@mstdn.io
2022-11-18T18:56:55Z
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@fedops I currently have a huge backlog (pun intended). Most of the wood I cut is mature beech, lime or spruce. Some of those have a diameter of 1m or more.
(DIR) Post #APjp2L4C2hRfcE6y5g by fedops@fosstodon.org
2022-11-18T19:29:40Z
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@fitheach 1m! 😳 That's some serious stuff!
(DIR) Post #APjplGw2FaJPphinAW by fitheach@mstdn.io
2022-11-18T19:47:12Z
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@fedops 1m diameter and 30m tall.The 5th photo in this article:https://fitheach.co.uk/life/wood-processing-the-ideal-set-up-part-3/shows Sitka spruce slices which are 70cm diameter, on average.
(DIR) Post #APjrFehYYGCwBX06qW by fedops@fosstodon.org
2022-11-18T19:49:45Z
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@fitheach sweet. We don't have that around here. Although manhandling those must be quite the chore when fresh. My 45cm spruce disks last weekend were plenty heavy enough for me.
(DIR) Post #APjrsnHEbOEY4iLrGq by fitheach@mstdn.io
2022-11-18T20:10:33Z
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@fedops Spruce are the worst, really difficult to split.Moving the slices is always hard work. They aren't near the house, they have to be carried downhill, uphill and across burns. I've never needed a gym membership.
(DIR) Post #APjttKx1bQLSQCHkqu by fedops@fosstodon.org
2022-11-18T20:14:50Z
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@fitheach I'm really glad I have my dumper for that. It moves half a ton effortlessly, save for the loading and unloading...
(DIR) Post #APju4f43A753zGyHGS by fitheach@mstdn.io
2022-11-18T20:35:28Z
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@fedops Aha, pics or it didn't happen.
(DIR) Post #APlcpGSx1gZSRrbvqy by fitheach@mstdn.io
2022-11-19T16:31:35Z
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What a difference from yesterday, blue skies all day. :ablobcheer: The photo shows two intact trees, and the third has been topped and lopped. The third tree wasn't completed when I took the photo, the tall bit was subsequently cut. Although I am substantially cutting back the trees, I'm trying to maintain some shape for when the trees start growing.These trees are limes.#ProjectTrees #DIY
(DIR) Post #APlfBRTKzAxKrYUiDQ by fitheach@mstdn.io
2022-11-19T16:58:00Z
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This photo gives some sense of scale. The top of the cherry picker is about 2.5m. The whole trees are over 30m tall. I'm cutting the trees back to around 10m. This will significantly reduce the chances of them coming down in a storm, and even if they do, they won't hit the house or other buildings.#ProjectTrees #DIY
(DIR) Post #APlpGxpb6OLcDDB6Ce by fitheach@mstdn.io
2022-11-19T18:51:05Z
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Tools of the trade.This is my trusty Echo chainsaw. It is a bit big and heavy for swinging about in the tree tops, but, it cuts through the branches in seconds. As mentioned earlier, my smaller Stihl saw is out of commission, due to a blockage in the oiler.The saw is sitting on a branch which has been cut into sections. Behind the saw is my Stihl chainsaw helmet. The helmet has ear defenders attached, and a mesh face guard. I always wear the helmet when cutting.#ProjectTrees #DIY
(DIR) Post #APm1gny5atTGbMEq1Y by simon_brooke@mastodon.scot
2022-11-19T21:06:25Z
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@fitheach Aye, I've a friend who goes ten metres up a tree with climbing irons, and then cuts the crown out of the tree.I admire his skill greatly, and I've taken advantage of it on occasion, but I've no wish to emulate it.
(DIR) Post #APm1ztGm6kKsXt4xtI by fitheach@mstdn.io
2022-11-19T21:13:39Z
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@simon_brooke Well, that's a whole different skill, which I don't have. Tree climbing arborists are amazing. Not only do they climb the trees, they then cut bits off with a chainsaw.
(DIR) Post #APmBq3qEwgd1yocSI4 by Glencoe@mastodon.scot
2022-11-19T23:03:35Z
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@fitheach had a similar problem though mine weren't quite that high. Quote from arborists was somewhat north of three grand 😲 So decided to do it DIY. Pretty much everything had to be roped and lowered cos house/ shed roof, phone lines, someone else's fence. Bought a quality manual pole saw and used cheapo Chinese petrol pole saw with one extension too many, and second hand tirfor. Took my time and got it all down. Had to make one excursion up with a chainsaw, no other way, scary as f*ck.
(DIR) Post #APmCXjN8PaOREjpRtA by fitheach@mstdn.io
2022-11-19T23:11:52Z
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@Glencoe I have a dozen trees to be dealt with. Getting a tree surgeon/arborist to do it would cost a fortune. Hence, my DIY with the cherry picker. Luckily, I have plenty of room to get the CP in.Your job sounds like quite the ordeal. How long did it take? How high did you have to go with the chainsaw?
(DIR) Post #APmKOfcvlZOkeFPLvs by Glencoe@mastodon.scot
2022-11-20T00:39:53Z
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@fitheach I totally understand why arborists charge, it's very skilled & dangerous work. Had 3 trees to "seriously pollard". Probably took about three weeks all in, was working during the week though, really a two man job. Can't praise the Silky 7.7m pole saw enough, not just for cutting, but made an end piece for it for putting rigging in place first time every time. Was up around the 20 ft mark with electric chainsaw, wasn't at all happy,, but it got done, nobody got hurt, nothing got broke.
(DIR) Post #APnhvErKnilTI1bV4a by fitheach@mstdn.io
2022-11-20T16:38:02Z
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@Glencoe Cool!What material did you use?
(DIR) Post #APnkJuVPoOPDJQF9ge by Glencoe@mastodon.scot
2022-11-20T17:01:33Z
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@fitheach Bit of aluminium tube, about 2" diameter, it's just what I had to hand. Nail through and cutaway on the bottom so the line still runs smooth when it's near vertical. Also good for moving ropes round awkward branches to get rigging in place and recovery of stuck ropes.
(DIR) Post #APnkdxn7J28NIH5LLk by fitheach@mstdn.io
2022-11-20T17:08:35Z
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@Glencoe Strong and light, a good combination.Homemade tools are often the best. I've got a few, too.
(DIR) Post #APnwSihcGR2UlGuwgC by Glencoe@mastodon.scot
2022-11-20T19:10:49Z
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@fitheach Aye, it's satisfying to make a thing to do a thing and it works pretty good 👍