The model number on my saddle/harness is consistent with the Buckingham website in regards to special orders for such assemblies. There are many options available that the number on mine cannot be found online ... but can be broken down in accordance with the Buckingham ordering codes. The harness isn't old (I think it has a 2009 mfg date), but I believe it's NOS (new old stock) left over from a batch a local industrial rigging supplier ordered. I bought the new harness and a pair of new Buckingham steel climbers with the velcro pads for about $425. After I recharge the battery in my digital camera, I'll shoot and post a few images.
What's my style of climbing? Usually with a goal of returning to the ground safely. :msp_biggrin: I'm not exactly sure what you're trying to ask. I don't view myself as a recreational climber, I am not an arborist, and I'm not doing this for profit. I had two trees (60ft to 70ft maples) I wanted to remove, and while I could've paid someone to do that for far less $$$ than I spent on climbing gear, I wanted the challenge of doing it myself. After weeks of studying a multitude of sources and talking with many guys who are in the business, I felt great pride in getting those trees down as planned, and without damage to anything else other than the trees (especially me). And since I'm not in it for profit, I took my time and spread the job across 3 weekends.
I must confess that I truly enjoyed the task, and I look forward to going up my other 5 trees (4 maples & an oak) in the fall to top them. I realize "topping" is somewhat of a dirty word among arborists, but these trees were topped back in 2006 and have flourished wonderfully since. They have pretty much doubled in size, and I want them reduced once more. Again, true arborists may not like my stance, but these are my trees and I prefer preventive maintenance versus making home repairs via insurance claims after-the-fact. We've been lucky over the last few years in regards to hurricanes around here, and I've seen many trees blown over ... especially in developments like this one where tall wood has been cleared for new homes, often leaving 100ft-plus pines standing alone and prone. At 55 years of age, this will be our last "topping" of the trees at this residence because we will retire elsewhere along the Chesapeake Bay.
