Sprung 22, mines a 98, 5.2, 4x4. Never had any serious problems like you describe but have replaced many parts like the radiator, water-pump, ball joints, shocks etc….overall it’s been good for what I need.
Re: attachment points, as you know, every tree is different. Some require only a single-point-attachment while others need more depending on how well the limb is balanced v how critical the situation i.e. most of the limbs in this vid:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LO1cRBM9BUM balanced easy but a couple needed a little extra support.
I’ve never been to Bournemouth
Blakesmaster, I don’t use spiderlegs all the time, and the ones I have are a little short to be honest. Really, 3 x 6-7m lengths ought to safely stabilize most limbs within reason. Shorter lengths = more tension due to a less favourable line-angle. You need to position the ball just about where you think the balance-point is and then set your slings (normally 2 in the brush and one on the butt).
Tie/adjust the slings with a clove-hitch so they are equally tight when the crane takes up the slack. When attaching the slings (especially the first) make sure you don’t pull it so tight that you off-set the ball from its original position – the more you do the more movement there will when you cut the limb. Hope that helps a little. Thanks
Treemandan, stout will do nicely....how did you know!