New gear basics for trainee climber

[CanopyGorilla]

Right now I only do storm clean ups and dropped trees. Side work *. I've got 4 years tree service, driving bucket and chipper. But that maxes out at about 22hr here, climbing is 25hr to 100hr here in South Jersey. Had to take the leap. But safety is my number 1 concern

If you have worked in the tree bizz for four years and don't know the answer to some basic questions you shouldn't be doing side work. Climbing trees isn't heart surgery, but unfortunately it's not as regulated either. It's serious work and unfortunately we get a lot of guys that show up like "hey, what scalpel should I use to do a triple bypass?"

 

[Cullins Service]

Read the tree climbers companion a few times. Ask questions after reading it.

Nothing wrong with old school. Everyone should learn on and spend some time on a blakes hitch. There's alot to learn and you dont necessarily need all the newest gear to do so. If you must buy gear right now stick to the basics and add in new tools as you progress. If you don't have to buy gear right now then don't! Save your money and try as many different things as possible. Alot of this stuff is personal preference. If you are required to buy gear spend your money on the stuff you're gonna have for a while. Get a comfortable and quality saddle and helmet. Get rope on sale, you're going to be replacing it anyway and you won't really know exactly what you need yet. Make your own lanyard setup, a cheap micro pulley, a snap, a biner, and an old chunk of climbline are perfect. Find some spurs on sale or used. Buy a decent handsaw. Get a good throwline setup. I recommend a cube, 200' zingit or comparable and two weights. Believe me, you want to get damn good with a throwball. This is the biggest time and labor saver there is.

Yea my biggest problem is the throwball