A non retrievable cambium saver is annoying, time consuming and can therefore cost you money!

Cambium Savers should be expected from all Arborists, when climbing a tree other than when felling the tree we should aim to prevent damaging the tree as much as possible. Cambium savers help achieve this goal. Arborists can reduce premature wear on climbing lines and prevent damage to tree limbs caused by the climbing line running over a branch.

Ensure the chosen spot is cleaned of all little stumps and twigs that could get in the way, ensure the side where the cambium saver will drop down removing all little stumps and possible twigs that it could catch on. Investing a short amount of time cleaning can save you allot of time retrieving your cambium saver!

The easiest way of retrieving the cambium saver is to tie a knot (half hitch) in the end of the rope.

Simulate savers retrieval; pull at the cambium saver in the direction it will be retrieved checking if it moves easily through crotch or if the pulley releases well, even if this means that you have to look for a different spot to place your cambium saver being able to retrieve your cambium saver safely is crucial for a smooth operation.

Also, ensure you come out of the tree in a relatively straight line so that you can flick your rope from the ground and hence manipulating the cambium saver out of the fork.

Climbing spikes are a simple and effective tool for Arborists. Being able to dig the spikes into a tree provides climbers with solid footing and flexibility when moving around the tree.

However, climbing spikes should only be used on trees that are being cut down or in parts that are being removed. The spikes penetrate the bark of a tree and dig into the living circulatory tissue beneath. Each hole punched into the tree disrupts nutrient circulation, traumatizing to the tree creating unnecessary damage. This is important as the holes also provide an opening for diseases and pests to get in.

Each time climbers spike up a tree each step puts 2-3 inch wounds in a tree, and climbers wearing spikes can potentially create 2 or 3 hundred of those wounds causing severer damage. Spike marks eventually kill the tree; damaging the trees vascular system right below the bark.

If climbers must use tree climbing spikes it is recommended to use them responsibly by cleaning the spikes with alcohol after each use to ensure no fungus or disease is transferred from a sick tree to a healthy one.

So why would climbers use spikes if they are harmful to the trees? There are a few exceptional situations where using spikes is appropriate, such as

• When the tree is being removed
• When branches are more than throwline distance apart and there is no other means of climbing the tree (for example: when there are no branches lower than 50 feet), with no access for an aerial lift device or crane.
• If the tree is to close to power line and cannot be accessed safely by other means, to reach and injured climber.

At Life-Gear.com we supply a comprehensive range of winches for all your pulling and rigging operations. Whether you are rigging, pulling or even lifting equipment, logs or vehicles you are sure to find a solution at Life-Gear.com. One of our newest and most versatile winches is the battery powered lifting/ pulling winch by LiftinGear. Perfect for Arborists, Forestry workers and anyone who needs to pull or even lift loads! Here are some of the benefits of the Battery Powered Winch…

Lightweight

Easy to carry and store the compact light weight design only weighs 8.2kg!

Pulling & Lifting

With a lifting capacity of 100kg and a pulling capacity of 400kg, there is no need to purchase two devices for your pulling and lifting needs. With a speed of 5meters/min, this winch is designed specifically for recovering heavy loads.

Hassel Free!

Not only can this winch lift and pull but it is battery powered! Without the hassle of cables and the need for a power supply, we provide 2x 24v Nimh Rechargeable Batteries that can easily be swapped over. Flexible, portable, easy to use and with a battery charging time of approximately 2-3hrs this winch is perfect for a variety of applications.

Cost

Was £275.98 ex VAT now £199.98 ex VAT! One of the most versatile and reliable winches on the market available right here at Life-Gear.com!

Steel and Aluminium are the most common climbing spikes in the arboriculture market with other options available such as Titanium or Carbon Fibre. Steel is the heaviest but are extremely durable and will out-live the leg straps, gaffs and shin pads which can all be replaced. Aluminium is a lightweight alternative which is strong and durable. Aluminium is highly regarded as a great compromise between steel and carbon fibre due to the lightweight material maintaining a high level of strength.

Spike/ Gaff length is also important. Long gaffs are effective for large diameter trees with thick, rough bark where you can really dig in. Long gaffs stick out further away from the foot making smaller gaffs a better solution for climbing small diameter barked trees.

Although, how much of the tree actually has rough thick bark? On most, it is just the lower 5 – 15% of the trunk where minimal time is spent.

Small shafts tend to feel more natural especially when climbing on small diameter stems and provide a better balance than when using long spikes. Therefore, small spikes are usually the most effective and comfortable when working at height, however; this is usually just down to personal opinion, climbing style, type of trees mostly worked on and what climbers have been taught in!

Fortunately Life-Gear supply FREE an extra pair of climbing spikes/ gaffs across all our climbing spurs. We also offer adjustable height models for Steel and Aluminium Spurs at great prices!