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!
Rope life can be extended by a number of care and maintenance factors. This is important as ropes are a crucial part of Tree Climber kits.
A cambium saver is fundamental when using a climbing rope to reduce wear and abrasion. Cambium savers enable ropes to pass over the smooth surface of rings or a pulley rather than the rough bark of a branch and help maintain trees health. Never run the climbing rope over dirty surfaces or sharp objects/ edges to prevent fraying or damage to fibres. Similarly, fast descents should be avoided as the friction can produce high temperatures, possibly melting the rope's fibres.
Rope inspection is fundamental for extending rope life and should be a part of tree care professional’s daily routine. For example, wear, rope eyes and rope ends should be constantly monitored. It is normal for climbing ropes to show signs of abrasion and for the outer sheath to have a fuzzy texture due to small fibre breaks. Although, any signs of damaged strands, excessive wear or chemical contamination, the rope should be retired immediately from use.
A storage bag is excellent for prolonging the life of ropes, being able to store rope prevents sharp objects and equipment, sunlight, abrasive materials and dirt damaging the rope with the added benefits of transportation.
If a rope has been subjected to damage or shock loading, always retire it immediately. Please Visit Life-Gear.com, call 0808 12 69 69 or email us at sales@life-gear.com for more information on our Repairs and Inspections services!
Due to the launch of our new Tree-Force.com dedicated website for Arborists, Tree climbers and all Forestry workers we are introducing a 5% discount offer for everything listed on the website!
Please use the Discount Code: OAK1 at the checkout, offer ends 1st December 2017.
Life-Gear Hire Fleet
Life-Gear supply only the best, safest, user-friendly products to arborists and tree surgeons throughout the UK. We have decades of experience in the rope access, lifting and height safety industries, and our knowledge in this field is unparalleled. We work hard to source the highest-quality equipment that we test and certify before dispatch.
Please click “Hire Me” on a product to further complete a hire enquiry form and our Hire Team will get back to you ASAP, alternatively please call our Hire team on 0808 123 69 69.
Our comprehensive Hire Fleet has grown rapidly in the last few years and we continue to develop our range throughout our depots in the UK. Our vast range includes lifting equipment, material handling and work positioning/ rope access equipment. Our knowledgeable staff aim to service UK customers on a same and next day service for all our equipment, offering advice and information on any Climbing/ Rope Access, Rigging, Lifting and Material Handling solutions.
Benefits of Hiring Equipment
Saving money on service costs and having to buy equipment outright.
Technical support from a company with years of experience.
Inspected, tested and certified equipment for each job.
