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View Full Version : Spikes - Long or Short Gaffs?



greenfinger
27-01-2009, 09:12 PM
Hi,
I am buying some tree climbers or spikes and would like to know anyones opinion on whether to buy long or short gaffs. I have been told short are easier to use, but that long are better as you can use them in all kinds of trees. Whats your say?

Chris Donoghoe
17-06-2009, 09:39 AM
I would buy both the long and the short gaffs.
For not that much extra you have more ability.
Short gaffs are good for palm removal, long gaffs are good for rough bark trees.
I have even heard of operators grinding long gaffs down to suit their individual needs
Regards Chris

SunM
25-11-2009, 05:06 PM
Long gaffs are better for softwoods as the spur digs in further. Just buy 1 set of spurs and have an interchangable set for short and long gaffs. Just dont go spurring trees that are being only being pruned.

Bluey
25-11-2009, 08:14 PM
Now this is a really specialised field. There is no way I would even consider climbing a tree with spikes to cut it down. The people who do so deserve a lot of money for the risks they take.

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63impala
25-11-2009, 08:33 PM
I would only climb palms not trees..

SunM
03-12-2009, 06:10 AM
Now this is a really specialised field. There is no way I would even consider climbing a tree with spikes to cut it down. The people who do so deserve a lot of money for the risks they take.

Doing removals without spurs is a million times harder. It is no doubt the easiest way especially when its something that grows like a norfolk pine. Without spurs its simply not possible unless you have the space to fell the tree in the person's yard.

As for palms, you need spurs for those, getting a lifeline up through the canopy will put a lot of wear on your rope real quick.

Andy B
03-12-2009, 07:45 AM
I like to keep my feet on the ground or at least under 8ft. I'm with Bluey if it's too big let a specialist do it, I'm not out in the bush anymore. I've got a few to cut down this weekend and when the lady asked about the big one I said without a moments delay, "Sorry that ones too big for me", she didn't mind, she'll get that done separately and they may even charge less once I've given them good access etc.

administrator
03-12-2009, 01:33 PM
Bluey you can do a climbers course and its alot of fun as well .

The risks are reduced greatly some have 2- 3 life lines attached its all about would you enjoy this line of work thats the key .

Tree climbers love the work its challenging and very rewarding

SunM
04-12-2009, 05:35 AM
Bluey you can do a climbers course and its alot of fun as well .

The risks are reduced greatly some have 2- 3 life lines attached its all about would you enjoy this line of work thats the key .

Tree climbers love the work its challenging and very rewarding

Being a climber is awesome fun.

Generally when I climb I have my lifeline set high up and the flipline attached which goes around branches/trunks, if im trying to get out to a trickier spot I may even setup the other end of my lifeline to give me more stability on branches.

If you do a course outside of TAFE I would definitely recommend trying to find a climber to help you out as well, maybe even try some rock climbing as that can help you develop some skills.