Arborist Climbing
Posted on Sunday, April 18th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
What to Keep in Mind as You Shop for Tree Climbing Harnesses
Tree climbing harnesses just might be the single most important piece of arborist equipment you will ever purchase. With that in mind, it is essential that you do your due diligence in finding the proper one. Those means plenty of research for your particular use; and remember to purchase one that is OSHA and ANSI approved.
Here are a few things to remember as you search through the Webs extensive supply of tree climbing harnesses:
• A rock climbing harness is not the same thing. Of course, if you’re an experienced arborist, you already know this. But for those of you just starting out, understand that tree climbing harnesses offer more support than rock climbing harnesses. Never try to substitute one for the other.
• Keep in mind how much time you will be spending in it. If you will be in it a good portion of the day, you will want one with a wide back and consider butt straps or a batten seat.
• If you will always be wearing spurs, consider one with a tall back pad, tapered at the sides since spur climbing puts increased pressure on the hips and back.
• If you will be using the harness mainly for limb walking, choose a sport saddle that is lighter weight and has leg loops.
• Consider if the saddle has a batten seat or suspenders that you might want to add later.
• Decide what connection points you like. A floating bridge or D rings.
• The fit should be secure enough to hold you but make sure you have plenty or room for winter time when you wear more layers of clothing.
Check the straps. There are two things to keep in mind when checking the leg straps. First of all, you want them to fit comfortably. The last thing you need it to be high up in the trees and b experiencing discomfort. While the straps should be secure, you don’t want them digging into your legs. Secondly, make sure they are easy to adjust. That way you will have no trouble obtaining the ideal fit.
Once you choose a harness, place your order and wait patiently. Upon receiving it, follow these steps;
1. Take it out of the package and look it over closely. Look to make sure the product was as stated online, including material, stitching, and adjustability. Look for any possible defects and if you notice any, contact the supplier immediately.
2. Try it on. How does it feel? Can you easily adjust it to fit properly? Is it breathable? Stand up, squat down, stretch your legs and your arms—move all about. Do you feel too restrained?
3. Test it out. Go for an easy climb for a test drive. Does it seem sturdy? Does it tighten and choke as you climb up? It shouldn’t. You want to maintain good blood circulation.
After looking it over, trying it on, and testing it out, make your final decision. Is this the one for you? Or should you be trying out other tree climbing harnesses? In the event that it does not work out the way you wanted, contact the supplier you purchased it from. Hopefully you checked out their return policy before making your purchase and will not have any difficulty exchanging it for another.
Be careful
Bottom line, take great precaution as you select tree climbing harnesses. It is extremely important that you get the right one for your body type and your application.
About the Author
Best tree climbing equip online at PinnacleArboristSupplies.Com.
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