Zipline tree - rigging, precautions

[@tmberbeast]

I've been doing tree work and taking care of tree, literally, since I was a small boy with my father growing up. I've watched thousands of videos online over the past several years and anyone who gave this a thumbs down, either has know idea how to be a professional or took something out of context...even if you thought something was done improperly. The way any good professional in any occupation conducts their work habits or methodology, is what keeps us going....and/or alive in daily dangerous job. Kudos to you Reg. Sincerely, another fellow tree guy!

[@terryhale9006]

"I'm not a teacher." I think you just did a good job proving otherwise. I definitely prefer climbing videos where the how and why is explained before the action; just as you did. Thanks!

[@dereksmith4791]

LOL I almost commented about that as well but think it's clear enough (and can tell you saw that as well) that he's really meaning "I've not set-out to be your teacher", there's no chance he's unaware what an educational-impact he is having on those who watch! And well-said re action+explanation videos, Reg's are really the best I've found, too much action is just entertainment of it's not explained properly, too much explanation w/o action&practical-demonstration is dry theory and can be difficult to subconsciously apply to real-world scenarios, Reg's mix is by far the best I've found it's probably given me more knowledge than I'd have gotten in years of working with *any* of the local outfits in my area!! (to be clear I'm not advocating his channel as-substitute for real-world experience, I have worked with multiple companies in my area / am not speaking of them in a birds-eye-view manner but from experiences, from being with crews where they have tons of time in the industry but still suck at rigging - I didn't know how bad they sucked til I found this channel though LOL!!)

[@shapeshifter7753]

If he’s not a teacher I’d really like to meet the person who he considers knowledgeable and patient and well spoken and trustworthy enough to mentor the next generation. Well done!

[@NHlocal]

Reg, it's already been said a few times but I'll say it again, I very much appreciate your comments at the end. And also about you not being a teacher. Well, perhaps not, but you're sharing some priceless information from your experience in a very basic and understandable way. I appreciate the time and effort you put into creating and posting these videos, it's obvious you have passion for your work and a care for your fellow tree workers. Keep yourself safe Reg. Randy

[@scatoutdebutter]

well said!!

[@Ritercrazy]

NHlocal I really like your style too.

[@Buzzjugs]

Reg, please continue making these videos. They are invaluable. 🌲 I would happily lose all my other subscriptions to keep this channel going. You are a Titan of tree work.

[@erikkaareson6493]

Listening to Reg is like the best physics lesson ever.😃👍 Like a true renaissance master. Thank you.

[@Flexaret]

At 13.40 the best bit of advice I've ever heard that is to the point enough to always be in my mind. The most eloquent command of the English language could not have made the point better. Thanks for that.

[@waynecroom1743]

You may not think of yourself as a teacher. However I have learned a considerable amount from watching your videos. Therefore sir thank you for explaining all the factors so expertly. Tree Rabbit

[@Ritercrazy]

Your style of talking and care is very personable, Reg. I like it and others do too. Thanks for inviting others into your work. We'll done on working hard and safely too.

[@duramaxklem1491]

There is NOTHING boring! Love every second the view the sway of the tree. Great work much much respect!

[@giovannidimatteo8158]

Thanks, especially for sharing your comments on safety and using steep angles to the extent possible.

[@iamscottb]

You are a friggin madman Reg! I love your videos. I’m constantly learning things from you by watching your videos and I’m a 20 year vet! Hope you are well friend.......

[@msky33]

The Info Reg talks about in this video could SAVE YOUR LIFE! I speak from personal experience of accidents, close calls, and damage to property that I have experienced. THE END WHERE REG TALKS IS CRITICAL TO UNDERSTAND. Thanks Reg for your practical and useful videos! ClimbMIT

[@scatoutdebutter]

THANK you for sharing your thought process and explanations of ziplining and precautions.... and THANKS for those comments at the end of the video too!

[@MasterBroon]

from 9.50 the camerawork was fantastic, captured everything perfectly, and thats a hell of a view from your office

[@barryculloty2568]

I think you did a great service by returning and reiterating the safety aspect, so nobody gets it misunderstood or takes it for granted. Experience is paid for in sweat, blood and sometimes more, you are making sure folks don't take things for granted or expect the same outcomes that you get, which without that experience cannot happen!

[@codylaflamme5974]

Thank you. I appreciate how you really emphasize on knowing what your doing and being safe at the end. Some people will see a video like this go up and try it with little or no regular rigging experience and getting hurt or killed.

[@HollerHunter]

It's funny; you said you're not a teacher but that was one of the best lessons I've ever had to on tree work/rigging/zipping. I hate when I show a video to a friend and they're like, "oh, that shit looks easy. I could do that." They don't realize all the background work that goes into tree work, and the intense mental and physical stress it demands. Thanks so much for sharing, Reg. Although I don't personally zip limbs (mostly because I cut hardwoods, and also because I'm not totally confident doing it), I gained some terrific information.

[@jandblawncare8570]

Yours, Richard Mumford, NHlocals and August's (and many more) videos are awesome, tons of priceless info, please don't stop making them, I've learned a lot that I'm putting into practice daily. Thank you! Hope to see you in Baltimore next year

[@DUTCHHUSKY66Treesandforest]

Thanks for the video, and loads more thanks for the sensible explanation at the end! There are already too many video's of people mindlessly side-loading trees, may it be whilst zip-lining, or more often with normal rigging, where the groundy decides to put the bollard on a tree, far away from the tree you as a climber are working in. It only needs too much weight on the part being cut off, and/or a rope turn too many on the bollard for things to end in disaster. Good to explain that things might look like a breeze on youtube, but may be so much more complicated in real life situations. Thanks!

[@justinarant442]

this video was great but the explanation of your actions and hitting hard on the aspect of maintaining control is priceless. people think this shits easy and that it can be learned by watching a video or reading up on literature about it is efficient. nope. you may have saved someone from making a really bad mistake just by stressing to think.

[@michaelolson757]

Im getting better at climbing rigging and thinking like an arborist thanks to you! Love your respect and precautions in every situation!

[@aaronlerdahl8826]

Wow. That was probably one of the most beautiful areas to work in.

[@VisinskiRadoviBeograd]

Reg, my respects for this one. Apsolutely necessary for everyone to hear this and you explained the psychology of a suicidal behavior in work very clearly. Thank you for the sane advices. Cheers and stay safe!

[@kevinkenyon4593]

Reg, thank you for the straight forward and honest information on how you work. Also thank you for not talking down to those of us that are new to the tree removal business.

[@jacobs9042]

Absolutely great video, very natural and informative. I really appreciate you taking the time to make this video.

[@jurgenk99]

Fascinating stuff Reg and so appreciated... was an logger for many years here on the west coast of BC, so have done tree removal on an industrial scale but find what you do is such an art form. Went to uni in Victoria and did a lot of sea kayaking and can really appreciate the scenery in this.

[@jamessharp1980]

Thanks for a thought provoking reminder of the stresses involved with zip / speed lining Reg. We have a conifer removal coming up next week which is ideal suited to this technique but the tree is only 15ft from the DZ so the angles should be fine. But it is always worth stopping and thinking, no matter what your experience, and your video illustrates that very well.

[@cannonball9478]

As someone taking my rigging course soon this video is really useful as we probably won't cover speed lines in this depth. To see the practical application demonstrated and the amount of thought behind it being shown is great. The point about where to choke the slings and the **ck it cut are the 2 things that hit home the most. Just dropping the top without rigging where possible is a theory I'll utilise. Many thanks, Al

[@cannonball9478]

9 months on and I have my rigging qualification. The words 'put everything in your favour' and avoiding a f#ck it cut still great to remember. 45ft up a poplar re-pollard with a 35ft regrowth section last week. Thinking through whether to rig it or drop (expensive gate beneath). Dropped it bang on and was much safer. Thanks Reg for making me a safer climber. Al

[@davidquirk2972]

Thanks for your candid comments about the hows and whys of this type of work. Too many heavily edited videos out there giving people the impression that these jobs are easy.

[@michaelwarfel8096]

Thanks for the awesome gift !!! I thoroughly enjoyed you taking me up and showing me some of the ropes (pun intended). Really appreciate you taking the time bro!

[@iainhannah5032]

Excellent video, great tips. Thank you for sharing and for taking the time to put this together.

[@nelligan1531]

Hey Reg, just wanted to say after working for multiple companies back east here that I now realize what Bob meant when he said you really are one of the greatest climbers out there. I'm really happy I got the chance to learn from and work first hand with you both, hopefully I'll get to work with you guys again in the near future. Tree work in Ontario is just not the same. Take care!

[@Recoates]

+nelligan1531 If I get enough work for both of us Dave, Ill hire you. No shit.

[@dereksmith4791]

"never make a fuck-it cut" is probably the single most powerful/useful "tip" I've found in nearly half a year of very-intensively researching everything about climbing&rigging&chainsaws, obviously there is so much technical stuff but that's only all well & good IF it's sustainable/safe and no FI-cuts is just such a brilliantly-succinct way to get-across so much (it's something that's, obviously, a super important tip for one's safety when cutting, but it also applicable to so much in life, I'd seen this tip / this video previously and that stayed in my head and not only did I find myself remembering it while cutting but I've also found it applicable to so many other things even driving like a "fuck it lane-switch" where you're just 99% safe instead of the 99.99999999% you could've achieved by being more cognizant & aware & deliberate in your actions!) Thanks, as always, for these videos Reg!!!!!!!!

[@johnhowington10]

What a view you enjoyed while taking that tree down. I've been climbing for over 25 years and never remember a view and sounds so beautiful while doing it in Florida for so long. Excellent show, brother. By the way when you say later in the video "it will never be fuckin right" in regards to doing it half ass, had me smiling. Great video and instruction.

[@michaellawlor2461]

real food for thought here Reg. cheers for sharing your knowledge and experiences with us all. stay safe.

[@advancednutritioninc908]

I believe you strike a great balance between OSHA craziness and being completely wild in your work! You explain things very well !! I have watched several of your videos - Excellent!! Liked and Subbed!!

[@southerntasclimbers7271]

Hi Reg JIm here from STC... What a absolutely beautiful place mate and a great rundown on exactly what's going on.!!

[@Recoates]

+Southern Tas Climbers Looks like youre in a pretty good place yourself there Jim !

[@natekimbell6222]

That view after you topped it was amazing. Thats some serious freedom and peace. Awesome job

[@garethleyland4942]

I think that the message from all of your videos is that you never stop learning. It's still raining in Manchester.

[@Recoates]

Hasnt rained here in months Gareth....but that'll change soon

[@keithcramer3844]

Thank u Reg it's always good to not get over confident and take chances. I will always remember what u said towards the end of this vid. Great words advice. Thank u

[@alitork4622]

Great job, very professional and thoughtful technique.

[@metaspencer]

You crack me up, mate: on top of a tree beside the ocean with a spectacular view you say "I won't show you the rest because it's boring." haha ... great zipline tips! much appreciated

[@corinhallowell6019]

Advice from a true veteran. Another awesome vid. Thanks Reg!

[@davidbrown4868]

Nice job explaining. And the caution at the end is important because it would be tempting to just "let 'er rip" instead of thinking things through. Thank you.

[@ngillam01]

Some great practical information here & cracking location - great view, thanks for posting.

[@dustinoldham6477]

reg id love seeing a video on all the gear you have. Keep up with posting the videos! love them!

[@rayclark9643]

Great advice & thanks for taking the time to care & share Reg!

[@gam940]

Great points about how you make it look easy ( through the video being condensed) (( but also because your pretty damn good)). But the planning aspect of this is so underrated. Being in a hurry never helps

[@zombiehunter5923]

Thanks for explaining everything in great detail now no one explains all the details Be safe

[@allenhuling598]

Thanks Reg for another great video well demonstrated, and explained! Keep up the good work!

[@cerberusbonsaiarboricultur774]

ROFL @Terry Hale - Reg, like it or not, you *are* a teacher whether or not you'd set out with *any* intention of being one, it's simply a matter of how advanced/expert you are it makes it so that videos of you working are inherently a teaching-tool, hell I would probably watch a many-hours clip (not in 1 sitting, ADD!!) of a camera you'd simply put on your dash in the AM and then left on for the day, just to see how Reg handles an average job, your work is that great and when something is so-clearly better than its competition it's copied whether it's a company trying to copy a product to make $$ or me trying to copy your techniques to improve my own skills! Seriously this is the best speedline-tips video I've ever seen, have watched this vid at least 4-6x before today and am actually intending to make a thread on the Buzz asking if anyone's got *other* "top-tier" suggestions to go-with this video (this video is great, I'm just on the newer side of things & figured it's best to get more sources to see&hear more thoughts however the only other worthwhile video is the one by Hunicke but even that one is referencing this^ very video when it comes to sling-length safety consideration WRT logs butting-into the line on their journey) Thanks for all you've done---if I buy an RC-1000 bollard, do you get any $$? I want to contribute *something* back for all that I've learned (I've seen every one of your videos, most have been watched multiple times), I couldn't comfortably climb a tree when this year started and now my biggest safety-tactic is "reigning-in" and not doing the things that I'm confident I *could* do but haven't actually worked-up-to in-practice, I mean honestly I'd be pretty comfortable for most of the stuff I've learned from your videos yet I'm still fighting for chances to get into a tree more than 1-->3 times a week, am about to start putting my information out to the local groups so I can contract-under them so that I can be in trees more, and if I hadn't worked my way through your channel I'm uncertain how much longer it'd have taken me to get to the point I am right now!! Heck as long as you're not on bad terms with Stein, I'd preferentially get the RC unit just to rep/promote you directly, only have a Safebloc right now and a medium-duty rigging kit but just need another friction device like the rc1000, and some thicker rope than my current 1/2" bull, and I'll be able to start chunking-down a large Oak in my yard I've been using as a practice-tree through the year as I learned, the last sections are too-large for my 1/2" so got a couple good ring-anchors and the Safebloc, once I get the bollard & some 5/8" polydyne I'll be filming my first blocking-down of a tree, right now on-jobs I would only fell a tree not equipped to block-down yet, am comfortable once I get the gear and if it weren't for your channel I don't know if I'd have taken an extra month, or an extra *year*, to get to this point!! It's 'teaching' regardless of your intentions when making the video, it's inspiration for current tree-guys and it's education for the noobs like me :D

[@CaliforniaTravelVideos]

Excellent technique and explanation. At 6:45 from our camera angle I was a bit nervous that the chain hit the zipline - whew. BTW, I've seen some climbers rig in the middle of a long, heavy branch which can be dangerous when it start spinning upward 5-10 feet and above the climber, leaving only the protection of hopefully being behind the tree. But since here you can let the limbs immediately slide down and don't have a structure (building, deck...) below, you're good to go letting the branches fall down to prevent that type of hazard. Happy hunting!

[@63256325N]

It's all about action, re-action. It's a no mistake job for sure. Thanks for the video.

[@matthewtaylor3351]

That vertigo moment when he looks down at the start. (I know he does it to wake us up) well played Sir.

[@louisvandeventer2497]

Hey Reg,anyone who thinks that's easy needs to change career. A thorough understanding of how things work is not something you learn overnight. that's evident in your descriptions and in the finished product. plus you probably saved a cocky climber or two!

[@MsFeetdreams]

good advice to all tree surgeons and great work, keep up the videos and stay safe Reg.

[@TimberTrainer]

Good to know. I keep waiting for a good top handle for larger removals. The 150tcs are fantastic little limbing saws.

[@lionofthedust7344]

Thanks Reg. The bit at the end was sincere, that's good looking out buddy.

[@justinmatchett5066]

awesome video Reg! it's good to see someone explaining about the dangers etc. i've been on a few calls where people have watched a youtube video and tried cutting their own tree lol. There's many different factors that come into play.

[@gilbertotron]

Love these videos mate. They are very informative and entertaining! Thanks a million. Keep them coming! :)

[@jamesleem.d.7442]

Very good presentation skills. A nice tall tree for the demo too !

[@josephazersky8253]

I've gotta see if the KZbin auto-play will let me work-backwards so I stop watching follow-up videos *before* the originals, BUT for this one I've gotten "spoilers" TWICE already lol!! Not only did I already find your "never make a 'fuck it' cut" advice (in another vid's comments, the top ones always catch my eye!), and the clips from this one where you go over length-of-sling Re butting the rope&stopping descent, it was August Hunicke who showed your clip in his video about speedlining which is how I found you&your channel in the first place!! Thanks again for all these fantastic videos, stay safe & humble man! :)

[@blacktusktrees]

just a real beauty job site you got there, Reg - I love working by the sea :)

[@patrickhanrahan5497]

Hi splind. Ever consider a hold back line at the zip line attachment. Something else if another tree is in the right place and big enough have zip line attached to separate tree. Cheers thanks for the great videos and explanations.

[@Recoates]

Yeah lots of times. but mostly I just stick to small loads

[@kenweis2291]

His lesson here is very true....never take an unnecessary chance that you have any doubts on.....

[@AForal-tr9td]

Hi Reg, ok, good to know, looking forward to watching your news. See you soon, Andy

[@ThomasBurdak]

Good job Reg...love the cut at 10:00...WELL DONE ! Best regards....

[@leedryden4502]

Keeping it real! I like that. Think that’s a good angle for videos, see the job then a follow up like on this particular video. Awesome job, office with a view. Stay safe cheers

[@aaron6806]

+Reg Coates, sorry to break it to you buddy, but you are a teacher, and a very competent one at that. The best lesson you give is the example you set: calculating, patient, smooth, in control, and never saying 'fuck it'.

[@rsmccary1]

Best video ever, great work too. I started climbing and love it.

[@kenweis2291]

Great view, great job.....i miss these days, i miss my life, i miss my woman.... After 20 years climbing i had an accident.... The top split longitudinal and it melted through my rope then flung me out 50 ft drop....its been a sad Year and i often wonder if i shouldve died....the only good thing is im not paralyzed.... Lets all be safe and not worry about how fast we can do it ...tommorows another day as long as we are alive

[@CounTreeGuy]

Great video!! Awesome advice at the end there. Thank very much for making this video.

[@jimmymac1957]

Great Video.Your a true professional.Thank you Mr. Coates.

[@westerntreecare4896]

Well done Reg. A very clear well explained video. I use this method regular with spruce. I completely agree with what you said about loosing the head asap. Settles the climb down on windy day. However I never thought about sling length and placement but have experienced the problem you outlined so thanks. Can you please tell me the length of the slings you used as they look perfect. Many thanks. William.

[@diegocantona9627]

Great work. Fascinating to watch and listen.

[@billrimmer5596]

U r absolutely amazing!! And u r also a great teacher!! The cautions that u gave the following day show that u have utmost respect for safety and caution. Thank u and please b safe. Do u normally work in England?

[@Recoates]

+Bill Rimmer Hi Bill. I used to work in England, among other places. But I since moved to BC nearly 5 years ago. thanks

[@hephaestus900]

Awesome vids.... and work ethics. I have a nagging curiosity, were you inspired by a Monty Python skit.... one particular one... I'm a lumberjack? "In the forests of British Columbia... from tree to tree... the fir.... the mighty scotspine" Actual quote from the song/video And yes.... I am from British Columbia Thank you very much for the detailed explanation of how technical your work is.... you truly are a master of your trade!

[@brucelund5788]

That is purdy good non-teaching, I was just with a group of men, and I don't feel qualified, but I am there to teach them. I was commenting on the fact that many men have never been taught to work, and it does not matter what kind of work it is, we have to become thinking men before we will become competent and safe workers, God Bless, "Hang"in there Reg!

[@randyupladek1855]

I found dyneema slings from the company Mammut . They are very thin and bite hard on limbs . Thanks Reg love your videos 🍺

[@dwaynemills2815]

I completely agree with you. You should be 100% sure about the outcome before you make the cut because when it's cut free and gravity takes over you lost all control. Slow down and think about what you need to do to make it go the way you want. Think safety.

[@billbliss2500]

Reg, had a Bad day today. Was trying to get my throw string up 60 feet. Well, this took forever,... What are you using? I need a better way that doesn't require hours to do!!! I actually got the throw the 2nd time, but then the rope wouldn't go through the hole on the limb saver. The line ended up breaking and my saver stayed in the tree!!!! Ugh... Then I sent my sand bag up again and it got caught in a treat in the limb and got fought and the line broke and the bag was caught up their also!!! I ended up using a water bottle I had, put a couple holes in it below the. Cap and put a hand full of old nuts I it and half filled it with water to get the right weight. Bamb!!! Finally!!! I did get to recover all my gear too. Glad this day is over.

[@billbliss2500]

You Nailed This!!! Thanks Reg!!! 👍

[@treecareEdm]

Nice work, great tip on the flat strap vs rope...

[@GrouseHiker]

Reg, A very enjoyable and informative video... The "redirected" zip line makes total sense. I do, however, (with great respect) have comments on leaving the limb mass on the opposite side. These numbers could be run, but intuitively, it seems the added limb mass up the tree actually has the opposite effect - rather than the benefit you assume. I'm thinking the added limb mass keeps the energy absorption higher in the tree, putting the smaller section of the spar at more risk. It seems eliminating these limbs would allow more swing at the top as the load hits, softening the load.... Therefore, it seems more swing is better with regard to lessening shock loading. Another thing, it seems the weight of the climber can actually lessen the shock load on the spar, so positioning opposite the load (rather than at 90 degrees) would offset/lessen the lateral load on the spar.

[@Recoates]

GrouseHiker - Thanks for the comments. Without watching it through again, I can only guess what was said in the video that you're referring to. No limbs are added to the tree, they are just retained. The dampening effect of these limbs is real. They do a noticeable job or resisting the pull from the zipline. The resistance effects the whole tree, from bottom to top....not just from the last limb down, rather, the whole thing still moves as one. This is perhaps something you have to observe, or feel to realise the true merit. Keeping the pole in the favor of compression, as opposed to tension is the objective. Staying on the opposite side to the zipline when the top falls, is a fair point. More so on smaller trees. That tree was about 140 ft from memory. I'm about 5,8 and weigh 150 lbs. In which case my position and weight would have little impact on a 140 ft pole....if we consider the thing moving as one. On a much smaller tree though, most definitely there would be some significance. Thanks again

[@GrouseHiker]

Thanks for the response. You make a very valid point about pre-compressing the side of the pole that will eventually go into tension when the top drops. This is an interesting and complex problem. If I have a chance to analyze, I will share the results. By the way, your advice on placement of the sling with respect to the cut end is invaluable and not obvious. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@Recoates]

Your welcome, always

[@kellytrees]

Nice video and beautiful view of the ocean!

[@7hoss1]

Well done you are saving lives with this video. Cheers.

[@tonystath4445]

Great tutorial as always Reg! I like your thinking. Trade short and huge canopied trees for the 200 footers. No slight my friend, I am a huge fan. Just miss your crazy technical removals from the UK! Stay safe mate, and god please, put more vids out. It's a disease for August H. LOL! You gotta keep up. Cheers!

[@arborist460]

your words and thoughts are very much appreciated...

[@cruz1986ful]

Love the explanation 👍👍and that people still care

[@stevejones7140]

Nice one ...tell it like it is , Thanks for packing that full of hard earned experience . ..and thanks for the effort of making the videos . I moved to southern France 8 years ago and felling trees ,nothing like you .Make a living and any other job i can do to live. o..yeah i'm from the lake district...and you ?

[@joarflesja1516]

thanks for shearing. I have not done av job like this only drop down. Fun and interesting to watch. 👍👍😃

[@gordonmoon4492]

Great video Reg, will make me stop and think more!

[@Bigmike3406E]

Where in the world did you gain all your wisdom and knowledge at such a young age ?

[@johnnyhernandez4537]

thanks for the good advice that's very dangerous job stay safe

[@simonroberts8452]

what,, sensible talk,,, to here knowledge is a wonderful thing,,, true that little knowledge can,, and is,,, dangerous,,, and that true about other vt,, on this site,,, Well spoke reg,,,

[@northernninjarunner5506]

Great vid Reg. Great views from the top

[@grb101uk]

thank you Reg. Great realistic advice

[@iamgauty3647]

Reg and August Hunickie working together be like Spielburg and Tarintino of tree work. Love it. #spellcheck #lamepeople

[@puulangetus]

Reg, big thanks for makeing videos like this!!!

[@jorgeherrerajr5681]

Love it Reg, thank you!

[@samsmith9992]

Good words - Information has been absorbed- like the info re rope slings