CS32 Tree Felling Assessments | Medium Tree felling | Large Tree Felling

Changes to NPTC Assessments for Medium and Large Trees have been in effect for the past number of months.
CS32 Medium Tree Felling and CS33 Large Tree Felling Awards have been combined to form a new CS32 Felling trees over 15" in diameter.
Despite this change, training courses have remained very similar to the requirements of both medium and large tree felling. Advanced felling techniques are still required to attain the new CS32 unit and would not be completely covered in medium tree felling training courses.

There is some resistance to the changes to the old units and still some talk of the old CS33 unit being re-instated. I was recently contacted by an instructor who is interested in bringing back the old unit. I would be tempted to agree as I think the new CS32 unit will be confused by employers for many years to come and operators will be happy to pretend they have the new unit rather than admit to only having medium tree felling awards.

Training dates at Treecareireland for medium and large tree felling are available from the website


Comments are most welcome on this post

You've done a chainsaw course but you won't get a job! 3 good reasons

This is something I hear quite a lot in the forestry and arboriculture industry and something I have said many times to my customers seeking clarification on chainsaw qualifications.

Just because you've done a chainsaw course doesn't guarantee that you'll get a job..... here are 3 good reasons:

• The Chainsaw training industry is like any other in respect of the fact that their are 'cowboys' out there offering poor or mediocre courses which will not provide you with the skills to pass the pre-requisite NPTC CS30/31 Award that you require to get a job or the skills you need to pass this assessment.

• Many companies looking to hire chainsaw operators will often require them to have more than the basic NPTC CS30/31 award and prefer to see other units under the belt such as CS32 - Felling trees over 15" in diameter or competence to use a woodchipper.

• The industry is awash with rogue tree cutters that are carrying treework for nothing more than a daily wage. When you are qualified as a tree climber (CS38 Tree climbing and rescue and CS39 Using a chainsaw from rope and harness) and you are prepared to do all of the things you must under regulation, you will be competing with these guys! Luckily many people are now becoming a little more discerning when it comes to hiring a tree service. 

 The good news is that despite these three reasons, well trained and competent operators are finding work, but it is important to remember that it is your responsibility to rise above the average chainsaw user or tree cutter and invest in gaining as much knowledge and as many skills as you can. Read about your industry, invest your time and resources in forestry skills training and tree climbing techniques. Get advice from people that are working in your industry, explore the global trend towards an increase in forestry and never forget that trees keep growing!

 Training advice is available from Treecareireland

Pruning and Dismantling courses in Ireland

Visit the online training calender for future dates of pruning and dismantling courses in Ireland.
The next available places are on the March course, but are disappearing fast!
The pruning element of the course covers:

Crown reduction
Crown thinnning
Crown lifting

The dismantling element covers:
Modern and traditional rigging methods
Section felling/snatching
Equipment selction

This course is 5 days and prepares the candidates for NPTC Awards CS40 and CS41. Assessments and Registration will be arranged for all candidates. Candidates must hold a tree climbing certificate and CS39 to attend this training course.

Chainsaw rescue! Horse with head stuck in a tree.

I found this photo a few weeks ago whilst researching trees that are dangerous for horses. The story read that someone had to cut it out with a chainsaw after being stuck for a couple of days.

I know it is a little cruel but I just can't stop laughing!

Winter settings for chainsaws

As the minus temperatures arrive for Christmas, I thought it time to explain the winter setting for some chainsaws. By understanding some very simple adjustments it is possible to get a cold chainsaw running perfectly in winter weather conditions and limit the frustration of a spluttering machine.
The diagram and explanation below is taken from the user manual of a STIHL 026 and describes the simple alteration that can be made to improve performance in cold weather. It is important to note that a similar operation can be performed for most chainsaws but will not be exactly the same for each model.
If you have a different make or model of chainsaw simply look for the removable or adjustable piece of plastic or metal that will allow the warm air from the cylinder head to circulate back through the carburettor. It will usually have a tiny diagram of a sun and a snowflake to indicate how to set it. Some must be removed entirely and some are just moved into a different position.



IMPORTANT WARNING: The setting must be put back to summer setting in warmer weather as leaving it in the winter setting will cause over-heating and possible damage to the machine.

Click here to book your Free Chainsaw Training courses
Click here to get more info about Tree Care Ireland

Stihl Oilomatic Sharpening info

Stihl Oilomatic Sharpening info
Originally uploaded by Tree Care Ireland

December's Free Chainsaw Workshop has just finished and had the biggest turn out yet - 12 eager chainsaw users arrived, primed with questions about chainsaw sharpening, Personal Protective Equipment and safe cutting techniques.

Thanks to all that turned up on this wet and windy day and we look forward to seeing more of you next time.

The next workshop is being held on Saturday 23rd January 2010 at 11am - 2pm

For all those that missed today's session there is a useful chain sharpening guide Above, with file sizes and angles for all Stihl Chain (apart from the new Comfort3 range)

Click on the picture, Print it out and stick it to the wall in your workshop. It is fairly straight forward but if you need to know how to use it register for the next workshop below and come along......






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