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www.arborage.com ARBOR AGE WINTER 2015 21 TRAINING & EDUCATION prospective purchasers should ensure they are evaluating the cost realistically. An objective realistic evaluation of the cost/benefit of the new piece of gear or equipment will help prevent the "my precious" factor often associated with tree folk and new bright and shiny things, but also prevent the complete shutdown of "I remember when we just made our own harnesses out of old rope." A professional, well-run tree care company or crew should have a fairly accurate idea of how much time is spent during the course of a season carrying out various tree care tasks, such as hanging in a harness, running a saw, or even chipping brush. Regardless of the activity, the time spent in a season carrying that activity out can then be used to generate an hourly cost for that new piece of gear or equipment for one season. An even more accurate determination of "cost" can be made with a realistic estimate of the "lifespan" of the piece of equipment. Assuming everyone is being honest, this process will give a pretty clear answer on whether or not the offseason purchase makes sense or not in view of the bottom line. TAKING CARE OF THE OLD Time not spent in the offseason playing with the "latest and greatest" would be well spent on the care and feeding of existing gear and equipment. Obviously, regular inspection, care and maintenance should be part and parcel of every tree care company's routine, regardless of season; but the offseason provides particular opportunities for the rest and restoration of all those old favorites. IF IT'S GOT A MOTOR As mentioned previously, preventative care and maintenance should be going on regularly throughout the year, particularly when it comes to motorized equipment, but the offseason certainly provides opportunities to bring all those motorized beasts to the peak of efficiency. This is an excellent time to do a good "deep clean" both inside and out (within the limits of manufacturer's recommendations). Although this may seem excessive to some, cleaner equipment not only presents a more professional appearance, but is also safer and tends to run better/last longer. In addition to regular inspection and maintenance, such as checking belts, changing fluids, and adjusting knives/teeth, the offseason is a great opportunity to take on those larger mechanical tasks such as considering a new engine, carburetor rebuild or transmission changes. Tree crews should not ignore their smaller motorized friends at this time of year either. Complete cleans, inspections and restorations of items such as chain saws, power pruners and winches will pay dividends in the upcoming busy time. IF IT'S GOT FIBER Ropes and lines should be inspected before every use throughout the year, but the offseason allows crew members to check and care for their cordage at a much deeper level. Ropes not only can be washed regularly, but should be for safety and longevity; and the offseason provides a chance to get some of that grit, grime, and sap from between their fibers. A very mild detergent should be used, if one is used at all; and ropes do best if washed after being daisy chained and placed inside a large mesh laundry bag in the machine. Unless the company has invested in a washer specifically for this purpose, large front-loading commercial washers such as those available at a laundromat are best for this purpose; and "begging for forgiveness instead of asking permission" might be the best option with laundromat staff. Nothing more than cold water is required; and ropes should not be put into a dryer in any circumstances, hanging to air or drip dry is the best option. The offseason also provides the time needed to do an in-depth inspection of all lines and rope tools for frayed or cut fibers and any areas of excessive wear/heat. Storing ropes in bags or buckets will help keep them cleaner, drier and protected from the fuels/solvents often present in tree care. IF IT PROTECTS PIECES AND PARTS That all-important PPE should also be getting checked and evaluated regularly throughout the year, but once again the offseason provides a chance to inspect it closely, clean it as needed, and replace it as required. Items such as chain saw chaps and pants provide more protection if they are washed regularly within manufacturer's recommendations; and other PPE items such as hardhats or helmets are more easily inspected for defects if they are also clean. This is also a good time of year to replace wear items in PPE such as the foam in hearing protection muffs or the suspension systems in hardhats or helmets. The offseason is a time, in general, to attempt to make the next growing season safer and more productive. And although there are obviously many more activities than those discussed here that take place in the offseason, the basic standards and possibilities listed will help tree care companies and crews make the best use of their "down" time. Michael "House" Tain is a contract climber, splicer, educator and writer associated with North American Training Solutions www.northamericantrainingsolutions.com and Arbor Canada Training and Education www.arborcanada.com. He is currently located in Lancaster, Ky., and can be reached via e-mail at house@ houseoftain.com. " Cleaner equipment not only presents a more professional appearance, but is also safer and tends to run better/last longer. "