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Buyer's Guide
ART Climbing Devices & Spares Buyer's Guide
ART produces some of the most precisely engineered mechanical climbing devices used by professional arborists in the UK — the Positioner 2, Blackbird, Spiderjack 2.1 and Lockjack. This guide covers every device in the ART range at Gustharts, how each works, which ropes they're compatible with, and how to source genuine ART spare parts for device servicing.
ART Positioner and Positioner 2
The ART Positioner is a mechanical lanyard adjuster that allows arborists to adjust their work positioning lanyard with one hand under load. The Positioner 2 is the updated version, available with an integrated swivel to prevent lanyard twist during repositioning in the canopy. Both models accept rope lanyards and wire core fliplines within their rated diameter range. The ART Positioner 2 Swivel is one of the most widely specified mechanical positioning devices at Gustharts, particularly for arborists doing extensive canopy work requiring frequent position changes.
ART Blackbird
The ART Blackbird is a mechanical SRT and DRT climbing device combining ascent, descent and positioning functions in one unit. It grips the rope automatically under body weight and releases via a handle-operated trigger for controlled descent. The Blackbird is designed for arborists using 11mm to 12.5mm low-elongation SRT ropes and integrates with the ART RopeGuide system for optimised rope handling during descent. It is the flagship ART climbing device and the most technically specified in the ART range.
ART Spiderjack
The ART Spiderjack 2.1 is a manual mechanical friction device for DRT and SRT tree climbing. It provides consistent rope grip under load and smooth descent when unweighted, functioning as an alternative to a traditional friction hitch in a hitch-climbing setup. The Spiderjack 2.1 is compatible with 11mm to 12.5mm climbing ropes. Genuine ART Spiderjack 2.1 spare parts including cams and springs are stocked at Gustharts to extend the service life of the device.
ART Lockjack
The ART Lockjack is ART's most accessible mechanical climbing device - designed to provide smooth, predictable rope management as a friction hitch alternative for arborists new to mechanical devices or looking for a simpler entry point into the ART system. The Lockjack provides consistent grip and controlled descent and is compatible with a range of rope diameters. Genuine ART Lockjack spare parts are stocked at Gustharts for device servicing and maintenance.
ART Spares and Service Parts
Genuine ART spare parts - including cams, springs, sheaves, screws and service kits - keep ART climbing devices performing safely and consistently. ART devices are precision-engineered and should only be serviced with genuine ART parts. Common replacement parts at Gustharts include Positioner cams and springs, Blackbird trigger springs, Spiderjack 2.1 cams and Lockjack service kits. If in doubt about which spare part your device requires, contact Gustharts with your device model and the specific issue you are experiencing.
ART Device Compatibility and Rope Diameters
All ART climbing devices are rated to specific rope diameter ranges - always verify compatibility before purchasing. The ART Blackbird and Spiderjack 2.1 suit 11mm to 12.5mm ropes. The ART Positioner 2 accepts rope and wire core lanyards within its rated diameter range - check the specific model specification before use with a wire core flipline. Mixing ART devices with non-compatible rope diameters causes unpredictable braking behaviour and is a safety risk. Gustharts can advise on rope compatibility for any ART device - contact the team with your rope spec.
Why ART? German Engineering and Arborist Trust
ART (Ateliers Reunis de Technologie) is a French manufacturer producing precision climbing hardware trusted by professional arborists across the UK and Europe. ART devices are distinguished by their all-metal construction, tight engineering tolerances and consistent performance across thousands of hours of professional use. Unlike plastic-bodied devices, ART's machined aluminium and stainless steel construction resists wear, sap contamination and UV degradation. Gustharts is a professional arborist equipment supplier stocking the full ART device and spares range with expert support on device selection and compatibility.
Pairs Well With
- Lanyards & Fliplines — rope lanyards and wire core fliplines
- SRT Equipment — Rope Wrench, Petzl Zigzag and Akimbo devices
- Tree Climbing Ropes — SRT and DRT lines compatible with ART devices
- Climbing Harness Accessories — saddles and harnesses for aerial work
- Carabiners & Connectors — certified connectors for ART device attachment