Climbing chainsaw advice

[Luke]

Neighbor is fixing to build a fence and that means my time frame for cutting trees down has sped up!

I don't have the budget right now for baller equipment and am looking for the best crappy saw.

Anybody heard of these? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AYRKKJU/ref=asc_df_B00AYRKKJU5003576/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=394997&creativeASIN=B00AYRKKJU&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167148561991&hvpos=1o4&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2146473108388864875&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9012449&hvtargid=pla-340569381044

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009LB9J9C/ref=psdcmw_552918_t1_B00AYRKKJU

LittleLebowski

[Sensei]

As someone who makes a living putting Humpty Dumpty back together again, please be very careful with a chainsaw around trees. This is especially true if you are not a trained/experienced arborist. In a split second you life can change for the much, much worse...

What you are about to do is likely number 7 on "Sensei's Guide to Avoiding Large Hospital Bills"...right behind: 1) Don't buy or sell drugs, 2) Wear a seatbelt and don't drive drunk, 3) Don't screw another man's wife, 4) Don't climb a ladder that is more than 3X your height, 5) Don't mess with industrial current, 6) Never use gasoline as an accelerant...

[Luke]

Wise words good sir. I'm gonna take it easy and be safe.

[1slow]

I have on old 020T Stihl Top Handle.
Top handles give you much less leverage than regular saws so you need to take greater care. I never use it unless I need it.

[Drang]

Can you rent a pole saw?

[Luke]

I think I may just buy abnormal chainsaw. There is some deal on some husqvarna 440's close to the house.

I might could rent a pole saw, haven't checked to see what's available locally.

[Mr. Goodtimes]

Are you actually going to be climbing? I wouldn't use, and don't use my climbing saw for anything but climbing, and even then, sometimes I climb with a bigger saw.

If you're only going to have one saw I would look for a 50 or 60cc saw. I would look at Husqvarna or Stihl. There are other good brands but dealer support isn't as good in most areas.


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[Luke]

I'm going to climb. They are medium size trees that are straights up. Just gonna limb them and then cut it in half and then drop the rest from the ground.

[Leroy Suggs]

I'm going to climb. They are medium size trees that are straights up. Just gonna limb them and then cut it in half and then drop the rest from the ground.

This does not sound like a good idea for an inexperienced person.

Hire a bucket truck for a day. Delimb the tree. Start at top and cut small sections off and let them drop.
Drop the tree when you get it down to 10 or 12 feet.

[jeep45238]

My bother in law and I did that when we bought the house, 6 trees. Rent a cherry picker, climbing isn't worth the hazards for amateur hour.


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[Mr. Goodtimes]

I'm going to climb. They are medium size trees that are straights up. Just gonna limb them and then cut it in half and then drop the rest from the ground.

Luke, when you say climb, do you have appropriate climbing gear? I only ask because I don't know what your skill level or level of experience is. I do this as a second profession and I can tell you from experience, climbing and felling can be extremely dangerous. As can work from a lift or bucket truck. Trees harness and enormous amount of potential energy and typically when we fudge something, we're on the losing end.

Also, as far as climbing gear goes, id say I have somewhere in the ballpark of close to 2k dollars tied up in climbing gear, not counting my saw, just the shit to get me in a tree.

Depending on how many trees need to come down, you may want to look into hiring a professional, it will likely be cheaper than you buying climbing gear and a saw. Also, you could buy a bigger saw and look at what a tree company would charge to put the tree on the ground for you and then you could handle processing and disposal. My price to just put a tree on the ground is substantially lower than doing the whole job in most cases. I typically spend as much or more time on cleanup than I do on actually making the mess.

If you have a Stihl dealer close by, an MS193T is a good in tree saw.


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[Cookie Monster]

Get a quote for a no clean up, just put the tree on the ground for cash.

I fall a lot of trees but no fucking way I am going to put in a face cut, back cut, and drop a tree half way up it, holding on with spikes and a rope. Those dudes are nuts, with the upmost respect mr good times.

[Luke]

I just climbed down (got called out at 4) from a 45ft pole that had a broke cross arm in the back of some people's houses. 3 open wire services, 1 street light, and a 3 phase tap. I climb power poles quite a bit, on my way to climb another right now lol.


That said, I've never climbed a tree. I've talked to a bunch of people who have and they said my normal bashlin 1 5/8" hooks will work if it's not pine, which it's not. None of he branches are super big, plan is to climb up and cut limbs as I go, get a little up and cut the top half out of it. We hire a lot of tree crews and I've watched them. I plan to throw a RO into a nearby tree and pull the top in the direction I want with some ropes and pulleys and some ingenuity.

I've never really done much with a chainsaw, we cut a lot at work but everybody enjoys it and I've not done much so I let them have it. I'm actually in a new training class my work just made for tree felling. It should be in the next couple weeks so I'm sure I'll learn a lot.


I'm not going into it blind, but only one eye is open lol :)

[LittleLebowski]

Neighbor is fixing to build a fence and that means my time frame for cutting trees down has sped up!

I don't have the budget right now for baller equipment and am looking for the best crappy saw.

Anybody heard of these? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AYRKKJU/ref=asc_df_B00AYRKKJU5003576/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=394997&creativeASIN=B00AYRKKJU&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167148561991&hvpos=1o4&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2146473108388864875&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9012449&hvtargid=pla-340569381044

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009LB9J9C/ref=psdcmw_552918_t1_B00AYRKKJU

LittleLebowski

Weird, I was just asking the pros on chainsaw forums about these a couple weeks ago. Apparently they are identical copies of the respected Zenoah G2500 and "people are having few (not many, a compliment) problems with them."

I'd take the chance on one of these, from whichever seller has the best rep/warranty. Or trade ammo to an arborist for the work to be done or a used saw.

[LittleLebowski]

As someone who makes a living putting Humpty Dumpty back together again, please be very careful with a chainsaw around trees. This is especially true if you are not a trained/experienced arborist. In a split second you life can change for the much, much worse...

What you are about to do is likely number 7 on "Sensei's Guide to Avoiding Large Hospital Bills"...right behind: 1) Don't buy or sell drugs, 2) Wear a seatbelt and don't drive drunk, 3) Don't screw another man's wife, 4) Don't climb a ladder that is more than 3X your height, 5) Don't mess with industrial current, 6) Never use gasoline as an accelerant...

Yup, ladders and chainsaws are very dangerous to homeowners. I wear my PPE (personal preotective equipment) when running a saw, and my bike helmet when on a ladder. I'm dinged up enough, I need to stay functional.

[Luke]

Weird, I was just asking the pros on chainsaw forums about these a couple weeks ago. Apparently they are identical copies of the respected Zenoah G2500 and "people are having few (not many, a compliment) problems with them."

I'd take the chance.


Sweet! Which saw? (Two listed) and do you think I should get the 14" or 16" bar? Do you think it has enough gumph to cut more than limbs?

[Luke]

Just rolled up on the next job, tree crew ain't done so get to watch and learn from more professionals


http://i400.photobucket.com/albums/pp81/hook_setter/6A95C3C5-5AE5-4C44-BF53-8759F1CBD626_zpsbsqyqyhj.jpg (http://s400.photobucket.com/user/hook_setter/media/6A95C3C5-5AE5-4C44-BF53-8759F1CBD626_zpsbsqyqyhj.jpg.html)

[LittleLebowski]

Sweet! Which saw? (Two listed) and do you think I should get the 14" or 16" bar? Do you think it has enough gumph to cut more than limbs?

If you have arborist or small engine buddies, I'd get this one (http://www.ebay.com/itm/25-4CC-10-034-PETROL-TOP-HANDLE-CHAINSAW-SCHEPPACH-CSP2540-/131786320304), if you can wait for shipping. Otherwise, it's a toss up until you have the time to research warranty and customer service. Remember, these all come from pretty much the same source (https://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?catId=0&initiative_id=SB_20170528064344&isPremium=y&SearchText=Chainsaw+mini). I would not expect this to pull a 16" bar with authority. Remember, chain choice and sharpness really, really matters. Low kickback chains will cut much slower; they are touted as being safer, but I've got this gunshot strong arm and I can handle a fairly powerful 64cc saw with a non-safety chain.

However...here's the stark, realistic advice from me:

If you're doing smaller trees and limbs, just get a Silky saw (https://www.amazon.com/Professional-BIGBOY-Folding-Landscaping-356-36/dp/B0014CA3JQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495982882&sr=8-1&keywords=Silky+saw). It's fuckin fast and the tool of choice for the pros. No hate if you get the chainsaw, but the Silky won't slow you down.

[GuanoLoco]

I've got a couple Luke, but I'm sure they need some TLC - chain sharpening, etc. 1 Husq, one older, Echo or something. Come take a look.

Don't maim/kill yourself.

[Mr. Goodtimes]

I just climbed down (got called out at 4) from a 45ft pole that had a broke cross arm in the back of some people's houses. 3 open wire services, 1 street light, and a 3 phase tap. I climb power poles quite a bit, on my way to climb another right now lol.


That said, I've never climbed a tree. I've talked to a bunch of people who have and they said my normal bashlin 1 5/8" hooks will work if it's not pine, which it's not. None of he branches are super big, plan is to climb up and cut limbs as I go, get a little up and cut the top half out of it. We hire a lot of tree crews and I've watched them. I plan to throw a RO into a nearby tree and pull the top in the direction I want with some ropes and pulleys and some ingenuity.

I've never really done much with a chainsaw, we cut a lot at work but everybody enjoys it and I've not done much so I let them have it. I'm actually in a new training class my work just made for tree felling. It should be in the next couple weeks so I'm sure I'll learn a lot.


I'm not going into it blind, but only one eye is open lol :)

If you already got spikes and a saddle then you have some of the most expensive stuff. There is some good stuff on you tube by a Canadian dude. His channel is Educatedclimber.com. It sounds like you have a good understanding of climbing so I'd just pay attention to learning the various cuts and some rigging stuff that comes in handy.


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[Mr. Goodtimes]

If you have arborist or small engine buddies, I'd get this one (http://www.ebay.com/itm/25-4CC-10-034-PETROL-TOP-HANDLE-CHAINSAW-SCHEPPACH-CSP2540-/131786320304), if you can wait for shipping. Otherwise, it's a toss up until you have the time to research warranty and customer service. Remember, these all come from pretty much the same source (https://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?catId=0&initiative_id=SB_20170528064344&isPremium=y&SearchText=Chainsaw+mini). I would not expect this to pull a 16" bar with authority. Remember, chain choice and sharpness really, really matters. Low kickback chains will cut much slower; they are touted as being safer, but I've got this gunshot strong arm and I can handle a fairly powerful 64cc saw with a non-safety chain.

However...here's the stark, realistic advice from me:

If you're doing smaller trees and limbs, just get a Silky saw (https://www.amazon.com/Professional-BIGBOY-Folding-Landscaping-356-36/dp/B0014CA3JQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495982882&sr=8-1&keywords=Silky+saw). It's fuckin fast and the tool of choice for the pros. No hate if you get the chainsaw, but the Silky won't slow you down.

I love my Zubat Pro. Very precise cuts and fast. I won't be found in a tree without it.


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[LittleLebowski]

I love my Zubat Pro. Very precise cuts and fast. I won't be found in a tree without it.


https://www.amazon.com/Silky-270-30-Zubat-Professional-Thickness/dp/B0014C6QJM

[Welder]

Are there any used Stihl MS192T's available in your area on CL or similar? New ones went in the $320 range; can probably pick a used one up for under $200 and you'll have something worth hanging onto. Lots of guys in our area use them and the 193T's for climbing saws on smaller jobs. The 020T / MS200T / MS201T's don't come out until their extra power is needed and the extra weight is justified.

I have a spare 020T with LL's name on it whenever I get around to rebuilding it. If you were closer to VA, you'd be welcome to borrow my MS200T for your project. Good luck and be safe. Also, when you get the branches off and start working on the trunk, be sure you know how to make a snap cut assuming you can handle the pieces.

[LittleLebowski]

Are there any used Stihl MS192T's available in your area on CL or similar? New ones went in the $320 range; can probably pick a used one up for under $200 and you'll have something worth hanging onto. Lots of guys in our area use them and the 193T's for climbing saws on smaller jobs. The 020T / MS200T / MS201T's don't come out until their extra power is needed and the extra weight is justified.

I have a spare 020T with LL's name on it whenever I get around to rebuilding it. If you were closer to VA, you'd be welcome to borrow my MS200T for your project. Good luck and be safe. Also, when you get the branches off and start working on the trunk, be sure you know how to make a snap cut assuming you can handle the pieces.

Like button firmly mashed.

[LittleLebowski]

I've got a couple Luke, but I'm sure they need some TLC - chain sharpening, etc. 1 Husq, one older, Echo or something. Come take a look.

Don't maim/kill yourself.

Just saying, that's really cool of you. Can I come over for Scotch?

[GuanoLoco]

Just saying, that's really cool of you. Can I come over for Scotch?

Glenrothes, I'm buying.

[Mr. Goodtimes]

If you were in Florida I'd bring my shit over and help you take those trees down in exchange for good food. Preferable dead animals cooked over open fire.


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[Luke]

If you were in Florida I'd bring my shit over and help you take those trees down in exchange for good food. Preferable dead animals cooked over open fire.


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My lead lineman at work said he would come over and help me drop them. He has saws and is knowledgeable about tree felling. I'll be doing the climbing and cutting but he will be the brains.

I actually just stepped up each tree I want to cut a few feet to make sure my pole gaffs would be ok for trees. They worked really good! Got area 5 this weekend then hopefully after that we will be putting these on the ground. I will take pictures and videos.


Also, thank y'all for the advice!

[butler coach]

hardest thing is to try to fight urge to grab tree when cut section comes off. tip guy tough me when i started climbing is to push on trunk with your hand to put pressure on your flip line and dig gaffs in deeper as section falls away. then just stand there till they stop moving and climb down and do it again.

[Luke]

So today I went to lowes. I looked at the chainsaws and then thought about the advice given here. I left with this:

http://i400.photobucket.com/albums/pp81/hook_setter/287064E6-E64F-4F06-BAE8-D4716AA576E5_zpssfhullze.jpg (http://s400.photobucket.com/user/hook_setter/media/287064E6-E64F-4F06-BAE8-D4716AA576E5_zpssfhullze.jpg.html)


I started with the tree closest to my neighbors future nice wooden fence, limbing as I went up. When I made it to the fork I couldn't decide what I wanted to do. The way I wanted it to fall I wasn't sure I could make happen. I climbed down and decided to tackle that with my buddy when he gets a chance.

Said tree :

http://i400.photobucket.com/albums/pp81/hook_setter/20E125F9-D9D1-4EEF-AAB5-6F76D5C5BE9F_zpsjbpveogk.jpg (http://s400.photobucket.com/user/hook_setter/media/20E125F9-D9D1-4EEF-AAB5-6F76D5C5BE9F_zpsjbpveogk.jpg.html)


I then tackled another tree that I thought would be very simple. My plan was to climb half way up and then cut it in half, then cut it from the bottom and have two big pieces. I climbed up and selected my spot, the tree was leaning very bad and I decided I couldn't safely stay on the high side and cut from where I wanted too, so I climbed down a few feet and found a better spot. When it broke it was a wild ride, I anticipated it and was braced and ready but still a weird feeling riding a tree!
Wife filmed from the safety of the porch with the back door open at her back.
The smoker will survive, but it will never be the same haha.


http://youtu.be/icHYwLwbKiU


I then climbed down and decided to cut the bottom half. Again under estimating the size of the tree, I bent my gutters :(
Nothing bad, but I'm sure it will never be right without replacing the gutter.


http://youtu.be/-JMh5079fqQ

Thanks for the advice LittleLebowski and Mr. Goodtimes

[Luke]

http://i400.photobucket.com/albums/pp81/hook_setter/85249BC3-4E16-4DC8-8353-3FAD276341A1_zps9zmaxn5z.jpg (http://s400.photobucket.com/user/hook_setter/media/85249BC3-4E16-4DC8-8353-3FAD276341A1_zps9zmaxn5z.jpg.html)

http://i400.photobucket.com/albums/pp81/hook_setter/67C9A614-1ACE-4948-AC32-4F8A6F0588CE_zpsds3scfdx.jpg (http://s400.photobucket.com/user/hook_setter/media/67C9A614-1ACE-4948-AC32-4F8A6F0588CE_zpsds3scfdx.jpg.html)

http://i400.photobucket.com/albums/pp81/hook_setter/2C3C8E25-5874-4790-A916-DCA01E05DF8E_zpsyakcu97b.jpg (http://s400.photobucket.com/user/hook_setter/media/2C3C8E25-5874-4790-A916-DCA01E05DF8E_zpsyakcu97b.jpg.html)

http://i400.photobucket.com/albums/pp81/hook_setter/610A7313-25C6-445F-8EC7-B59C45C55079_zpsbzv0hjtg.jpg (http://s400.photobucket.com/user/hook_setter/media/610A7313-25C6-445F-8EC7-B59C45C55079_zpsbzv0hjtg.jpg.html)

http://i400.photobucket.com/albums/pp81/hook_setter/E3DAF0CE-4997-4A83-8CFC-350E66479AB1_zpsczkmw8nf.jpg (http://s400.photobucket.com/user/hook_setter/media/E3DAF0CE-4997-4A83-8CFC-350E66479AB1_zpsczkmw8nf.jpg.html)

http://i400.photobucket.com/albums/pp81/hook_setter/E3AAAD07-0AFD-4F69-8DA3-32423326B03B_zpscg15baxj.jpg (http://s400.photobucket.com/user/hook_setter/media/E3AAAD07-0AFD-4F69-8DA3-32423326B03B_zpscg15baxj.jpg.html)

[GuanoLoco]

Is Smoker + Gutter + Saw + personal risk more or less expensive than a tree guy?

[Luke]

Is Smoker + Gutter + Saw + personal risk more or less expensive than a tree guy?

It's a ton cheaper.

[GOTURBACK]

Heading up a 120ft. Norway Spruce Husky 335XP climbing saw
17408

[LittleLebowski]

So today I went to lowes. I looked at the chainsaws and then thought about the advice given here. I left with this:

http://i400.photobucket.com/albums/pp81/hook_setter/287064E6-E64F-4F06-BAE8-D4716AA576E5_zpssfhullze.jpg (http://s400.photobucket.com/user/hook_setter/media/287064E6-E64F-4F06-BAE8-D4716AA576E5_zpssfhullze.jpg.html)


I started with the tree closest to my neighbors future nice wooden fence, limbing as I went up. When I made it to the fork I couldn't decide what I wanted to do. The way I wanted it to fall I wasn't sure I could make happen. I climbed down and decided to tackle that with my buddy when he gets a chance.

Said tree :

http://i400.photobucket.com/albums/pp81/hook_setter/20E125F9-D9D1-4EEF-AAB5-6F76D5C5BE9F_zpsjbpveogk.jpg (http://s400.photobucket.com/user/hook_setter/media/20E125F9-D9D1-4EEF-AAB5-6F76D5C5BE9F_zpsjbpveogk.jpg.html)


I then tackled another tree that I thought would be very simple. My plan was to climb half way up and then cut it in half, then cut it from the bottom and have two big pieces. I climbed up and selected my spot, the tree was leaning very bad and I decided I couldn't safely stay on the high side and cut from where I wanted too, so I climbed down a few feet and found a better spot. When it broke it was a wild ride, I anticipated it and was braced and ready but still a weird feeling riding a tree!
Wife filmed from the safety of the porch with the back door open at her back.
The smoker will survive, but it will never be the same haha.


http://youtu.be/icHYwLwbKiU


I then climbed down and decided to cut the bottom half. Again under estimating the size of the tree, I bent my gutters :(
Nothing bad, but I'm sure it will never be right without replacing the gutter.


http://youtu.be/-JMh5079fqQ

Thanks for the advice LittleLebowski and Mr. Goodtimes

You know, Roosevelt had a saying about those that never have a mistake, good job on those trees! Do you like the saw?