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I finally got a STIHL!

manimal

manimal

Ociffer Tackleberry
Feb 27, 2002
7,212
17
Blindly running into cactus
I know...take it to www.chainsawmonkey.com noob!


I live in a very "natural" area and own about an acre. in the fall, i spend about a combined week of work trying to get rid of the infinite leaves that cover my house and yard and in the spring/summer i have no grass in the front yard because there is zero sunlight getting through to the ground. i'd like to get rid of a lot of the smaller trees as well as thin out the more mature ones that are robbing my yard and mold-attracting house of sunlight.

front yard after 1 day of raking/blowing


i've had a hand-me-down homelite 16" chainsaw that i've been using since i moved to clear some of the smaller trees and the occasional limb that falls, but when i attempted to fell a completely dead oak that was bout 28" in diameter...the homelite "just didnt' cut it" ;)
my, elderly neighbor [former lumberjack/wood mill owner] came over to help me get the tree on the ground and cut into manageable pieces. he has a STIHL 028 with a 20" bar and he says it's about 20 years old. that thing cut through the tree like butter while my homelite, with a just sharpened chain, was cutting through the rotted 6" top section like a dull butter knife.

I've used a big bar (36") husqevarna before but i've never had or used a STIHL and my knowledgeable neighbor said that if i wanted reliability i needed to get one. the problem is that i can't afford $500 for a new saw right now......enter the pawn shop.
looked around and found the same model my neighbor has (albeit the 16" bar) for $160 and it runs awesome! i picked it up today and felled a 20" diameter tree in about 90 seconds! that would've taken an hour with my old saw!

pic of same model saw i got


so anyway...i'm a happy camper and now i can finish cutting out the smaller trees to let some light in. i just feel so dern manly right now i can barely stand it :D
 
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burly50

burly50

Where the hell is everyone?
May 13, 2006
219
0
Westtown, NY
Way to step it up a notch. My Stihl is loud too. Huskies are quieter, but not nearly as good. Now go cut every thing that you never intended on cutting. It's totally worth it.
 
neanderthal

neanderthal

Monkey
Mar 1, 2005
215
0
Pittsburgh
Smart idea buying a used chainsaw. I believe starting in 2010, many chainsaws will be equipped with catalytic converters to meet new EPA standards for 2 cycles engines. In fact, many of the 2009 chainsaws already have cats.

If you plan on cutting on mature trees near your house, you may want to consider using a pull rope with a comealong. It removes some of the anxiety knowing that the tree that you're cutting won't end up in your living room. I recently cut down seven 50 foot pine trees that were about 20 feet from my house. Gotta say I was a little nervous but everything worked out OK.
 
manimal

manimal

Ociffer Tackleberry
Feb 27, 2002
7,212
17
Blindly running into cactus
neanderthal said:
Smart idea buying a used chainsaw. I believe starting in 2010, many chainsaws will be equipped with catalytic converters to meet new EPA standards for 2 cycles engines. In fact, many of the 2009 chainsaws already have cats.

If you plan on cutting on mature trees near your house, you may want to consider using a pull rope with a comealong. It removes some of the anxiety knowing that the tree that you're cutting won't end up in your living room. I recently cut down seven 50 foot pine trees that were about 20 feet from my house. Gotta say I was a little nervous but everything worked out OK.
Click to expand...
i did that on the bigger one my neighbor had to help me with. 150' rope tied to my subaru (only all wheel drive car i own that would crawl up my leafy backyard) i'd make a run for it then pull the e-brake when the rope was super tight. worked like a charm to keep the tree from falling in my other neighbors yard.
getting the rope on the only branch, 40' up in the air was fun too. my son's jr. compound bow + fishing line = lesson in physics :D
 
Bushwhacker

Bushwhacker

Turbo Monkey
Dec 4, 2003
1,220
0
Tar Effing River!! NC
Ciaran said:
Ya call that a saw? Pvssy. ;)


Hot saw!



No, it's not mine. I'm not that crazy.
Click to expand...
Bigger pvssy...


Super hot saw.

Get you some chainsaw chaps if you don't already have them, rather than a rope, get some wedges and axe. There is more mechanical advantage with a wedge than 10 subies and a rope.



These can be found right in your neck of the woods over at Sherrill arborist supply

I've had this ax for around 6 years...indestructable..



Burley....you have no idea what you are talking about. After running saws of all makes and sizes for around 30 years or so, there really is no one better between the top brands. Any top of the line saw that has been well maintained, a clean air filter, a sharp chain and a good bar is gonna cut like holy hell. I personally run Husky and have since around 96...they give me no problems (I have 4 of them) even though all of them are tweaked to within an inch of grenading and yes...they are loud.
 
brungeman

brungeman

I give a shirt
Jan 17, 2006
5,170
0
da Burgh
Nice purchase Manimal!

neanderthal said:
Smart idea buying a used chainsaw. I believe starting in 2010, many chainsaws will be equipped with catalytic converters to meet new EPA standards for 2 cycles engines. In fact, many of the 2009 chainsaws already have cats.

If you plan on cutting on mature trees near your house, you may want to consider using a pull rope with a comealong. It removes some of the anxiety knowing that the tree that you're cutting won't end up in your living room. I recently cut down seven 50 foot pine trees that were about 20 feet from my house. Gotta say I was a little nervous but everything worked out OK.
Click to expand...
I remember Walt laughing and scratching his head when I had the 20 foot tall stump of that maple tree tied off to my Vanagon over in Ingomar. I was using that big "Partner" chainsaw of his, and burning up the clutch trying to pull the tree in the direction that "I" wanted it to go... the tree had other ideas of course! I was sweatin for sure. A comealong would have been a good idea, but not sure it would have made a difference that tree was a monster!
 
neanderthal

neanderthal

Monkey
Mar 1, 2005
215
0
Pittsburgh
brungeman said:
Nice purchase Manimal!


I remember Walt laughing and scratching his head when I had the 20 foot tall stump of that maple tree tied off to my Vanagon over in Ingomar. I was using that big "Partner" chainsaw of his, and burning up the clutch trying to pull the tree in the direction that "I" wanted it to go... the tree had other ideas of course! I was sweatin for sure. A comealong would have been a good idea, but not sure it would have made a difference that tree was a monster!
Click to expand...
I've since found out the that wedges are your friend. I cut a 24" diameter oak over the weekend. Made my face cut and started on the backcut. I left about a 1" hinge and the tree would not drop even though I was using a pull rope and a comealong. I cut some more till the hinge was only about 1/2" and the tree still would not fall. At this point I was getting pretty nervous. I pounded in four wedges and the tree dropped very nicely. I'm now a believer in always using a wedge.
 
stosh

stosh

Darth Bailer
Jul 20, 2001
22,238
393
NY
Bushwhacker said:
Bigger pvssy...


Super hot saw.

Get you some chainsaw chaps if you don't already have them, rather than a rope, get some wedges and axe. There is more mechanical advantage with a wedge than 10 subies and a rope.



These can be found right in your neck of the woods over at Sherrill arborist supply

I've had this ax for around 6 years...indestructable..



Burley....you have no idea what you are talking about. After running saws of all makes and sizes for around 30 years or so, there really is no one better between the top brands. Any top of the line saw that has been well maintained, a clean air filter, a sharp chain and a good bar is gonna cut like holy hell. I personally run Husky and have since around 96...they give me no problems (I have 4 of them) even though all of them are tweaked to within an inch of grenading and yes...they are loud.
Click to expand...

What kind of Husky would you recommend for me. I cut down my own trees on my property for firewood. Nothing is much more than 20" dia. I fall and cut up all my own trees. There are so many saws out there I'm not sure where to start.
 
N

NuMexJoe

Monkey
Aug 20, 2007
178
2
Nice! That'll give you years of faithful service. I've got a Stihl Farm Boss that has been incredibly reliable, and a heckuva lot quieter than the McCulloch that it replaced.
- Joe
 
Bushwhacker

Bushwhacker

Turbo Monkey
Dec 4, 2003
1,220
0
Tar Effing River!! NC
I would go with one of the "4" series. From the 445 up to the 455 "rancher" are right up your alley. If you want to go big bucks for a really nice medium saw go with the "3" series. Like I've said before, these are the pro model saws, but the 339, 346 can't be beat doing what you are looking to do..

link.. http://www.usa.husqvarna.com/products.aspx

A little off topic but, the weather finally got nice so I am going to strip my tree climbing saddle down to the minimum and do some recreational climbs in the yard today. It's fun just to get up in th canopy and just chill...the local wildlife sometimes doesn't know what to think.
 
stosh

stosh

Darth Bailer
Jul 20, 2001
22,238
393
NY
Bushwhacker said:
I would go with one of the "4" series. From the 445 up to the 455 "rancher" are right up your alley. If you want to go big bucks for a really nice medium saw go with the "3" series. Like I've said before, these are the pro model saws, but the 339, 346 can't be beat doing what you are looking to do..

link.. http://www.usa.husqvarna.com/products.aspx

A little off topic but, the weather finally got nice so I am going to strip my tree climbing saddle down to the minimum and do some recreational climbs in the yard today. It's fun just to get up in th canopy and just chill...the local wildlife sometimes doesn't know what to think.
Click to expand...
Yeah I was looking at the Rancher. I would love to have some of the lower branches of my trees trimmed but they're all higher than my 20' ladder can reach.
 
SilentJ

SilentJ

trail builder
Jun 17, 2002
1,312
0
Calgary AB
stosh said:
Yeah I was looking at the Rancher. I would love to have some of the lower branches of my trees trimmed but they're all higher than my 20' ladder can reach.
Click to expand...
I'd also take a good look at the 353 and 359...they don't have the expensive "XP" sticker on them, but I think they're closer to "pro" saws than the rancher series. The 346XP is the badass of the 50cc saw class, but is more $$ as well. Check the weights of them - I've found it surprising how much difference a pound or two makes.

Don't forget the safety gear...IMO running a saw without chaps and a helmet is a helluva lot dumber than riding your bike without a helmet.
 
SilentJ

SilentJ

trail builder
Jun 17, 2002
1,312
0
Calgary AB
Tip:
The dishwasher does a nice job of cleaning up chainsaw parts. I throw my flock style air filters in there, clutch cover, bar, any thing that can't get seized up.

Tip 2:
If you can fit your saw in a backpack (bar up), be careful setting your beers on top of it. The dogs can puncture cans very easily allowing beer to essentially flow into your muffler and ultimately into the cylinder. I was almost the first person in history to hydrolock a saw with beer.
 
stosh

stosh

Darth Bailer
Jul 20, 2001
22,238
393
NY
SilentJ said:
I'd also take a good look at the 353 and 359...they don't have the expensive "XP" sticker on them, but I think they're closer to "pro" saws than the rancher series. The 346XP is the badass of the 50cc saw class, but is more $$ as well. Check the weights of them - I've found it surprising how much difference a pound or two makes.

Don't forget the safety gear...IMO running a saw without chaps and a helmet is a helluva lot dumber than riding your bike without a helmet.
Click to expand...
I wear ear and eye protection, I'll look into the helmet and I definitely want a pair of chaps as well.


PS. Who watches "Axe Men" on the history channel, I love that show?
 
neanderthal

neanderthal

Monkey
Mar 1, 2005
215
0
Pittsburgh
Bushwhacker said:
A little off topic but, the weather finally got nice so I am going to strip my tree climbing saddle down to the minimum and do some recreational climbs in the yard today. It's fun just to get up in th canopy and just chill...the local wildlife sometimes doesn't know what to think.
Click to expand...
Hey Bushwcker

How does one learn how to do some recreational tree climbing? I was watching a couple of arborists the other day and was really impressed how fast they climbed. I have no intentions of doing any cutting while I'm in a tree. I'd just like to learn the skill.
 
SilentJ

SilentJ

trail builder
Jun 17, 2002
1,312
0
Calgary AB
stosh said:
PS. Who watches "Axe Men" on the history channel, I love that show?
Click to expand...
hate that show. I want to see what saws they run, techniques, etc,...not a competition for number of loads between the different companies, drama, and dudes taking unnecessary risks for the camera..
 
stosh

stosh

Darth Bailer
Jul 20, 2001
22,238
393
NY
SilentJ said:
hate that show. I want to see what saws they run, techniques, etc,...not a competition for number of loads between the different companies, drama, and dudes taking unnecessary risks for the camera..
Click to expand...
Yep, the log counts don't matter to me but it's interest to see the equipment, I'm always noticing the saws they are using etc. It is funny to watch some of the characters they have on the show though.
 
manimal

manimal

Ociffer Tackleberry
Feb 27, 2002
7,212
17
Blindly running into cactus
neanderthal said:
I've since found out the that wedges are your friend. I cut a 24" diameter oak over the weekend. Made my face cut and started on the backcut. I left about a 1" hinge and the tree would not drop even though I was using a pull rope and a comealong. I cut some more till the hinge was only about 1/2" and the tree still would not fall. At this point I was getting pretty nervous. I pounded in four wedges and the tree dropped very nicely. I'm now a believer in always using a wedge.
Click to expand...
werd. i used wedges on the bigger tree. i had it tied off to my car to help it fall against the angle it was leaning. i did my face cut and left about an inch of gap in the back cut. stuck my big splitting wedge in there and gave it a whack with my sledgehammer. the tree dropped nicely....right into the fork of a bigger tree...and that's where my neighbor came over and helped me get it down from there :D
 
stosh

stosh

Darth Bailer
Jul 20, 2001
22,238
393
NY
manimal said:
werd. i used wedges on the bigger tree. i had it tied off to my car to help it fall against the angle it was leaning. i did my face cut and left about an inch of gap in the back cut. stuck my big splitting wedge in there and gave it a whack with my sledgehammer. the tree dropped nicely....right into the fork of a bigger tree...and that's where my neighbor came over and helped me get it down from there :D
Click to expand...
Bwahhhhhhh this made me laugh. Points are being awarded!
 
stosh

stosh

Darth Bailer
Jul 20, 2001
22,238
393
NY
I think I may have posted this story before buy I'll do it again anyway.

My boss (he's my age) was clearing a lot he bought to build a house so he hired me to help him out.

We were doing good, we had most of the trees down and cut up. As the time progressed he realized he needed one or 2 more trees down and this one a huge perfectly straight tree. So of course we go to work on the this tree and he's running the saw directing me. He makes his face cut and starts at the back side of the tree. Well he's almost through and the tree isn't budging. He cuts a little more and the trees starts leaning towards us. I was standing back a few steps so I could easily judge the direction it was starting to fall, but he couldn't. He takes 2 steps right in the path of the falling tree. Moments earlier we had moved the chipper (read biggest unit we could rent) a little closer to the area we were going to be working in and had moved my Xterra out of the way "Just in case". So the tree is falling and my friend is under it, he realizes his mistake and gets out of the way. The tree falls directly on top of the rented chipper and breaks the engine block in half.

Moral of the story the insurance you buy through the rental company doesn't cover a chipper if you drop a tree on it.
 
Bushwhacker

Bushwhacker

Turbo Monkey
Dec 4, 2003
1,220
0
Tar Effing River!! NC
neanderthal said:
Hey Bushwcker

How does one learn how to do some recreational tree climbing? I was watching a couple of arborists the other day and was really impressed how fast they climbed. I have no intentions of doing any cutting while I'm in a tree. I'd just like to learn the skill.
Click to expand...

I use my climbing saddle minus all the heavy safety gear I carry in order to actuall remove trees. In order to get started I would check with the people in the afformentioned Sherrill Arborist Supply. Great bunch of guy located in Greensboro, NC.

http://www.sherrilltree.com/Recreational-Gear;jsessionid=0a01054f1f43e1942a4caeae40239adae01b6d7475e7.e3eTaxiNaN0Te34Pa38Ta38Oahf0

Tobe and crew can get you started from climbing gear and ropes to videos and local clubs to teach you how to do it right.
 
profro

profro

Turbo Monkey
Feb 25, 2002
5,617
314
Walden Ridge
Stihls are the best. I bought a 170 model last winter and I have used it so much. I got that model because its small enough I can through it in my back pack and walk/ride into do trail work.
 
SilentJ

SilentJ

trail builder
Jun 17, 2002
1,312
0
Calgary AB
profro said:
Stihls are the best. I bought a 170 model last winter and I have used it so much. I got that model because its small enough I can through it in my back pack and walk/ride into do trail work.
Click to expand...
Stihls might be the best for the little girly saws, but for the real saws the competition is pretty heated between Husky/Jred and Stihl and then you have to add Dolmar into the mix for the 50cc and 80cc classes

I can fit my MS260 into my backpack...haven't tried the 440. If it does fit, I'll certainly be out of room for beers.
 
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