Pic of the Day

Winford

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Oct 29, 2024
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auburn ca
Last of the bomb cyclone in northern Ca
20241123_151858.jpg
 

irie

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May 2, 2022
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Processer is some machine. I cut trees in winter with chain saw ccasionally ,it was hard graft for not a lot of money to be honest.
I dunno what that machine was but fuck me, it ripped everthing out of the ground and crunched it up like you wouldn't believe. A new take on the old term "coppicing" I think.

Came across this bloke a bit later who was repairing his chain saw while doing traditional coppicing.

20241125_131822.jpg
 

The Hodge

Mystic Meg
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Sep 9, 2020
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On news inoo still clearing fallen trees from storm Arwen ? In NE Scotland frm three years ago. Nearly done their saying.

View attachment 150942
The estimate for the Arwen devastation in Kielder was well over a million trees down ..and some areas will never be cleared before the timber is of no commercial value ..the good news though is that nearly all of the trails have either been or are due to be reinstated.
 

Binhill1

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Mar 7, 2019
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I dunno what that machine was but fuck me, it ripped everthing out of the ground and crunched it up like you wouldn't believe. A new take on the old term "coppicing" I think.

Came across this bloke a bit later who was repairing his chain saw while doing traditional coppicing.

View attachment 150946
Maybe not what I'm thinking. Processer holds tree vertical cuts below it then turns it horizontal and feeds it through its hand and stripps branches off then cuts it to the length you want. That looks small trees and machine is in an enclosed area ???
 

Binhill1

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Mar 7, 2019
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Scotland
The estimate for the Arwen devastation in Kielder was well over a million trees down ..and some areas will never be cleared before the timber is of no commercial value ..the good news though is that nearly all of the trails have either been or are due to be reinstated.
Aberdeen area was worst in NE . Ben a pal works for forestry and said 270 thousand acres or hectares in Aberdeenshire . Means nothing to me that figures . And all I want is 4 cubes a year for stove. I think if it's not cut within a certain time it's not worth the effort.
 

The Hodge

Mystic Meg
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Sep 9, 2020
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Maybe not what I'm thinking. Processer holds tree vertical cuts below it then turns it horizontal and feeds it through its hand and stripps branches off then cuts it to the length you want. That looks small trees and machine is in an enclosed area ???
Maybe something like this pic from @timberjack ( Ant) who you met on our Torridon trip this year taken from his machine ( the same as the one pictured ) of sunrise in Kidland Forest in the heart of The Cheviots . 15.11.24.
1000009135.jpg
 

Stihldog

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Jun 10, 2020
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Processer is some machine. I cut trees in winter with chain saw ccasionally ,it was hard graft for not a lot of money to be honest.
We had those machines on Vancouver Island. They were called Harvesters. Maximum 3’ diameter tree on fairly level ground.

They could cut and drop a tree quickly, then de-limb it, cut it to length, then stack it. They would usually be used in second growth areas.

But occasionally, an operator would think they could cut a larger tree. (5’+)
The circular blade would not be large enough. That’s where I would come in.

A 5’ to 18’ diameter tree is/was no problem for me …but these were very dangerous. I could only lecture the operator after I safely felled the tree. A tree that size could easily crush his machine.…when you bite off more than you can chew. 🙄
 

Binhill1

🍊 Tango Man 🍊
Mar 7, 2019
3,321
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Scotland
We had those machines on Vancouver Island. They were called Harvesters. Maximum 3’ diameter tree on fairly level ground.

They could cut and drop a tree quickly, then de-limb it, cut it to length, then stack it. They would usually be used in second growth areas.

But occasionally, an operator would think they could cut a larger tree. (5’+)
The circular blade would not be large enough. That’s where I would come in.

A 5’ to 18’ diameter tree is/was no problem for me …but these were very dangerous. I could only lecture the operator after I safely felled the tree. A tree that size could easily crush his machine.…when you bite off more than you can chew. 🙄
Yes harvester another name for them. Just passed them on bike amazing. Never cut anything big myself maybe 4 ft . Took so long it wasn't worth the bother what we got paid.
 

Stihldog

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Yes harvester another name for them. Just passed them on bike amazing. Never cut anything big myself maybe 4 ft . Took so long it wasn't worth the bother what we got paid.
Sometimes we were “tested “ to see how much volume of fibre (merch wood) we could fall in a shift (6hrs). Typical was between 100-300 cubic metres a day. Sometimes 2 trees would yield 100cubic meters. Volume from the Harvestor, or from me, had to reach those goals.
 

Stihldog

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I may have posted this picture before but here’s a picture of the non-business side of my bike. 5’ from my bike is a 10-12’ drop into a new creek carved out by raging water. My bike is about 2’ above previous fire road. The bridge in the background will need to be replaced.


IMG_8376.jpeg

On my travels this morning I came across a blowdown tree across this fire road. My bike is pointed to wards the entrance of “Green Waste”. I arranged the broken bits for the entrance …kinda looks nice me thinks. 🤔

IMG_8379.jpeg
 

Stihldog

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@Stihldog 18' diameter! FFS :eek:
How could you even lift the chainsaw? :unsure:
All right I give up, how the hell did you do it? :unsure:
Just a normal chainsaw with a 36” bar. You usually have to cut out pockets to fit the motor in for a further reach. Takes a bit longer but it’s possible if done safely.

I have used a 084 Stihl Chainsaw with a 42” bar before …but rarely and only for bucking or ripping. A 9’ diameter Fir is too heavy for a helicopter to lift, even when bucked to a 14’ length …so it had to be ripped in half.
 

Binhill1

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Mar 7, 2019
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@Stihldog 18' diameter! FFS :eek:
How could you even lift the chainsaw? :unsure:
All right I give up, how the hell did you

Just a normal chainsaw with a 36” bar. You usually have to cut out pockets to fit the motor in for a further reach. Takes a bit longer but it’s possible if done safely.

I have used a 084 Stihl Chainsaw with a 42” bar before …but rarely and only for bucking or ripping. A 9’ diameter Fir is too heavy for a helicopter to lift, even when bucked to a 14’ length …so it had to be ripped in half.
Language barrier here I'm afraid 😨. Bucking or ripping ???.084 Stihl Saw . 9ft diameter massive that.
 

Stihldog

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Language barrier here I'm afraid 😨. Bucking or ripping ???.084 Stihl Saw . 9ft diameter massive that.
Ah👍🏻, Bucking; Is a cut done to a tree once it’s down (or felled). A particular length is determined based on the species, quality, or which sawmill the log is going to.

Ripping; must be done to a felled tree if it’s too heavy for a helicopter to lift. The helicopters we typically used were; Chinook(28,000lbs). Sikorsky(24,000lbs), and Vertol (18,000lbs). These helicopters were stripped down to reduce weight and a grapple line was attached to pickup and lift the logs.

As a Heli-Faller I needed a number of certifications and qualifications for this type of logging. Basically the locations were high altitude and no roads were possible.

Each shift I was flown into the area by a smaller helicopter (Jet Ranger). It would land on a helicopter-pad (12’x12’) that I built weeks before. Myself and another Heli-Faller would exit the helicopter (the “Taxi”) and begin falling trees.

We would work about 1/2 km from each other but stay within visual and radio contact. We had to both be trained in medical procedures and survival techniques. After all…our lives depended on each other.

At about 2:00pm the “Taxi” would pick us up. The helicopter pilots were very experienced for this type of flying.

FYI; don’t ever say to an experienced helicopter-pilot “Lets see what this baby’s got?” Ask how I know. Imagine an extremely dangerous roller coaster. 😱
 

Jackware

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Oct 30, 2018
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Lancashire
Ah👍🏻, Bucking; Is a cut done to a tree once it’s down (or felled). A particular length is determined based on the species, quality, or which sawmill the log is going to.

Ripping; must be done to a felled tree if it’s too heavy for a helicopter to lift. The helicopters we typically used were; Chinook(28,000lbs). Sikorsky(24,000lbs), and Vertol (18,000lbs). These helicopters were stripped down to reduce weight and a grapple line was attached to pickup and lift the logs.

As a Heli-Faller I needed a number of certifications and qualifications for this type of logging. Basically the locations were high altitude and no roads were possible.

Each shift I was flown into the area by a smaller helicopter (Jet Ranger). It would land on a helicopter-pad (12’x12’) that I built weeks before. Myself and another Heli-Faller would exit the helicopter (the “Taxi”) and begin falling trees.

We would work about 1/2 km from each other but stay within visual and radio contact. We had to both be trained in medical procedures and survival techniques. After all…our lives depended on each other.

At about 2:00pm the “Taxi” would pick us up. The helicopter pilots were very experienced for this type of flying.

FYI; don’t ever say to an experienced helicopter-pilot “Lets see what this baby’s got?” Ask how I know. Imagine an extremely dangerous roller coaster. 😱
Wow, thanks for the explanation and a bit of personal history. I love learning about people's previous lives..
 

Stihldog

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@Stihldog With a tree that size, I assume that you don't have to cut it all the way through, just far enough that its own weight tips it over and it does the rest? :unsure:
Not exactly. The correct lean, a clean undercut, a sufficient backcut and just the right amount of hinge wood. Once the hinge, or holding wood breaks, you no longer have control of the direction. There’s a bit more to it than that but you get the idea.
 

Binhill1

🍊 Tango Man 🍊
Mar 7, 2019
3,321
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Scotland
Ah👍🏻, Bucking; Is a cut done to a tree once it’s down (or felled). A particular length is determined based on the species, quality, or which sawmill the log is going to.

Ripping; must be done to a felled tree if it’s too heavy for a helicopter to lift. The helicopters we typically used were; Chinook(28,000lbs). Sikorsky(24,000lbs), and Vertol (18,000lbs). These helicopters were stripped down to reduce weight and a grapple line was attached to pickup and lift the logs.

As a Heli-Faller I needed a number of certifications and qualifications for this type of logging. Basically the locations were high altitude and no roads were possible.

Each shift I was flown into the area by a smaller helicopter (Jet Ranger). It would land on a helicopter-pad (12’x12’) that I built weeks before. Myself and another Heli-Faller would exit the helicopter (the “Taxi”) and begin falling trees.

We would work about 1/2 km from each other but stay within visual and radio contact. We had to both be trained in medical procedures and survival techniques. After all…our lives depended on each other.

At about 2:00pm the “Taxi” would pick us up. The helicopter pilots were very experienced for this type of flying.

FYI; don’t ever say to an experienced helicopter-pilot “Lets see what this baby’s got?” Ask how I know. Imagine an extremely dangerous roller coaster. 😱
Is Ripping cutting branches off, we called it
Ah👍🏻, Bucking; Is a cut done to a tree once it’s down (or felled). A particular length is determined based on the species, quality, or which sawmill the log is going to.

Ripping; must be done to a felled tree if it’s too heavy for a helicopter to lift. The helicopters we typically used were; Chinook(28,000lbs). Sikorsky(24,000lbs), and Vertol (18,000lbs). These helicopters were stripped down to reduce weight and a grapple line was attached to pickup and lift the logs.

As a Heli-Faller I needed a number of certifications and qualifications for this type of logging. Basically the locations were high altitude and no roads were possible.

Each shift I was flown into the area by a smaller helicopter (Jet Ranger). It would land on a helicopter-pad (12’x12’) that I built weeks before. Myself and another Heli-Faller would exit the helicopter (the “Taxi”) and begin falling trees.

We would work about 1/2 km from each other but stay within visual and radio contact. We had to both be trained in medical procedures and survival techniques. After all…our lives depended on each other.

At about 2:00pm the “Taxi” would pick us up. The helicopter pilots were very experienced for this type of flying.

FYI; don’t ever say to an experienced helicopter-pilot “Lets see what this baby’s got?” Ask how I know. Imagine an extremely dangerous roller coaster. 😱
Totally different terminology, what's ripping ? . We cut notch in front facing the direction i wanted it to fall . Cut from back and it should fall in direction of hinge which should still be left in place . After that snell / cut all branches off. Yours would be massive branches to cut off . As you say if you mess up the back cut and damage the hinge the tree goes where it wants. A bit more serious your tree felling. Chopper in for a taxi no way . I hate choppers too many scary journeys on to ships and rigs in poor weather. I was sitting with my survival suit on waiting for 3 2 charlie a Chinook to land in 1986 . 2 minutes from airport it crashed 45 lost and 2 survived RIP . Good conversation. It's definitely not all about Ebikes . Your never too old to listen and learn .
 

Stihldog

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Jun 10, 2020
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Is Ripping cutting branches off, we called it
We call that limbing a felled tree. But not too many limbs, or branches, are remaining after a tree falls. Sometimes the top of trees would snap off as it’s falling.
what's ripping ? .
Ripping wood is cutting in the direction of the fibre.
A cross cut, or bucking, is cutting the wood, or log, across the fibre.

We cut notch in front facing the direction i wanted it to fall .

-We call that the Undercut. It’s usually 1/3 the size of the tree diameter. The hinge wood determines the direction of fall.

Cut from back

We call that the Backcut.
and it should fall in direction of hinge which should still be left in place . After that snell / cut all branches off. Yours would be massive branches to cut off .
Not really massive. Most limbs have broken off during the fall of the tree.

As you say if you mess up the back cut and damage the hinge the tree goes where it wants.

Exactly! We call that a Dutchman. Those are bad.
A bit more serious your tree felling.

Definitely gets your heart beating but the adrenaline rush is kinda addictive. 👍🏻
 

Stihldog

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Jun 10, 2020
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Coquitlam, BC
Language barrier here I'm afraid 😨. Bucking or ripping ???.084 Stihl Saw . 9ft diameter massive that.
Yeah, different terminology.
27’ diameter is massive.

A guy I worked with was hired for a job in the Queen Charlotte Islands ( coast of BC) for a few months. A 27’ diameter was his largest tree he felled. He also said the trees were no taller than 150’ because of the strong winds.

The undercuts had to be huge, more than 50% of the diameter, otherwise the tree would not fall.
I can’t imagine the method or the size. 😳
 

Anders

Active member
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Oct 11, 2023
90
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Norway
As you say if you mess up the back cut and damage the hinge the tree goes where it wants.

Exactly! We call that a Dutchman. Those are bad.
When I was young (~20) while waiting for my first proper job after graduatiung as an engineer, I used some winter weeks cutting firewood for my mother, pretty close to the house. All sorts and sizes of trees, the biggest were ash and birch. None in your 27" leage, but one big birch (by Norwegian standard) was perhaps 60cm (24"). It was located in a corner, between a public road and a crossing 20 kV power line. It had to fall within a 60-70 deg sector, or else I would either close up the road or tear down the power line or both. As I had only a 13" sword on my chainsaw, I did the back cut from both sides. Unexperienced as I was, I cut through the hinge on one side. When it happened, the birch rotated a few degrees , but luckily didn't fall. Now, what to do? I had no tracktor, no winch, no other equipment. I called my neighbour, an experienced farmer and logger. Got hold of his wife, the man himself was out in his forest, working. Called the other neighbour (same type of man) and he was luckily home for lunch from work in his near-by forest. He arrived at our place with his tractor and winch. He was able to pull the birch in the right direction. When it was safely down, he jumped out from the tractor and looked at the stub; laughed and said somthing about being lucky. Then he took off to finish his lunch. That's a tale about nice neighbours in the Norwegian countryside. As you can understand, I was very grateful.
 

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