Pic of the Day

[Stihldog]

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.

 

[Just gan]

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]

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]

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.




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.

 

[steve_sordy]

@Stihldog 18' diameter! FFS
How could you even lift the chainsaw?
All right I give up, how the hell did you do it?

 

[Stihldog]

@Stihldog 18' diameter! FFS
How could you even lift the chainsaw?
All right I give up, how the hell did you do it?

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.

 

[Just gan]

@Stihldog 18' diameter! FFS
How could you even lift the chainsaw?
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.

 

[steve_sordy]

@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?

 

[Stihldog]

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]

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]

@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?

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.

 

[Stihldog]

Wow, thanks for the explanation and a bit of personal history. I love learning about people's previous lives..

Yeah, I loved this job. The money was really good too. Apparently it’s the second most dangerous job in the world. The first is a coal miner in China.

 

[Just gan]

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]

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]

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]

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.

 

[Just gan]

What kind of tree is this. And How old . Answers on a unstamped postcard to Starmerer 10 Downing street.

 

[Stihldog]

When I was young (~20) …

Been there. I’ve had a few of these “Oh Sh*t” moments.

Now it happens when I go OTB. It’s kinda funny that we can think of so many things while this is happening …favourite colour, personal regrets, happy memories etc .…and then you hit something.

Since I’ve retired I’ve never cut down a live tree. But there are some snags (standing dead tree) around our trails.







It could be that I see things differently and recognize the potential dangers. I know that a snag can fall over at any time and sometimes a slight vibration can cause them to fall. Since I maintain our trails (along with several others)and occasionally resurrect old and abandoned trails, I “sanitize” the area. But I could never make it perfect. There will always be a certain amount of risk. Btw, I never drop a snag without an observer positioned at a safe distance.

 

[Just gan]

Very cold out today especially the last 5 miles on road home . De feet get colder as i get older haha . Thought I was going to have to turn back at the fallen tree but managed to get round it. The local authority doesn't keep the harbour entrance clear anymore cutbacks ? amazing.

 

[steve_sordy]

@Binhill1 in post # 14252 above, last pic. That is the kind of sapling that I get to cut down all the time, sometimes as many as five in one compact group. But my biggest is an 8" diameter tree, limited by the 7" blade on my folding saw. It was across the trail and was very long, I had to cut that bugger twice!

 

[Just gan]

@Binhill1 in post # 14252 above, last pic. That is the kind of sapling that I get to cut down all the time, sometimes as many as five in one compact group. But my biggest is an 8" diameter tree, limited by the 7" blade on my folding saw. It was across the trail and was very long, I had to cut that bugger twice!

I can hear Stihldog laughing now .

 

[Stihldog]

I can hear Stihldog laughing now .

Kinda funny …but only for a moment. Size doesn’t matter in this industry
A small deciduous tree can be as dangerous as an 8’ conifer. Maybe worse.

A small Xmas tree size sapling , under tension, almost ripped my face off once. That was a lesson.

A limb, about the size of a baseball bat , just missed my chest and imbedded itself into my bicep. I only saw a blurr but it hit my arm so hard, and so fast, that it spun me around like a corkscrew. I layed on my back and thought “damm”, I just broke my arm.

The next 7 hours is what I call; Planes, Trains and Automobiles. It ended in the hospital …but that’s another story.

 

[glixerd]

 

[Tonybro]

No bikes as didn't take it but I was in Garlieston overnight on Tuesday and it was nice and clear and frosty by Wednesday morning. Took the dog for his morning walk at dawn and took a couple of pictures looking across to the harbour...

 

[steve_sordy]

View attachment 151027

That pic looks like you ride a bike with just one arm! If so, then top marks to you and 100% genuine admiration from me.
I need both limbs just to put my bike away.

 

[Just gan]

I was only joking , but after all the big trees @Stihldog cut down the night before I couldn't help it. Any way no room in my rucksack what with the PLB,Survival bag, flask and sandwiches and tools .

 

[Stihldog]

View attachment 151027

How did you mount the brakes or dropper? I’m curious?

I was only joking , but after all the big trees @Stihldog cut down the night before I couldn't help it. Any way no room in my rucksack what with the PLB,Survival bag, flask and sandwiches and tools .

Hey! I was tired after all that splaining …had to extend my afternoon nap . Steve is clearing trails and rucksacks need to be organized … I’m still chasing butterflies

 

[Stihldog]

I can hear Stihldog laughing now .

Now that I think of it …I’ve had more injuries on an eMTB than I ever had as a Faller.
In the past 5 years on the eMTB;
-2 concussions
-broken clavicle
-pelvis injury
-hip injury
-shoulder injury
-face injury
-multiple shin injuries(those can be heard anywhere in the world)
-foot injury
-finger injury
-knee injury
-my poor little berries injury
-elbow injury
-and numerous close calls

I’m probably preaching to the choir here; but this hobby can be risky.…and the wages suck

 

[Just gan]

Now that I think of it …I’ve had more injuries on an eMTB than I ever had as a Faller.
In the past 5 years on the eMTB;
-2 concussions
-broken clavicle
-pelvis injury
-hip injury
-shoulder injury
-face injury
-multiple shin injuries(those can be heard anywhere in the world)
-foot injury
-finger injury
-knee injury
-my poor little berries injury
-elbow injury
-and numerous close calls

I’m probably preaching to the choir here; but this hobby can be risky.…and the wages suck

Like to say they are character building but I don't think they are.

 

[steve_sordy]

Now that I think of it …I’ve had more injuries on an eMTB than I ever had as a Faller.
In the past 5 years on the eMTB;
-2 concussions
-broken clavicle
-pelvis injury
-hip injury
-shoulder injury
-face injury
-multiple shin injuries(those can be heard anywhere in the world)
-foot injury
-finger injury
-knee injury
-my poor little berries injury
-elbow injury
-and numerous close calls

I’m probably preaching to the choir here; but this hobby can be risky.…and the wages suck

You should consider taking more care of yourself. You are not getting any younger!
Trouble is that you will then feel older!
However, I confess to a vague feeling of satisfaction when my non-riding acquaintances ask after my health when I'm hobbling about, or when the osteopath is raising an eyebrow at my bruises.