quote:

Originally posted by chellim1:

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Classic case of a tree hanging up in other trees on it's way down, not uncommon with these branchy oak trees.

Ya.... it really sucks when that happens.
I had one tree that I had to cut about 6 times before I got it loose from the other tree. Frustrating, and then you start taking stupid risks.



Huh.... now what?
Stupid tree....

Wow. Studying your picture, I see NO safe way in bringing down that branch. I would not want to be at the top of that ladder trying to cut what is remaining as it could kick back and hit the ladder nor would I recommend cutting down any of those trees supporting it as you are underneath it all. No, I would just leave it and it will be down within a year anyways. Maybe you have already dealt with it so the question is moot.

If not...leave it!!

Honestly I'd just rent the appropriate saw to cut down the one tree. My favorite go to saw is a Echo pole saw (I think it's 8' long, non adjustable length). I use the crap out of it for branches and trees up to 10" diameter and (it's not as fast on the 10" diameter trees as a real chainsaw) but it's a lot safer, you don't get tree dust all over yourself and it's a great tool, the thing surprises me. It's really comfortable to use as well. It handles 95% of my needs, and if I need something bigger I borrow or rent it.....

Good advice here, and honestly unless you've at least worked with someone running a saw I'd consider enlisting a trusted friend for a second hand.

You don't have to give up your man card, but you might avoid any unnecessary incidents. Most folks start out with smaller saws, smaller and more straightforward jobs and working with someone with experience they learn from. I grew up with a farmer BIL and worked landscaping for years and had the benefit of folks way more experienced than me.

I'm not trying to be a pussy, and would probably dive right in. Just be very cautious. As others have said the tip is not your friend and when things go pear shaped it's usually fast. And for the LOVE do not work with your head directly over and near the bar like my idiot first neighbor!

60cc's of sexy. This saw punches above its weight. It is light and the anti vibration system works very well.

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Originally posted by Mr. Kook:
Dealer service is more important than brand. Pick a reputable saw from a reputable and servicing dealer and you'll be fine.

All excellent advise, but this bit bears repeating. It is kinda like choosing between Cat & John Deere - it all come down to who has the dealer that going to do a better job taking care of you.

As far as the safety chain recommendation, agree 300%. Safety chain cuts a little slower (just a little) but is much safer. Chains are consumable items - if you do much cutting at all you *will* go through them. Start with a safety chain. If you have it all figured out and want to go a teeny tiny bit faster you can always go to a more aggressive chain on the second, third, fifth, or whenever.

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My selection of chain saws is a Poulon, 50 cc engine, 20 inch bar and chain. I would get at least one extra chain. Running the chain into the dirt dulls it very quickly.

I agree with this one. Keep the chain out of the dirt at all costs. One touch and you've dulled it. It helps to touch up the sharpening now and again if you're doing heavy cutting.

A 20" bar should suffice. You can always run a shorter bar on a bigger saw, not the other way around.

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Originally posted by jimmy123x:
Honestly I'd just rent the appropriate saw to cut down the one tree. My favorite go to saw is a Echo pole saw (I think it's 8' long, non adjustable length). I use the crap out of it for branches and trees up to 10" diameter and (it's not as fast on the 10" diameter trees as a real chainsaw) but it's a lot safer, you don't get tree dust all over yourself and it's a great tool, the thing surprises me. It's really comfortable to use as well. It handles 95% of my needs, and if I need something bigger I borrow or rent it.....

Pole saws are great. We have an Echo telescoping saw that has been a real workhorse for us. It is also the only saw I ever almost got killed with. I was uphill, cutting a long (~25'), fairly large diameter (10" +/- 1/2") coast live oak branch. I was on a slope, covered with leaf litter about 8" deep. As I got close to finishing the cut, the branch started to let go I pulled the saw clear and started to back up. Turns out this is hard to do on a slope in leaf litter, I probably only got a foot or two. Where it got exciting is the end of the branch drooped down to the ground, then it started dropping at the butt end (while I am doing my best to back up). The butt end hit the brim of my ballcap, knocking it off my head, cleared my face, brushed my chest (not hard enough to leave a mark), and landed on my foot, not doing any real damage thanks to the leaf litter. Given the mass and velocity, a full face motorcycle helmet wouldn't have saved me if I were six inches down the slope. Pole saws are really unlikely to cut you, but they do allow you to cut things that are above you and this can get exciting quickly if things don't break the way you think they will.

With an unlimited budget I'd probably never use a pole saw. A good man lift can usually put you in the right spot to cut whatever you need to cut with an 025/MS250 or similar while you are above it and in no danger of wearing it. Too bad I don't have an unlimited budget...

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Originally posted by Bassamatic:
Wow. Studying your picture, I see NO safe way in bringing down that branch. I would not want to be at the top of that ladder trying to cut what is remaining as it could kick back and hit the ladder nor would I recommend cutting down any of those trees supporting it as you are underneath it all. No, I would just leave it and it will be down within a year anyways. Maybe you have already dealt with it so the question is moot.

If not...leave it!!

Throw a chain around it. If you can safely get close enough to take a couple wraps and hook it close, great. If not, make whatever loop you can. Keep tying on chains until you a) get back to the bucket on the excavator while you b) have the excavator far enough away that you won't wear the tree when you pull it out. Pull it out with the excavator. Can do with any tractor, maybe even a truck, but the excavator is nice as you can change the direction of pull up, down, sideways easily to minimize trauma to the other trees. If you do hurt some of the other trees, that's a bummer, but much better than hurting you!

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Originally posted by slosig:
Pole saws are really unlikely to cut you, but the do allow you to cut things that are above you and this can get exciting quickly if things don't break the way you think they will.

Yup. And branches often don't break the way you think they will

Just wanted to provide a quick update. First, I really appreciate all the information. One of the best recommendations was to go to a shop that specializes in chainsaws. For me that was a Stihl dealer. He was very helpful, cut me a deal on the saw and gave really great recommendations.

Went with the 291. It is getting the job done.

Thanks again!

Thanks for the update.
The MS291 is an excellent choice.

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Originally posted by slosig:

quote:

Originally posted by Bassamatic:
Wow. Studying your picture, I see NO safe way in bringing down that branch. I would not want to be at the top of that ladder trying to cut what is remaining as it could kick back and hit the ladder nor would I recommend cutting down any of those trees supporting it as you are underneath it all. No, I would just leave it and it will be down within a year anyways. Maybe you have already dealt with it so the question is moot.

If not...leave it!!

Throw a chain around it. If you can safely get close enough to take a couple wraps and hook it close, great. If not, make whatever loop you can. Keep tying on chains until you a) get back to the bucket on the excavator while you b) have the excavator far enough away that you won't wear the tree when you pull it out. Pull it out with the excavator. Can do with any tractor, maybe even a truck, but the excavator is nice as you can change the direction of pull up, down, sideways easily to minimize trauma to the other trees. If you do hurt some of the other trees, that's a bummer, but much better than hurting you!

UPDATE: The tree is down. I don't have an excavator.... so I cut down the tree the branch had fallen on and was stuck on. It had so much downward pressure on it that the saw blade got stuck. ANother saw, with several more cuts and then removal of the stuck saw from the blade to get the first saw out... then the tree still wouldn't fall. That tree had to have several more cuts and we had to push and then run like hell...

Not fun, but got it done and no one got hurt. Ha ha!

I like Husqvarna. My first lasted me 15 years and I still use it. It was the 345. My new one is the 455 but I probably fall 5 trees a year.

The MS290 I had was a great saw. The 291 is the newer version of the Farm Boss.