Chainsaw alternatives.

[Ozark Hollow]

I'm looking for an alternative to the usual gas powered chainsaw.

Currently I use a cordless electric Ryobi chainsaw. While it's better than a handsaw or an ax, it's not THAT much better.

Two possibilities, somehow run an electric model off one or a set of deep cycle batteries, or a hydraulic chainsaw hooked up to the tractor.

Please, before you suggest I just get a gas powered saw as better, cheaper and more versatile, I physically cannot pull start a gas saw. I've had too many shoulder injuries, and I just don't have the required "snap" in my shoulder or elbow joints.

After much searching, I cannot find anything other than a thread on using a Hydraulic chainsaw as part of a firewood processor.

Does anyone have any experience using one hooked up to their tractor hydraulics? Is such a thing even possible?

How about the plug in electric run off of deep cycle batteries?

Any other suggestions?

I'm REALLY tired of having to call for help every time a tree falls over and blocks one of my trails.


Thanks!

[Milton Burro]

Like this?


Limbinator Saws Hydraulic Loader Mounter Chainsaw Attachment In Use | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

[BandRRanch]

Just get yourself a small 1000watt honda or yamaha portable generator. Some of these even have electric starters so no tugging. I have a Yamaha 3000 ei with an electric starter. Just push a button. Sips gas. And you can use this for a ton of other things besides just a chainsaw. Depends on what you want to cut, but you can mount this on your atv or tractor and take it off and go just about wherever you need to with an extension cord.

[greg_g]

Does anyone have any experience using one hooked up to their tractor hydraulics? Is such a thing even possible?

On my tractor, no. But I watched disaster response crews use them cleaning up after our 2009 ice storm. Here's one. As you can see, they're not cheap. Take note also, that they'll also have to be sized according to your tractor's hydraulic flow rate. Electric? I think DC powered chain saws might be hard to find. For AC powered, you'd need an inverter. Considering the typical 25 to 40 amp alternators installed on most farm tractors, I don't think you'll get much serious work done through an inverter (that is safely sized to the alternator).

//greg//

[TripleR]

My shoulders are also shot and I had to give my old saws to my sons.

I now use Stihl saws with the "Easy to Start System". You can pull slowly on the rope and build up the pressure to release the spring starting mechanism. You can use two or more short, light pulls instead of one continuous pull. Without this, I could no longer start one. I have used the electric ones and did not like them.

[radioman]

My shoulders are also shot and I had to give my old saws to my sons.

I now use Stihl saws with the "Easy to Start System". You can pull slowly on the rope and build up the pressure to release the spring starting mechanism. You can use two or more short, light pulls instead of one continuous pull. Without this, I could no longer start one. I have used the electric ones and did not like them.

yup - my dad has one of these things. he likes it, I dont. you still gotta have strength to pull on it slow which i doubt the OP has. I really dont think electric will work on batteries. batteries is too heavy to lift and mount on tractor if you gotta maintain them. IF I were the OP, I would get a pto generator like one advertised on TBN forum from IMD. it should be much easier as all you gotta do is hook it up and run it from tractor. doubles a home backup too .

[CharlieR]

A friend of mine bought a Stihl with the easy start and loves it.
I've watched him start it and tried it myself.
It's really nice.

[Gordon Gould]

Here is a hair brained idea but it is what I would try if it were me. I would build something that holds my saw solidly down. Or maybe something waist high that you can hold it against with your hands. I would put a pully above the saw. Hook or clip a rope on the starter cord up thru the pulley then back down to a hinged board you can push on with your foot to pull the starter. The idea needs some refinement and thought to do it safely but I think you could make it work.

[DAY]

Gordon gets today's Genius Award! A hand pulled chain saw is no different than a foot cranked ( "kick start") motorcycle. Somebody here can Rube Goldberg a diagram for us all to see. . .

[cmhyland]

It seems like the cost of the hydraulic saw and associated hoses and possible PTO driven pump and tank would make it less attractive. 3500 to 6000 watt gen with electric start and ecco mode where it will idle down when not in use, and a good electric saw is the most cost effective.

If the OP has a 3pt carry-all it would handle everything and leave the FEL open for stacking wood.