Hi boys keep it neat and tidy Stihl or Husqvarna Chansaws

[KiotiJason]

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Yea, some of us are pretty good with a file. And some of us prefer Echo.

I don't have anything against Echo, Husky or using a file.... For that matter. Whatever rocks your boat. I have a Kioti tractor but love JD and Kubotas. I'm happy to give anything a go....your're never too old to learn some new tricks!

 

[vtsnowedin]

I think my arm would fall off sharping a 20" Bar. That's a lot of turning.

Then get a Dremel and let the motor do the turning for you. I think the Timberline is a very nice set up but would have to see how fast the carbide takes a badly dulled tooth back to sharp. But for any method you use ,the time it takes to do a good job saves twice as much time when your blocking the next log.

 

[murphy1244]

Then get a Dremel and let the motor do the turning for you. I think the Timberline is a very nice set up but would have to see how fast the carbide takes a badly dulled tooth back to sharp. But for any method you use ,the time it takes to do a good job saves twice as much time when your blocking the next log.

I do have a Oregon bench grinder for the very dull chains and I carry spares will out forging wood.

 

[forgeblast]

I have a Husqvarna 353 with a 20'' bar. I really like it. I have had it since 2003.

 

[Coyote machine]

A top handle only saw is designed for professional arborists. The Stihl 192T, 200T, 211T, etc., fall into this designation. Homeowner use saws are not intended for use by homeowners in trees; for without specific training and specialized climbing gear only pros belong in trees. Top handle saws do not belong in the hands of homeowners because of the inherent risks associated with these saws. They are meant to be used to delimb trees while the climber is moving through the tree, prepping for dropping limbs or total takedown. Hence the D ring in place of a lower handle so the saw can hang on a tether, and then be used with one hand by the arborist leaving his other hand free to hold his climbing line, lowering line or some other item while using the saw to cut whatever needs cutting.

For the OP: choose any brand named in this thread and go with it. Unless you're doing what I described above the three most popular brands can do most any homeowner tree task.

 

[treman]

Top handle saws do not belong in the hands of homeowners because of the inherent risks associated with these saws. They are meant to be used to delimb trees while the climber is moving through the tree, prepping for dropping limbs or total takedown. Hence the D ring in place of a lower handle so the saw can hang on a tether, and then be used with one hand by the arborist leaving his other hand free to hold his climbing line, lowering line or some other item while using the saw to cut whatever needs cutting.

I have to disagree with you on this. Top handle saws have 2 handles and both should be used. The climbing lines and lanyards are there so you do not have to hold onto anything while cutting and therefore have both hands free to run the saw. No chainsaw should ever be used one handed no matter how small it is. It's just not safe. I'm not saying it doesn't happen just that it is not the proper way to run a saw.

 

[Coyote machine]

I have to disagree with you on this. Top handle saws have 2 handles and both should be used. The climbing lines and lanyards are there so you do not have to hold onto anything while cutting and therefore have both hands free to run the saw. No chainsaw should ever be used one handed no matter how small it is. It's just not safe. I'm not saying it doesn't happen just that it is not the proper way to run a saw.

I have to disagree with your disagreement. Are you a tree surgeon/arborist? Trained to work in trees with chainsaws? I happen to be a former tree surgeon, from before top handled saws were common, as they are now. One can hold them with two hands but that is not a requirement, though it is safest method of use. Cutting limbs/branches below one's tie in point allows safer use of a top handle saw single-handedly. The climbing line is to keep the climber in the tree. Lowering lines allow use of ground crew and tying off of limbs as determined by the climber. Lanyards allow tools like top handle saws to be suspended from the climbers belt for use as needed. One hand use of top handle saws is commonplace by those who are professional climbers, with knowledge of risks inherent in such practices. I'm not saying it is the ideal or best method, just that it is commonplace among pros.

 

[treman]

I have to disagree with your disagreement. Are you a tree surgeon/arborist? Trained to work in trees with chainsaws? I happen to be a former tree surgeon, from before top handled saws were common, as they are now. One can hold them with two hands but that is not a requirement, though it is safest method of use. Cutting limbs/branches below one's tie in point allows safer use of a top handle saw single-handedly. The climbing line is to keep the climber in the tree. Lowering lines allow use of ground crew and tying off of limbs as determined by the climber. Lanyards allow tools like top handle saws to be suspended from the climbers belt for use as needed. One hand use of top handle saws is commonplace by those who are professional climbers, with knowledge of risks inherent in such practices. I'm not saying it is the ideal or best method, just that it is commonplace among pros.

Yes I am an arborist and my current employer is a nation wide organization. It is required by my employer to use 2 hands to operate any saw. Period. I know plenty of arborist use only one hand and understand your points but that doesn't change the fact that it is an unsafe act. Many companies don't require it but that does not make it safe. Especially in the context that most of the users here have stated. I.E. Using one to limb trees on the ground.

In any case I'll keep my view and you can keep yours. I, like you I am sure, just want to see everyone go home to their family at the end of the day in one piece. If you would use a top handle with one hand then go ahead but I wouldn't advise it even to a professional. That is a risk that I and the folks I work with are not willing to expose ourselves. That's all I'll say.
Have fun and safe cutting.

 

[Coyote machine]

Yes I am an arborist and my current employer is a nation wide organization. It is required by my employer to use 2 hands to operate any saw. Period. I know plenty of arborist use only one hand and understand your points but that doesn't change the fact that it is an unsafe act. Many companies don't require it but that does not make it safe. Especially in the context that most of the users here have stated. I.E. Using one to limb trees on the ground.

In any case I'll keep my view and you can keep yours. I, like you I am sure, just want to see everyone go home to their family at the end of the day in one piece. If you would use a top handle with one hand then go ahead but I wouldn't advise it even to a professional. That is a risk that I and the folks I work with are not willing to expose ourselves. That's all I'll say.
Have fun and safe cutting.

Good points, and I do respect your opinion as a fellow pro. I guess my beef is with non-pros using arborist saws, even with two hands on the saw while cutting, even on the ground, regardless of any use by an amatuer in a tree. Any saw has great potential for injury to the operator and bystanders, and accident prevention is my top priority regardless of who is using a saw or other powered tool.
Be safe. Enjoy life....

 

[KiotiJason]

I don't see an issue with it, I don't consider myself a non skilled with chainsaw and I personelly appreciate the quality and power of the pro category saws. I'm a homeowner on 50 acres I have however been professionally trained and certified. I also do a bit of chainsaw milling with my Granberg, I wouldn't dream of using anything less than a mS660 or 880 which I consider pro saws. I've used them in all category's from 090s to the small arborist saws. I'm planning on getting an arborist saw for delimbing trees when they are on the ground so I want a powerful saw that is nimble and quality. I don't climb and always use two hands. Good technique is required to ensure the safe use of any saw in any catagory. Having said that I have always had the opinion that the smallers saws are most dangerous and all saws are dangerous. What do you consider a home owner?