Chainsaw Chaps do their job

[Treemonkey1000]

The way to cut blackberries is with a 501 Ford sickle mower. Works real slick any mower would work.

Yeah I would love it if it were that easy. These blackberries were growing through the neighbors 3 strand wire fence..Sickle mowers and wire fencing probably aren't a good combination. The other blackberry job was on the side of a ravine.. Tumbling the tractor might have spoiled my day. So if I am lucky enough to get a job on flat ground then maybe I can try it the easy way.... I do get to use my boxblade with the ripper teeth to clear out the blackberries at my Mom's place when the ground is a little harder to see how that works...

 

[2manyrocks]

Glad you are okay.

If that chainsaw is new and doing that, I'd take it back to exchange it or for them to fix it. When you release the trigger, it should go back to idle.

 

[MarkV]

Glad the chaps worked as advertised. I am real believer in using them. Have a surgeon friend who gave me a very graphic description of how hard it is to sew up chainsaw wounds. That sold me. Chainsaws do not cut flesh they tear and rip it up.

A good source for chainsaw safety gear is Chainsaws, Outdoor Power Equipment and Tree Care Supplies from Bailey's .

MarkV

 

[Thomas]

Glad you came out on the winning end...whew.

Sharing you may just save another from nasty event.

 

[NuBota]

I have decided on Labonville for chaps - they make their own - only reason I haven't ordered yet is they are on my wish list for my bday in a couple of weeks. I was looking at the Stihl's, but after some research, decided on these - watch their video

Welcome to Labonville.com - Logging Supplies and Safety Apparel

Also, this video - Dept. of Labor tests - Labonville was sample used for "state of the art" chaps.

YouTube - Chainsaw Leg Protection

-Eric

 

[jimmyj]

I hate to admit it but my chaps are still in the package after 3 years.

"My name is Jimmyj and I am a chainsaw dumba*s. I commit officially to the group that I make a resloution to wear them from now on."

There is no excuse not too and I've just been lazy. Any yes, I cut through my coveralls and pants once without hitting my skin.

Thanks for the post and the reality check!

 

[horse7]

I like the full wrap chaps such as the Husqvarnas:
Safety Chaps
which I haven't seen anywhere else. The lower leg buckle straps also wrap around which is better than the cheaper variant of just sewing to the chap surface. Three calf buckles shift less than the two buckle cheaper versions too. The down side is more cussing to get them off after being out at 0F for hours and having cold stiffened fingers....

The idea of the wraparound is that the chain can pull the partial chap covering around the leg and out of the way and reach YOU underneath. Don't know if that is a sales gimmick or not, but the additional cost/effort is negligible for full wrap vs. the other versions-- the hard part is just putting chaps on every time the chain saw is used.

 

[Ridgewalker]

well, looks like i need a pair....

the bad habbit part is, i'm out mowing on my tractor, think "let's cut this one little branch, oh, i don't need my chaps and they are clear back at the truck anyway....."

vs.

"i'm going to be cutting all day, it's cold anyway, i think i'll wear my chaps..."

That was me today..."I'm just going to trim a little trail, won't take long"...I didn't wear my chaps and cut thru my pants on top of my thigh. Didn't get me but what a scare!

 

[CurlyDave]

I have the Stihl brand...

The chainsaw is new. This is only the second time I've used the chainsaw. It is a Homelite Pro 20 inch model. The engine won't throttle down when you release the trigger. I assume it has some kind of centrifugal clutch to engage the chain. I'm guessing that the engine never slows enough to disengage the chain.

Your priorities are right -- name brand safety gear at least.

I agree with the idea of not using that saw until it is fixed and tested. Think what your leg is worth and then consider a Stihl or a Husky saw. I have one of each and they both last like a mother-in-law's curse, and the safety features work. Well, most of the time. My neighbor has a Stihl saw where he ran over the chain brake and broke it and he won't get it fixed.

 

[jimmyj]

My neighbor has a Stihl saw where he ran over the chain brake and broke it and he won't get it fixed.

Amazing. Buy a good tool and not use it right. I also feel that Husqvarna and Stihl are tops. I have had my Husq. for many years and have cut tens of cords of wood with it. Every 2 years I have it tuned up and any parts that need replacing done at the dealer and it's paid me back many times over.

 

[Flatheadyoungin]

i think that's what i'll go with too.......4 layers of kevlar.....i think one of the other brands only had 2.......for about the same price....

I have decided on Labonville for chaps - they make their own - only reason I haven't ordered yet is they are on my wish list for my bday in a couple of weeks. I was looking at the Stihl's, but after some research, decided on these - watch their video

Welcome to Labonville.com - Logging Supplies and Safety Apparel

Also, this video - Dept. of Labor tests - Labonville was sample used for "state of the art" chaps.

YouTube - Chainsaw Leg Protection

-Eric

 

[40_acre_mule]

Well, I got a reply from Homelite, sort of..

My message has been forwarded to their "Product Safety Board."

 

[Treemonkey1000]

Well Yeah I think that would be a Safety issue with the saw staying revved up like that...
Now see what you started! We are going to have Safety interlocks and sign waivers on them thar chainsaws....

 

[brandoro]

40 acre mule--did you try adjusting the idle screw?? Your manual should indicate where the mixture and idle adjusting screws are and how to set them. If the trigger is not stuck at WOT or the choke stuck on then the idle screw may be out of adjustment.

 

[Treemonkey1000]

I think that since it is still so new he did the right thing by checking with Homelite. If it were an old saw then after checking the choke and throttle spring idle adjustment would be the next thing to look at.
That new of a saw shouldn't have a stuck throttle.

 

[slaveToHorses]

I hate to say it but...my experiences with Homelite power equipment have all been miserable. If there is any way to get your money back, do so. Then buy a Husqy or Stihl or Echo or even Poulan. I have had good luck with all those. My newest saws are all Stihl but I have a old 20" Poulan that was made before chain breaks and plastic housings. It still gets used every week and has never had more than a simple tuneup.
However the new Poulan and Husqy saws I see in the local home improvement stores sure look and feel cheap. I don't have any experience with those.

I hate wearing chaps. But, I do try to force myself. They sure are hot in the summer. I have had a pair of Husqies for so long I can't remember when I got them. They are nylon on the outside I think, but seem to hold up ok in the blackberries. I do think the newer brands with cordura might be better though.

After reading this, I think I will be better about wearing my chaps. So I thank you

 

[40_acre_mule]

Just got off the phone with a Homelite rep. They are going to send me a replacement saw AND replacement chaps.
They are also sending a box for me to ship the defective saw back to them.

 

[crashz]

The Safety Forum here at TBN has been a real eye opener for a lot of people including myself. Speaking of eyes, that was all I protected while out cutting wood prior to reading these boards. Thanks to all of those who shared some horrific tales, I have up graded to hard hat, kept the safety glasses, ear plugs, heavy leather gloves, steel toe boots, and finally Husq'y chaps. Since the rest of my face has taking a beating with chips, I'm also thinking of a hard hat with face shield.

Thanks for sharing! You probably saved someones life!

 

[Treemonkey1000]

Hey 40 acre that is cool that they are stepping up to the plate like that..New chaps? Geez what a bonus...
Crashz I agree that the wisdom on this whole site has maybe raised the awareness level up a lot on Chainsaw and many other items of Safety. I have learned a lot just on tractor safety alone.. The chainsaw stuff is good to know. If you are working on the ground the screen face shield helmet with earmuffs is great. While working up in a tree that is more of a problem so I always have the hardhat, glasses and earplugs going. That's the same stuff I wear on the ground even if it is going to be a few "quick cuts" Now I have Safety chaps to wear after a couple of near misses..

 

[two_bit_score]

>>Just got off the phone with a Homelite rep. They are going to send me a replacement saw AND replacement chaps.
They are also sending a box for me to ship the defective saw back to them.<<


Take the new saw back to the dealer and get your money back. Then buy a Stihl.
Good luck.