Chainsawing trees partially submerged...

[Podunkadunk]

We had a rain-storm come through Sat. evening and a few trees went down in the creek behind my house. Has anyone ever cut trees that are partially submerged? I have a saw that I use for cutting "dirty" wood, but I don't want it to die on me. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance,
Podunk

 

[InlineDieselFan]

The one's that I have cut in the water have all been less than 8" in diameter. I just try to keep the blade depth at the least amount of depth as possible so I have less water coming back up onto/into the saw.

I place oil absorbant pads nearby to 'catch' the oil from the blade. After I am done I clean up the saw and spray it down with a good lubricant.

steve

 

[WTA]

Can you drag them out of the water? It sounds kinda dangerous to me if the water is moving at all.

 

[turnkey4099]

Yes I have. There is no problem keeping the saw running but do be prepared to get very wet. Give the saw a thorough cleaning afterward and dry it off good. Best to dunk the chain in a can of oil afteward also and then hang it to drip after a day.

Harry K

 

[Podunkadunk]

Can you drag them out of the water? It sounds kinda dangerous to me if the water is moving at all.

Not an option. Too muddy/swampy around the creek and the trees are too big for my little Kubota. Thanks though

Thanks for the responses guys. I'm going to whack 'em as soon as it warms up some.

Podunk

 

[Skyco]

I cut a bunch of stuff that blew down in my pond. Not very efficient- I'd estimate the water saps about 75% of the saw power, you'll make great rooster tails but cut slowly

 

[gordon21]

Keep in mind that some limbs may be under tension at the roots/base/stump up on shore. When you cut the top, the roots/stump may spring back. Be prepared. Another worry is where the cut pieces might go. is there any current? Will they float away or sink into the water? Be very careful in estimating where the cut wood will go.

Wear goggles and be careful. Don't let your legs or arms get pinned by moving wood.

 

[Champy]

I had similar problems......trees down in the creek, etc... Except mine were big sycamores.3-5' diameter and they were hung up on the bank too. I could not get to them through the woods with my tractor, and the creek was 2'-3' deep or more. I was afraid that cutting them would snag me and I'd be trapped underwater (forget the chainsaw / oil concerns).

My solution was to use a bow saw to hand cut the loose branches and tops in the creek so it reduced the opportunity to create a dam, and then do nothing else ........let nature take its course......until this past summer when all the creeks dried up due to the severe drought. Then I just drove the tractor straight up the dried creekbed and using the FEL as support, cut long sections and dragged them out with chains.

Can you wait for a "low tide" time of year?

 

[Champy]

some camera phone pics with my son on the tractor in our creek. Dragging smaller limbs out.

 

[scott_vt]

We had a rain-storm come through Sat. evening and a few trees went down in the creek behind my house. Has anyone ever cut trees that are partially submerged? I have a saw that I use for cutting "dirty" wood, but I don't want it to die on me. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance,
Podunk

Evenin Podunk,
We use Stihl saws over the fire house with carbide chains for ice rescue work, winter time rural water supply etc... They work fine but as others have said be prepared to get wet !!! After use,oil your machine down real good !