Fallen Tree Cutting

[Haoleguy]

I have several large diameter trees that have fallen in thick brush and woods. I'm currently going after a large tree(25-30" dia) that I can't move with my tractor and that I want to cut so that I can move it. The issue is a combination diameter, weight and the wet muddy area it fell in. I did cut part way through and tried to break with my tractor with no luck. I'm concerned that if I cut through too far the tree with shift in the muddy base and pin my saw. Any suggestions?

 

[goaliedad]

first- be careful. if you are afraid of the bar being pinched cut from the bottom. cut some from the top first until you sense it starting to pinch, then cut from below, as the log settles it will actually open the bottom cut. most of all, be safe- with the saw and when pulling the log out

 

[hbaird]

I use a 3/4 inch 4X8 sheet of plywood as a base for my heavy duty floor jack. I jack the end of the trunk up and cut off a section small enough to move with a boom pole on my 3PH. 40 inch plus diameter get cut about 2 feet at a time, smaller diameter cuts get longer. I had 2 40 inch plus go down last year. All of this is much easier said than done.
Harold

 

[Haoleguy]

Thanks for the replies but I forgot to mention that the current tree is older and is pressed into the soil. There are no branches propping it up to allow me to get under it,

 

[turnkey4099]

Thanks for the replies but I forgot to mention that the current tree is older and is pressed into the soil. There are no branches propping it up to allow me to get under it,

Ive been cutting and heating with wood for over 30 years so BTDT.

Given that you cannot move the log and that it needs to be cut here is the technique.

Cut down from the top and insert a wedge. If the bar begins to pinch, hammer on the wedge somemore.

Cut down as far as you can without hitting dirt.

Now comes the painful part. You have to finish the cut and will cut dirt. You "baby" the saw through the last few inches. You try to keep the chain speed down but still cutting, Use the tip of the saw CAREFULLY (watch the kickback), and 'blip' the throttle. Feel your way through and yes, you can feel when the cut is almost complete.

The painful part is knowing that you will probably have to sharpen the chain when done.

Another method that takes some work is to somehow get a cable under the log, and wrap it so the pull will be from the top of the log. Pull and the log may roll over to complete the cut. That is my first approach to such a problem. My F150 2X used that way has rolled some much larger logs than what you have.

Harry K

 

[Farwell]

Sometimes it makes sense to let nature take its course unless you have a real serious need to get rid of the trees. If that is the case you may have to pay to have someone do the job for you that has the correct equipment. Wet muddy areas with logs in them speed up the decay process. It may take a few years for the trees to decay to a level where you can get them out with a chain, but it will eventually happen. I have approximately 15 trees in a wet muddy area on my property that I am waiting on nature to rot. Most of them are around 20 inches thick. They have been down 2 years and will be ready to remove by next spring.
Good luck.
Farwell

 

[Haoleguy]

Harry K. - Thank for the reply I was thinking this direction except for cutting completely through the log or using my F150 to roll the log for finishing the cut.

Farwell - I need to remove as I plan to get approval to build a driveway across this section this Fall. I do have a land clearing guy that I can lean on a little extra work and may choose to ultimately go that route.

Thanks guys.