trail clearing technique and tools

[Grumpycat]

A simple Bauer battery electric chainsaw:

 

[JimRB]

How do you get the rope 30' up, especially on say a 6-8" trunk?

One use case I can see with the jack is that it doesn't need an anchor.
With these smaller trees that make wedging difficult I usually use my rope come-along -- the stretch in the rope is a plus in this case because with decent tension on the rope, it continues to pull for just a bit longer than a wire cable, but you still need an anchor in the direction you're felling, and if there's no good tree that way, and you can't get a truck or tractor there... the jack could be useful.
Useful enough to pay for one? Not me, on this land, but I can imagine a place where it could be useful - especially if you're working on someone else's property and can't position a truck just anywhere.

I use a toss bag and pull string, or get out the slingshot with trigger to launch toss bag and pull string, then pull a bull rope. Amazon.com

 

[ning]

I use a toss bag and pull string, or get out the slingshot with trigger to launch toss bag and pull string, then pull a bull rope. Amazon.com

So you toss it over a branch in one direction, then go behind the tree and toss it back so that the rope goes around the tree? Assuming there's no crotch.

 

[Runner]

So you toss it over a branch in one direction, then go behind the tree and toss it back so that the rope goes around the tree? Assuming there's no crotch.

If I'm reading him correctly, I think you toss the throwball over a branch at the height you want and let it drop to the ground. Then, you take the throwball off and tie the throwline to the rope. Pull the rope over the branch (close to the main stem of the tree) so you now have both ends of the rope on the ground.

Once you have it where you want it for pulling, then tie a bowline knot in one end of the rope and put the other end through the bowline loop and pull the end of the rope so the bowline goes up the tree and the rope is now girthed around the trunk. Then, pull in the direction needed.

 

[ning]

If I'm reading him correctly, I think you toss the throwball over a branch at the height you want and let it drop to the ground. Then, you take the throwball off and tie the throwline to the rope. Pull the rope over the branch (close to the main stem of the tree) so you now have both ends of the rope on the ground.

Once you have it where you want it for pulling, then tie a bowline knot in one end of the rope and put the other end through the bowline loop and pull the end of the rope so the bowline goes up the tree and the rope is now girthed around the trunk. Then, pull in the direction needed.

Thanks, I get that picture - makes sense.

 

[2manyrocks]

There are several helpful YT videos on getting a line into a tree. I may be the worse bag thrower in the world so I try to place a line using an extendable boat hook where I can. Can't reach 30' up with a boat hook, however.

Would also say that there's some kind of slick coating on these throw lines that makes them slide over tree crotches more easily than normal line, and these lines are pretty strong for their size.

Back to trail clearing....I tried a brush blade about a year ago that was very good for shredding briars, but was just a bit heavy for my Echo. Stumbled across this shorter and lighter version that spins up nicely and yet maintains its momentum while shredding briars. Still very important to wear the appropriate safety gear while using these things, but this is the best blade I've found for this task.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08SM4HXPK?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

 

[MossRoad]

There are several helpful YT videos on getting a line into a tree. I may be the worse bag thrower in the world so I try to place a line using an extendable boat hook where I can. Can't reach 30' up with a boat hook, however.
....

I've had one of these 23' Mr. LongArm telescoping painter poles for many years. Couple that with my 8' reach and I can hit over 30' from the ground. You can adapt many attachments to the painter pole threads. I used it for my Christmas tree in the yard for years, then bought a 16' ladder and worked off of that. Tree outgrew that, now I'm using fishing bow and arrow to shoot line over tree that's about 55'.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Mr-LongArm-Alumiglass-8-2-ft-to-23-2-ft-Telescoping-Threaded-Extension-Pole/50428086

 

[2manyrocks]

There's a channel on YouTube called Finnish Lumberjack. He has a spring loaded hook to which a rope is attached that he puts up in trees with a telescoping pole. He pushes the hook in the open position against the tree trunk and then the spring locks it in place. It is apparently something sold in Europe, but I haven't been able to find a USA source for it.

 

[kenmbz]

It always seems that the branch or crotch I need to throw the line over is 60+ feet up.

Got a wrist rocket sling shot, plan to use it this winter to drag down some dead ash branches, and maybe even the whole tree if I am lucky.
Using a sling and pully to direct away from pulling tractor or truck.
With 200' of bull rope, it worked pretty well so far to get some branches out from the canopy.

they do sell the pole sling shots, but they are costly. Heard they work great though.
Like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Jameson-Throw-Launcher-Starter-FG-BS-KIT2/dp/B091BF1XKM/ref=asc_df_B091BF1XKM?mcid=144ae3518f5e3142a6e0bfc10b2a9d32&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693712983265&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=43467408102143561&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007195&hvtargid=pla-1958348166202&psc=1

 

[ArlyA]

Found three new dead-falls on the trail we care for today. Snow is coming.

 

[2manyrocks]

Nearly 60 degrees and shirt sleeve weather in middle Tennessee today.

Years ago, my Dad owned a small McCullough chainsaw. It always puzzled me why he didn't buy a bigger saw. My trail was blocked in a few places with no easy place to turn a tractor around. I decided to walk to clear the trees today and carried my Echo 271T which is similar in size to my Dad's saw. For some reason, it finally dawned on me that he must have wanted a lighter saw to carry which is the reason I bought the 271T.

 

[Runner]

Thanks, I get that picture - makes sense.

Here's another variation on this method. In this video, instead of pulling a bowline up into the tree to cinch it, August ties the pull rope around the base of the tree (secured with a running bowline).

 

[AnotherBueller]

isn't that covered metal ?

aircraft cable is a stainless steel and 9X19 or 7 X 9 (9 bundles of 19 strands (very flexible used for anything that runs around pullies)) or 7 bundles of 9 strands thicker strands not very flexible, (not for controls) )

 

[ArlyA]

Found on our trails today. Got a winter storm warning starting up tomorrow night. I might have posted the lower photo earlier, but its still out there.

 

[ArlyA]

I've got my eye on a JD 4120 with 800 hours on it. Its at a "near by" dealership.

 

[airbiscuit]

Perfect!


Tractorhouse info

 

[John_Mc]

That's a nice size, and it predates a lot of the diesel emissions stuff they have been loaded down with in more recent years. Is yours the hydrostatic transmission or the 12 speed "PowrReverser"?

If I knew then what I know now, I'd have been in that size range back when I was shopping in 2001. I was debating between a New Holland TC33D and a TC40D. I figured I really didn't "need" the larger frame size of the TC40D, so went with the smaller frame TC33D. Over the years, my uses have expanded significantly. I often find myself wishing for the larger size and higher lift capacity. (On the other hand, I'm also happy to be able to squeeze in to tighter places with my TC33D.)

 

[ArlyA]

That's a nice size, and it predates a lot of the diesel emissions stuff they have been loaded down with in more recent years. Is yours the hydrostatic transmission or the 12 speed "PowrReverser"?

If I knew then what I know now, I'd have been in that size range back when I was shopping in 2001. I was debating between a New Holland TC33D and a TC40D. I figured I really didn't "need" the larger frame size of the TC40D, so went with the smaller frame TC33D. Over the years, my uses have expanded significantly. I often find myself wishing for the larger size and higher lift capacity. (On the other hand, I'm also happy to be able to squeeze in to tighter places with my TC33D.)

Ya, size always a trade off. When I borrowed this hydro kubota, was surprised how easily I could deadhead the drive while using this blade. Not sure this 4120 will be much different.

 

[dodge man]

That JD has your name all over it Arly.

 

[John_Mc]

Ya, size always a trade off. When I borrowed this hydro kubota, was surprised how easily I could deadhead the drive while using this blade. Not sure this 4120 will be much different.

Many people who are not used to an HST transmission try to use the HST pedal like a gas pedal. If they start to bog down they press the pedal harder, which is the exact opposite of what you want to do. Give it more throttle if needed, but let up on the HST pedal (in effect shifting to a "lower gear") or shift to a lower range (you can't really get a lot of work done in the highest of the 3 ranges - that's more of a "transport" gear.)

Also, if the hydrostatic transmission is getting worn out, motion will stall out easier.