Log Load On The Way

Typ0 said:

Well I'm going to be very careful about that stuff...I hope I can move one of these logs by myself somehow. I will get it in a good place to cut ... I don't see me standing on top of wood piles cutting with the chainsaw until I know what I'm doing ... and then the trouble will start!

Click to expand...

Get a peavey or a cant hook. You can move an amazing amount using one of those things. Remember safety first even when the saw is shut off. Ending up dead or injured under a shifting log is no better than being injured by the saw. A saw is inherently dangerous. It will go right through your leg in under 2 seconds if it gets away from you. Study your cutting area and what you will need to do to make that next cut safely. Remember to avoid impacting the dirt and to avoid the top of the end of the bar. If you are not sure what you can do next safely, take pictures of your situation and come here for advice. It might be a bit embarrassing but it is better than getting hurt. You can't learn to do better unless you first stay alive.

Typo: first of all, good luck with the log load. Secondly - be careful with those lengths, my only good advice is DO NOT CUT LOGS WHILE STACKED ON THE PILE - there's a ton of weight up there, those logs can shift at a flip of a coin, you don't want to get flattened, what I did with my log loads was to make a preplan, using a chain I dragged the high pieces off the pile with my truck. Yes it took a few extra minutes, but the benefit defiantly out weighs the risk.

You'll do fine with whatever saw you get. I've been using an 029 for over 20 years. It has gotten through plenty of loads. Just keep the chain sharp like has been pointed out. Get some files, touch up the chain with every tank. Remember that if the chain hits the ground it is instantly dulled. You cannot let it touch the ground. Don't discount a 2nd smaller saw with a narrow kerf, it saves on cleanup. You will be knee deep in chips by the end of the day. Its a PITA to clean up. Making a third less isn't a bad thing.

Cutting logs that are clear of the pile is good advice too. Not having to worry about the tip catching or what will happen if the pile shifts is a good thing. Chock the lead log so it can't roll out at you while cutting if the pile shifts. A 2x stuck between it and the stringer should do. Some more 2x pieces are good for chocking the log that you are cutting too. Get yourself a prybar, it is every bit as useful as a peavey/cant dog. Some things that it excels at are; getting at the ends and prying out a log without being in the path of where its going to roll, lifting a log over knots and nubs on other logs and moving crooked pieces that don't want to be rolled or that want to flop back when you roll them half way.

Next time you get a load consider getting it laid out parallel and adjacent to your driveway. Put the stringers a few feet into your driveway and roll the piece that you are cutting so you are always cutting there. I think you will know exactly why I suggest cutting in the driveway when you go to clean up the chips and dust and bark from your lawn. Also have him lay more than 2 stringers, with 2 they become quite useless after you cut off the outside pieces of a log. It was pointed out that driveway damage is possible from the truck outriggers. To avoid that damage get some 6x6 pieces and keep them handy. Have the trucker put them under the outriggers when he unloads. The guy who drops me logs taught me that trick. He backed in, saw some 6x6s that I had on the side. Then used his grapple to pick them up and place them before dropping the outriggers and unloading. He didn't even touch them with his hands. The 6x6 pieces also become handy for use as stringers as the logs get shorter.

The best advice I ever got doing a log load if its hot is
Do 1hr in the morning before it get hot
Do 1 hour in the evening as it cools down
Always take your time don't rush it !

Please, please, please take your time and make good decisions. With that saw, setup, and your lack of experience, this is danger in the making.

I can see lack of experience, but the only way to get some is to do it.
Can't see anything wrong with saw and setup. Not best saw, but it should do the trick.

Don't forget about your feet when it comes to safety gear. I don't do anything with a saw without chainsaw boots on, and cutting a load up might be the most dangerous for your lower body.

That pile doesn't look that high - I would just go at it. Work each end of the pile, from the front left corner looking at it. That puts the blade side of the saw towards the pile. If you CAREFULLY work your way into it from the ends, you should be able to get a sawbuck kind of thing going, and the cut pieces should fall/roll away to the sides. I have cut many piles of long lengths up, of all sizes, and have never used any tool other than the saw or needed to roll logs with a tool. But you need to always be wary of and on the outlook for shifting as you go - if you work from the ends, you should be out of harms way from moving logs.

After a few loads, you'll know how you want to attack a pile, and the safety factors involved. Till then, take your time, start on the ends, and roll the cuts out of your way as needed so you have steady ground to work off of. Sucks to be tripping over rounds, especially with a saw in your hands.

Hogwildz said:

Sucks to be tripping over rounds

Click to expand...

So true.

Ashful said:

To each his own, but I'd not be tackling that load with a 45 cc saw

Click to expand...

x2

It's already been mentioned, but definitely look into getting a cant hook/ peavey for moving those around.
The log rite has been mentioned, I prefer wooden handles so this is the one I went with. Don't be worried about breaking those handles.. you won't.
http://www.amazon.com/Columbus-McKinnon-Cant-Hook-Model/dp/B000AP067M

That looks like the one I got from the local Ace Hardware store.

Maybe a couple of wedges in case the saw gets stuck?

Typ0 said:

Thanks for the input everyone. The logger talked to me about working from the sides and working through the pile too. I'm in no hurry I'll be making cuts cleaning up and keeping things clear for sure.

Click to expand...

I'm not sure if it was mentioned already Typ0, but your new saw is likely to come with a low kickback style chain. Combine that with the low end 45cc saw and you're likely to be cutting on that pile forever. Pick up a more aggressive chain after you get used to the saw, good luck!

Typ0 said:

I just got word my log load will be here in the morning. I guess it's time to get a chain saw. Is it dangerous?

Click to expand...

Possibly.

Curiosity has the better of me...I'd like to hear how this worked out.

I would get chain saw boots, rather than just steel toe ones. MUCH more protection.

Did some cutting in the heat yesterday. Photos are of a friend using one of my saws. He's not much for PPE, at least in that heat.

That's a long bar!

36 inch Stihl Rollomatic ES

wow!