Log-length load quote....fair deal or not?

I called a local tree-service company that I've had to tree work in my yard in the past to get a quote on having some log-length wood delivered. Here's what I was quoted:

For a "truckload" of logs (Truck holds a load of logs approx 8'wide by 24' long)

Hardwood, 10" to 24" diameter: $700
Hardwood, 24" to 40" diameter: $450

I really have no great interest in wrestling with the larger logs, so I guess I'm asking, what's your guess on how much wood this "truckload" is, and, would you consider this a fair deal?

Thanks for the help!

Greg

If the load was at least 4 foot tall you would get close to 6-8 cord per load. So if you get the 24 inch and down that would be anywhere fron 80-100 per cord. Now if they stack higher your cost will be less per cord.

Are the logs 8' long? How high? How much is a cord of split stuff in your area?

Don't know about the length. Depending on the time of year, a cord goes for $190-250 around here.

No way to guess ,not knowing the height of load

I would go for the bigger stuff, amazing what a can't hook will do moving the logs and rounds to splitter. Do you have a vertical splitter?

Swag, see his sig

They sell the Larger logs, for more, because the smaller stuff is easier to chip. Is this the Seller your looking at? I sent an email to an add on Craiglist, and here is my reply. It's a 6-8 cord load, which is what I buy now, but I get mine for $500 and its closer.

Response to my email


"Those are some great questions. the reason we sell the larger wood for less is because we have more of it. we chip most limbs up to ten inch and have the ability to chip up to 18 inch. most of the smaller product that we have left we process into firewood ourselves and it is easier and quicker for use to use the smaller diameter wood. the average cordage per load is 6-8 cords. all wood is hard woods. mostly oak and maple.

on average we like to stay within a half hour of Kirkland , but under the right circumstances we will deliver as far as 45 minutes out. if i did not mention in the add , our company is Imperial Tree INC. please feel free to ask if i can help you out any further.

Jeremy "

Sorry using my iPad (tapatalk) and can't see sig

sorry ,OK, he has a Swisher 12 ton splitter, vertical

Thanks everyone for the replies. Seems like a decent deal. Since I got my insert I've realized that my yard won't be able to supply my wood needs. I either need to get a trailer and start scrounging or have some logs delivered.

Careful with bigger stuff sometimes punk in the middle

Greg, buying by the truckload like this many times can work out really good. For sure if I did not have a woodlot to cut on I would seriously consider buying wood like that. Just think of it; there are no limbs you need to cut off and then cut up some and then take care of the brush. You won't have to haul the wood home. When you feel like cutting, just grab the saw and start cutting for there is no need to drive x number of miles to get to where you can cut.

Your 290 would be able to cut the larger logs but you'd need to get a 20" bar and chain; not a huge cost there for a big savings in the price of the wood. You definitely should have a cant hook no matter which size you buy and I think you'll buy because it is a decent price.

Now you need to determine the easiest way to cut the logs. Do you cut right on the pile? Or do you get a log at a time to cut? If you do that, a couple landscape timbers to roll the logs onto will make the cutting much easier and will keep that bar and chain off the ground much easier. In addition, you won't be worried about kickback on the saw if you cut one at a time.

Good luck.

I always wondered about cutting on the pile and kickback, now I know and if I ever get a truck load it will be smaller stuff so I can get it off the pile and cut each one by itself, thanks Dennis.

You are welcome milleo.

Cutting on the pile isn't a big deal.... just have to pay attention...

I like my feet on solid ground and I am pretty new to using a chainsaw so I will stick to playing it safe.

I pull from the pile. But I would pull and mark around 5-10 logs, depending on size. Some needed trimmed on the stack, to be able to roll the next few off. But 90% is done off the stack.

My last Log Load, from Logs to Splits is in my Signature (Evolution of a Wood stack)

Bret, you are correct.....for someone who has experience. Many times it is a bit difficult posting on the forum because we do not know for sure at what level of experience they are. So sometimes it is best to show the easiest way to keep someone out of trouble and still get the job done. Shoot, I've also cut slab wood that was not bundled but just thrown helter skelter in a pile. The fellow who had this was injured so he asked if I could cut it up for him. What I did not know was he expected his son to help. I just went about cutting it all up but there is no way I'd recommend others to do that. Same way with the stack of logs. For some it is old hat but not for all. Besides, it really won't take any more time to do it by rolling one log at a time vs cutting on the pile.

Thanks, Dennis!


My MS290 came with a 20" bar, so I'm good there. And I do have a cant hook. I had some larger trees come down over the years and that tool is a marvelous example of making leverage work for you!

I appreciate all the advice from the more-experience fellas here!

When I bought our 290 I had my choice on what bar size. I almost went with 18" but went 16" and it has worked out well. With my poor back the 290 was plenty of weight and I didn't want to add any more than that so went short. Besides, it is long enough to cut all the wood we will cut on our own place so the longer one was not needed. I have wondered several times how it would handle a 20" though so keep on posting. I'll be watching.

Hey lembalm, your in Ohio like I am. We have a lot of trees here and a lot of tree service companies. I talked around and found one where the guys gives all his wood away. Too expensive to process for firewood and doesn't want to deal with it later. As for the chipping. He owns the company. He told me when you own the company why run the large limbs through a chipper and dull the teeth when there are plenty of guys willing to take the wood from you. Two ways he gets rid of it. We take a trailer there and when his guys come back they will load the log lengths into the trailer or for $50 he will send a crane truck to your place and drop the load there. He gives the $50 to the driver as a tip for his time. This way he gets rid of it all. Talk around and I bet you can find someone like this, it makes sense. Like he told me. "I make a living cutting trees down, not trying to sell wood."

Thanks, Anybaker......this was the first place I called, as I was just curious what it would cost to have logs delivered to my house. I'll certainly call around and see who offers what.

I'm also in NE Ohio, plenty of free wood around if you look.