Hydraulic limb saw project.

Smokeydog · Feb 20, 2022

Been wanting to build something like this for sometime. Now there are several brands available. Probably cost and time more efficient to buy a quality and time tested one like LimbSaw. What’s the fun in that? Plus some other features I would like to explore.

Just getting started so haven’t got to the finished product yet. Forum will help to encourage me to continue while getting valuable input along the way. Slow and steady wins the race.

Material selection has more to do with scrap pile inventory.

Using 2” receiver mounts already in service on several attachment.

Main boom made 3” square tube, 0.25” wall. 8’ long. 2.5” sleeve and 2” square bar for receiver. Tried to knock together using 16# sledge. No go. Installed on tractor a nudged, bumped against rock wall to press fit together. Nice and tight before welding. Little more than 9’ now. Getting heavy fast. Going R&D hanging storage system in the tractor shed or barns.

Did a drive around to test height on some oak, walnut and pechickory trees needing trimmed. This might work.

Gordon Gould · Feb 20, 2022

If you need any encouragement you got some from here. What are you planning to use for a saw - do you know yet ? Seems plenty heavy especially if you put a backbone on it. But then again, if if gets pinched it can take a lot of force to free it. Keep going !

gg

Smokeydog · Feb 20, 2022

Thanks for the encouragement. I’m sure technique can help prevent getting pinched. Got a Parker MGG hydraulic motor to try from Surplus Center. Being able to reverse might help get out of a pinch.

Vigo327 · Feb 20, 2022

Interesting project. What's the term for a valve that has a detent to stay engaged, but powered ie not float? I know log splitter valves do this. My B8200 loader valve seems to do it but it may not be a 'feature'.

oosik · Feb 21, 2022

That could result in a very useful implement. Several years ago I saw a hydraulically powered limb saw at the Kubota dealership. It was just like a Stihl gas powered limb saw - but much more robust construction. It had been returned because it was just too heavy. And it was probably pretty cumbersome to use. Had a 25 foot hydraulic hose attached. I was looking for something easier than my 'ol manual pole saw.

Every year I walk my mile long driveway - trimming back overhanging limbs.

Fxfymn413 · Feb 21, 2022

If you look at the commercial versions of these they almost always use a rotary saw instead of a chain saw. I wonder if that is the key to preventing pinching.

A large circular saw powered by a generator and controlled by a switch at the operator seat might work.

Smokeydog · Feb 21, 2022

Hope I can put the decades of using a manual pole experience to prevent pinching to use. Finesse and experience over brute strength.

LimbSaw makes a circular trimmer too. Be good to get user feedback.

Drilling for some plug welds for the male receiver, sleeve and boom joining.

pmsmechanic · Feb 21, 2022

Here's my thoughts. I see that you have already welded the receiver onto your bucket. I don't know if you can tilt the bucket down more that pictured but if you can't then it's going to be tougher to come down on top of the limb to cut it. If you would make something to attach to the teeth of the bucket it would give you slightly more reach and a lot more flexibility when it comes to using the saw. What I see is hard to put into words but I hope I've explained myself well enough.

Interesting project and I'm looking forward to the rest of the thread.

airbiscuit · Feb 21, 2022

kneedeep · Feb 21, 2022

I like my LimbSaw to trim high branches but it will get in a bind if not careful

pmsmechanic · Feb 21, 2022

I like the looks of that. I didn't realize that there was a knee in the equation. Disregard my earlier post.

Ken45101 · Feb 21, 2022

I looked for something like that for years. Or attach a lawn mower blade to a horizontal shaft motor mounted on the side of the loader bucket. Finally I got a LaneShark, which is a side (or other) mount brush cutter that mounts on the quick attach. Does a pretty good job.

airbiscuit · Feb 21, 2022

And then there's this.

STOUT DESIGNS, LLC – TRAILBLAZER TB-2022 – OVERHANGING LIMB AND BRUSH CUTTER

Smokeydog · Feb 23, 2022

Welded 1/2” plate strongback on top of transition joints. Four plug welds. I’m a better designer and engineer than welder. If old shaky can do it anyone can. Always get a little better toward the end of the project.

Thought about attaching finger guards to the chainsaw blade to help cut thin limbs along the road. Much like a sickle bar mower to trim down the road.

Smokeydog · Mar 3, 2022

Boom weldment in paint drip shop for a few warm weather days. Don’t know if paint has gotten drippier or my techniques have degraded. Copious swarms of gnats or hackberry hairy aphids add a little texture to the finish.

120# so far. About all I can carry.
Fork lift handles to facilitate handing and storage options. Hydraulic hose clamps and guides.

Next is the saw arm.

Gordon Gould · Mar 3, 2022

Good progress SmokeyDog. Almost there.

Looks like you had a plan.

That is a interesting looking shop building. Is there any particular history behind that or is it typical construction where you are ??

gg

airbiscuit · Mar 3, 2022

Very nice.

Smokeydog · Mar 3, 2022

Gordon Gould said:
Good progress SmokeyDog. Almost there. Looks like you had a plan.

That is a interesting looking shop building. Is there any particular history behind that or is it typical construction where you are ??

gg

WW II home started during the Manhattan Project. Built by a lady using local materials and local labor. Both her and her husband worked thru the war and after. She did farming and construction. He brought us into the atomic age. The rock walls are structural, 2-4’ thick. Part Frank Loyd Wright, part bomb shelter, part Scottish castle all from natural or salvage materials. One of many unique structures on the farm.

Smokeydog · Mar 6, 2022

Maybe sometime like this for the saw arm?
Important to only have the hinged weight on the saw when cutting and not bind the saw. Touch the limb then lower till you see hinge retainer slack, cut and repeat if necessary. Controls the cutting pressure. Little feedback of amount down pressure from loader hydraulics. From some who have done this before say a piece of chain works best monitor the hinge play?