pole saws at work (photos)

[ArlyA]

Our clearing some ski trails today. Pole-saws rock!

 

[Gregster613]

ArlyA, You must have Big-Foot running loose in those woods, to have so many trees that just fall down! We just had some tremendous winds here and naught but a few branches came down. Maybe we were just lucky, or our concrete like clay soil holds roots better. Ha.

 

[ArlyA]

We reside in the northern hardwood forest and sections are even boreal. These forests tend to have dead limbs and trees coming down on a regular bases. Everyone's forest is different.

 

[ArlyA]

Today in the field with da saw.

 

[ArlyA]

A few taken today while clearing a XC trail in the Ottawa NF. This is in the UP of Michigan.

 

[oldballs]

Thanks for the pics Arly. I've found that those high up branches are the ones that can "hurt ya".

BTW, if you don't mind, can you comment on the dimensions of the chain that you use and how you sharpen them. Since I had no experience using a motorized pole saw, I just bought the chain/bar that came with it....viz., a 71PM3...Stihl. Man, those are tiny cutters...even though they seem to work real well. Now I see there are a number of alternate combinations...probably some that are more aggressive.

Cheers,
Mike

 

[ArlyA]

Thanks for the pics Arly. I've found that those high up branches are the ones that can "hurt ya".

BTW, if you don't mind, can you comment on the dimensions of the chain that you use and how you sharpen them. Since I had no experience using a motorized pole saw, I just bought the chain/bar that came with it....viz., a 71PM3...Stihl. Man, those are tiny cutters...even though they seem to work real well. Now I see there are a number of alternate combinations...probably some that are more aggressive.
Mike

Hey Mike. I've been using the stock chain it came with which seems is the one you mention. I just sharpen them in the field via file with no holder. I've not brought one file in to be professionally resharpened yet. The problem I'm having is breaking these tiny little 1/8 files off and need to hold both ends at once, to not do that. These 1/8 files are not readily available here so I've asked my dealer to get the parts to switch me to 5/16 chains. At least I believe that's the next size larger pitch chains. Yes those chains are tinny little things and cut little chips. Having said that, they do seem to cut fine. I've got maybe 5 chains as of now and broke one, one is dull and should go in to be sharpened while the rest are in reserve. But if I need to rely on getting my files from Stihl, they'll cost an arm and a leg and I'll break many of them. What should I do?? If you don't cut all that much, I'm not sure it would be worth switching it out...

 

[oldballs]

Thanks for the comments Arly. I just finished sharpening the OE chain with the "little 1/8 file"...first by free hand and then by using the file holder for that chain size. The problem is getting the chain in a vise for a stationary position......but I'll get better at it no doubt. The chains seem to hold their edge for quite awhile. Guess I'll stay with the three chains that I have, since I really don't cut "that much".....and I stay out of the dirt.:laughing:
Cheers,
Mike

 

[ArlyA]

I was trying to order the appropriate file holder at the same time I was looking for a box of files. Seems that these 1/8 files and 1/4" chains are more popular in the UK. I never did locate files by the box, here in the states and decided a switcheroo to the larger chains. That was a month ago and we've not yet see any parts from Stihl. Seems that the pandemic is messing with there supply chain. Oh well. :confused2:

 

[ArlyA]

Some trail clearing photos taken today. Long live the pole-saw.