To thin or not to thin

[truckdiagnostics]

Is that the diameter at breast height?

Steve

It would give me flush with the ground on all but a few. If I could not cut the base, at the least, I could go high shear it then drag the shear down the tree, knocking the dead branches off making it easier to drop with a saw. My fear would be if you don't get a clean shear and top is heavy I could flip the loader. That is the thought anyway, there does not appear to be a lot of used shears out there. New they are real pricey and I can't find one to rent. This is going to be an interesting project, will have to be light enough yet be able to shear 12". Almost be easier to do a saw?

 

[Mysfyt]

It would give me flush with the ground on all but a few. If I could not cut the base, at the least, I could go high shear it then drag the shear down the tree, knocking the dead branches off making it easier to drop with a saw. My fear would be if you don't get a clean shear and top is heavy I could flip the loader. That is the thought anyway, there does not appear to be a lot of used shears out there. New they are real pricey and I can't find one to rent. This is going to be an interesting project, will have to be light enough yet be able to shear 12". Almost be easier to do a saw?

I'd give the saw idea some thought. Less stress overall and parts might be a little more economical. Both would be a fun build, though. Logging show coming to Escanaba (MI) next month. Might be a good 'idea' trip.

 

[truckdiagnostics]

Like the logging show idea. Thinking shear is the way to go. From what I have read and it makes sense, on anything over 5", if the tree does not tip in right direction the saw binds up. I can build the shear, Issue i have is I am not very good at under building and by the time I am done it is going to weigh to much. The shear everyone is saying is the best and from what I can gather is, comes in at 1,400 lbs. I would be real happy with half that. One of these days I am going to sit down and learn/teach myself cad. Issue there being sit down. I can get card board models, made a lot faster than I'll ever learn cad and they are three d. Only thing is I can't e mail a card board model for an engineer to do my calculations.

 

[Mysfyt]

I hear you on the overbuilding part. I have a good friend that is an engineer and will crunch numbers for me at times. He really helped me out building a hydraulic punch press. Steered me towards T1 steel and after seeing it stand the test of time, I'm a believer. Cut the weight in half plus it was stronger. Sounds like a good material for your shear structure.

As far as the shear blades go, check into ironworker replacement blades such as Edwards or Scotchman. I don't think they are too pricey and you can get four sides out of them before needing to resharpen. Just some thoughts to ponder.

 

[fishfactor]

What kind of skid steer do you have? You will need plenty of pressure and weight with that size trees. We had a Bobcat T320 and it had a really difficult time pushing enough pressure to shear a 12" loblolly pine using a fecon 14" shear. Out CAT 299DXHP machines have higher relief pressure which helps a lot. We paid $8K for our shear, lightly used, but it was money well spent.

On a side note, if you are dealing with 12" diameter trees, they should be marketable. Definetely pulp wood, maybe some hew or chipsaw in there too.

 

[truckdiagnostics]

What kind of skid steer do you have? You will need plenty of pressure and weight with that size trees. We had a Bobcat T320 and it had a really difficult time pushing enough pressure to shear a 12" loblolly pine using a fecon 14" shear. Out CAT 299DXHP machines have higher relief pressure which helps a lot. We paid $8K for our shear, lightly used, but it was money well spent.

On a side note, if you are dealing with 12" diameter trees, they should be marketable. Definetely pulp wood, maybe some hew or chipsaw in there too.

Thanks, that is good information. I can work things backwards and go with a larger diameter cylinder. It will function slower, but time i have.

 

[Zerk]

. So, yes i am being Even though i don't believe I would need a permit to thin, I would involve the county. It is just paying respect to your elders so to speak

This is one of the saddest things I have read in awhile.

I am not against getting advice, but I don't need the government's blessing.