trail clearing technique and tools

[jjeff]

I will of course do a review of this mini-saw after i can put it through some paces. Its not suppose to show up until mid next week. My extra chains for it have arrived.

I really like the lightweight and convenience of my 12" 20volt DeWalt, For delimbing and small stuff, wish it was a top handle though, and I have to clean up around the chain catcher and sprocket guard frequently. It sure beats using a bow saw or axe though.

 

[2manyrocks]

What is a misery whip?

 

[ArlyA]

What is a misery whip?

2 man saws.

 

[RobertEH]

What is a misery whip?

A double buck saw (AKA two man saw)

Two-man saw - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[airbiscuit]

You would think they would modify the rues tp allow cordless tools. They have to be quieter than the cursing that goes on when that 2 man saw gets pinched.

 

[RobertEH]

I would think for trail clearing work, they would allow gas tools and such. But they are pretty strict. There may be others that I do not know of but the only exception I know of is for helo evacuations/SAR work.

 

[airbiscuit]

I hope some hikers in their Eddie Bauer gear saw you working, so they can better appreciate the effort involved with trail maintenance.

 

[ArlyA]

We've had to hike in, to do much of our trail work that we've done over the past 20+- years, sometimes quite a few miles in, just to start into the job. We "somewhat" ended that when we got our 6x6 that could carry all the necessary tools in, including us. After we started this practice, we found we get much more trail work done and even have more tools along with us.

 

[RobertEH]

View attachment 754360

I hope some hikers in their Eddie Bauer gear saw you working, so they can better appreciate the effort involved with trail maintenance.

I think the Eddie Bauer guys turn around when their Lattes get cold!

 

[two_bit_score]

I bought it, not my employer. I wanted it small and not use a special chain sold by the manufacturer. The smallest Stihl had there special chain on it. I didn't look at MSA 161 because I didn't consider that large of bar saw.

I have a pole saw by stihl which I do love but I don't like its micro sized chain on it that only they sale and I'm working to have it switched out..

Well, it wound up being a good exercise for me to look up that Stihl battery top handle. I have been wanting a top handle but wouldn't bite because of the price and won't use it that much, But the battery looks like something I might could use.

Looking forward to your review of the Mikita.

 

[ArlyA]

Well, it wound up being a good exercise for me to look up that Stihl battery top handle. I have been wanting a top handle but wouldn't bite because of the price and won't use it that much, But the battery looks like something I might could use. Looking forward to your review of the Mikita.

I should have the new Mikita saw on the job site on Thursday.

I got this model because of the following.

Automatic oiler.
Uses common chain size.
Already use the batteries and had good luck with them.
Has bar brake.
has top handle.

 

[airbiscuit]

Back in the day, I used to chase chainsaw hp. Now when I cut a trail through the woods, most times I use this little top handle Echo I got for $100 several years ago. Most of what I cut is 6" or less, and if I keep the chain sharp (not easy when cutting stumps off at the ground) it works for most things. I would use a larger saw if I was bucking firewood, but for trails, I'm just making 1 or 2 cuts per tree. At 7 1/2 lbs, it is nice for carrying too.

Just about time to retire this chain. One more sharpening?

 

[ArlyA]

Back in the day, I used to chase chainsaw hp. Now when I cut a trail through the woods, most times I use this little top handle Echo I got for $100 several years ago. Most of what I cut is 6" or less, and if I keep the chain sharp (not easy when cutting stumps off at the ground) it works for most things. I would use a larger saw if I was bucking firewood, but for trails, I'm just making 1 or 2 cuts per tree. At 7 1/2 lbs, it is nice for carrying too.

View attachment 754814

View attachment 754815

Just about time to retire this chain. One more sharpening?

Your chain is waaaaaay to lose. But I'd throw it at this point of wear, into the recycle anyway. We always bring mutible chains with us into the field.

 

[airbiscuit]

The chain is loose because it just came in from the field. I have 2 new chains for it. The retire it comment was tongue in cheek.

 

[airbiscuit]

I do like my Pferd Sharpener.

 

[The Deerslayer]

View attachment 754815

Just about time to retire this chain. One more sharpening?

You think?!?

 

[The Deerslayer]

I do like my Pferd Sharpener.

Same here! They are awesome.
Just wish you could use different size files with one unit to keep the cost down a bit.

 

[ArlyA]

We file by hand and that works good enought in the field.

 

[airbiscuit]

I hand file half a dozen times or so, then take it to the shop for sharpening so everything stays "Cricket"

 

[ArlyA]

I should have the new Mikita saw on the job site on Thursday.

Mini Mikita showed by via our favorite UPS driver (he loves da mutts) Should I do a review here? Or start a new thread about it.