trail clearing technique and tools

[ArlyA]

I had my last ortho appointment this week who thinks my wrist is ready to ease back to normal work. Today I was knocking grass and shoots back at a job site and Friday is the same and I'll try get pics. Over the weekend we plan to camp and help a older freind clear her section of the North Country trail.

 

[ArlyA]

Got back tonight after 4 days of trail work as we camped at a NFS campground about 40 miles SW of here. Got into a wasp next yesterday where everyone shared a few stings. It was a very large ground nest and I whacked past them but the dogs really got it after i past by but never stung. They really got it and I got one as they dashed past me when we sent them down to the stream. We later returned with spray and got the nest which wa aoburt4ft off the trail. This time of the year we carry wasp spray in our packs. Will post pics as they are processed.

 

[ArlyA]

Still processing the 4 day trailwork pictures guys but looks like rain will keep me from work on Friday. We are contemplating giving up the grooming and trail care for the 3 some miles of trails we call Boundry Road trails for financial reasons.

 

[ArlyA]

These photos were taken on the North County trail our elderly friend cares for that we helped on over the weekend. Ya, some HD string was needed here. More photos will be posted later.

 

[ArlyA]

Before and after of this NCT parking lot. Keeping these cleared, is the most important job on your section. Easiest to do as well. Why don't people do this?

 

[MossRoad]

I'm seeing a great location to use a PowerTrac PT425 with a 4' brush cutter out front. Fits in the bed of a full-size pickup with the brush cutter hanging out the back. No trailer required. Would make quick work of that kind of situation.

 

[MossRoad]

Plus, I admire your work ethic.

 

[ArlyA]

I'm seeing a great location to use a PowerTrac PT425 with a 4' brush cutter out front. Fits in the bed of a full-size pickup with the brush cutter hanging out the back. No trailer required. Would make quick work of that kind of situation.

Yes, but with two of us operating strings it has in done in less than 1/2 an hour. Next we take the same whackers and head down the trail.

 

[MossRoad]

Yes, but with two of us operating strings it has in done in less than 1/2 an hour. Next we take the same whackers and head down the trail.

That's one thing I like about my little PT. If the trail is 4' wide, I can drive through it. I like to keep ours about 6' wide, but sometimes I get to a point where tree narrow it. If it's less than 4' wide, I go around the trees.

 

[ArlyA]

That's one thing I like about my little PT. If the trail is 4' wide, I can drive through it. I like to keep ours about 6' wide, but sometimes I get to a point where tree narrow it. If it's less than 4' wide, I go around the trees.

These trails are commonly wider that 4ft but roots rocks and bumps are everywhere. Hills as well. I'd not take a walk behind mower down them.

 

[MossRoad]

I'd take some ramps with me and cross that.

 

[2manyrocks]

These trails are commonly wider that 4ft but roots rocks and bumps are everywhere. Hills as well. I'd not take a walk behind mower down them. View attachment 815598

Looks Ruff!

 

[Piston]

These photos were taken on the North County trail our elderly friend cares for that we helped on over the weekend. Ya, some HD string was needed here. More photos will be posted later.View attachment 815539View attachment 815540View attachment 815541View attachment 815542View attachment 815543

I know you have discussed the HD string on the weed wacker before, but can you remind me what you use? I have a Stihl FS55R and I want to change the head like you have in this first photo. It appears it's a different type of head, and then single lengths of string that are easily replaceable?

 

[ArlyA]

I know you have discussed the HD string on the weed wacker before, but can you remind me what you use? I have a Stihl FS55R and I want to change the head like you have in this first photo. It appears it's a different type of head, and then single lengths of string that are easily replaceable?

Here is a head that holds .155 string. Yes, we buy it in rolls and cut it to length on a bench then tape it in bundles sized to carry in ones pocket. Takes less than 60 seconds to change string out. I'd go with larger diameter string if we could.

 

[lilranch2001]

The vast majority of sawing we do in the field is with a pole-saw which we are proponents of. We also use these to run .155 and heavier strings to knock tree shoots and tough grasses down. Stihl is suppose to be coming out with a head to hold .180 string which we will switch to asap. View attachment 697105
View attachment 697106View attachment 697107View attachment 697108

I have been perusing the Stijl 2023 catalog today, and cannot locate the .180 string head, do you have any information on it? I would like to use it in my Kombi head

 

[ultrarunner]

Not in the wilderness areas. They don't even allow anything with wheels... (a dolly, a cooler with wheels, etc).

I think the only exception is fire, and SAR rescues. Even then they need explicit permission I believe.

We were set to volunteer for a project and found all gas powered equipment banned…

I thought ok… nothing said about battery saws, etc…

The weather forecast turned bad and cancelled…

Didn’t volunteer after that because the emphasis does not seem focused on getting the task accomplished but more towards what you can’t do…

 

[lilranch2001]

Gotta love Cali!

 

[ArlyA]

I have been perusing the Stijl 2023 catalog today, and cannot locate the .180 string head, do you have any information on it? I would like to use it in my Kombi head

The .180 string heads were suppose to be out in 2019-+ but now my dealer can't say when. I'd suggest a .155 for now.

 

[ArlyA]

As seen on the trail yesterday. Top photo is our friend who is struggling to do trail-care so we are assisting her with her section of the NCT.

 

[ArlyA]

I'm back at my brushing job but working rather short days since my left wrist just wears out asap. With that in mind I've used the newly aciured cutting blade that cuts "thousands of acres every time out!" plus Stihl and Echo setups with 155 string. Let me say now the the steel cutter is quite limited in its usage.