5' DBH Eucalyptus is killing my chains!

Re: 5\' DBH Eucalyptus is killing my chains!

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I'm going to buy a few new files for tomorrow.

Here are some recommendations that somebody emailed me.


Oregon 75CK 115DL and 75CJ 115 DL

Oregon 75 LPX multi-cut

Which stuff is better anyone?

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Oregon's "75" means 3/8's" pitch, .063 gauge. "CK" is a "square ground" cutter, semi-skip sequence (cutter, tie strap, cutter, tie strap, tie strap, cutter). "CJ" is a chisel cutter, filed using a 7/32's" round file with a full-skip sequence (2 tie straps between each cutter).
Look at this link for a description under "sequence".
http://oregonproducts.com/pdf/chain/72LPXChain.pdf

Here is 'ripping' chain.
http://oregonproducts.com/pro/products/chain/ripping_72RD.htm

Sounds like you need 2 different chains, 1 for cross cutting, 1 for ripping (cutting with the grain).

Oregon filing recommendations:
http://oregonproducts.com/pdfs/FilingAngles.pdf

Which is better? Everybody is gonna have there own opinion.
I've cut 6' diameter green Euc with both Oregon and Stihl chain and had no problem with either.

As mentioned, cutting with chisel chain requires a very precise sharpening job. This type of cutter doesn't cut well with sharpening error's.
A semi-chisel cutter (75DPX) is more tolerant of sharpening error's.

The bar, chain, and drive sprocket all come into play when cutting. Check all 3 for wear.
 
Re: 5\' DBH Eucalyptus is killing my chains!

One other thing about the bar rails...

When the chain leans to one side for a while, it can basically grind down the rail it's pressing heaviest on. Take your bar and chain off from time to time and look down the bar longways in good lighting, and try to determine if one rail is taller than the other. With the bar in a vise, use a flat file to lower the tall one to the same height as the low one..both sides. Then blow out the metal shavings with an air hose. These shavings can cause some nasty splinters and will mess things up if left in the groove.
 
Re: 5\' DBH Eucalyptus is killing my chains!

Unless you're spoiling your chains through contamination, (dirt), I don't understand why one chain couldn't see the job done.

I've cut Eucalyptus throughout my career and never had a problem with my chain work dulling on a single tree. And I've cut some mighty big Eucs myself.

I know that crotch cuts and cross grain in some Eucs can be very gnarly and work dull a chain. Even a tough Douglas fir will do the same. But 5 chains on one tree? Either your sharpening is flawed or you're cutting contaminants. If your tree is next to a dusty dirt road that might be the cause.

When I first started cutting Eucalyptus all we had on the trucks was round chain and it worked fine.

When I stepped up to chisel chain I learned that I had to keep my rakers higher to cut Eucalyptus, just to keep the chain cutting smoother without getting grabby and sticking in the cut.

A sharp chisel chain ground, or filed perfectly to cut redwood would stick and bind terribly in Euc. Much tougher fibers and needed a higher raker to cut smooth.

Luck
 
Re: 5\' DBH Eucalyptus is killing my chains!

I think there's a bunch of dirt/dust involved with this situation and it might be time to step up to a carbide chain.

We cut Euc all the time. It's hard- yes, but like Gerry said...it's just wood.
 
Re: 5\' DBH Eucalyptus is killing my chains!

What gets me is how some of the hardest deadwood comes from trees that don't have very hard green wood. Hickory, pecan, and walnut come to mind. I've heard Euc is the same way, though there's like a hundred different varieties I think. Seems I read somewhere that Balsa is heavy when green.
 
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