Proper Chainsaw Positioning and Usage

TreeLogic

TreeLogic

Branched out member
Location
Coastal SC
Anybody have a link to documentation of good chainsaw usage? I'd like to have something to back me up when I try to teach my guys good technique, and they complain that it's uncomfortable, or they've seen guys doing it this way or that. I know the manuals state to not stand over the cut, but stand off to the side. However I'm looking for a little more detailed information than that.

One thing that has always seemed really dangerous to me is when on a big saw, operators want to hold the trigger handle with their left hand, the handle bar with their right, and with the saw at chest height they stand right in front of the bar on a horizontal trunk cut. I tried searching for some information on this but the only thing I can come up with is the saw is for right handed use only.

Thanks in advance.
 
I just attended the TCIA CTSP workshop here in Asheville and Tim Walsh (Co - instructor of the workshop) said that TCIA will have a Tree Care Academy Chain Saw specialist book available as soon as he gets a chance to finish it :-).
For now, I would compile from several sources, such as, Jerry Beraneks Fundamentals, manufacturer materials, and maybe a video from the internet...
 
I think all you can do is analyze the body position in relation to the chain and bar. Most guys have a need to see the line of the cut instead of trusting the sights and balance of the saw. If you start with a thorough understanding of how the sights work, how hand position influences the angle of the cut, the balancing and the goal of minimizing exposure to the arc of a kickback then you can get them to better understand proper cutting techniques.
 
Tim Ard did a 2 day training for our city guys last November. It was paid for by the state through some sort
Of grant program. Our guys had several eye opening moments and have adopted several of the techinques taught. You might want to see if SC has a similar program going. Tim lives in north GA so it could happen for you. He is also doing a workshop for tree stuff.
 
Regardless of the size of the saw, its more about knowing what the saw is capable of. Sharp chain,proper depth gauges, looked after bar, use of the dogs,confidence of the saw power. Positioning will come naturally with experience
 
http://www.arbclimber.com/index.php/digital-magazine

One Hand Versus Two Hand Cutting Issue 1
Chainsaw Techniques Issue 2
Managing the Saw while working aloft Issue 4
Staying Alive Cut while working aloft Part 1 and 2 Issues 5 and 6 respectively.

Positioning to Make the Cut Issue 3
Here is small sample
We arbclimbeers operate with athleticism, skill and knowledge of many disciplines. We apply force to our tie in points and body and accept responsibility for those actions. When handling the power saw it is crucial to maintain a strong and stable centre of balance. It is worth while to examine and communicate a comprehensive set of actions to postition and performm confidently with a chainsaw in the tree.
Successfully collecting a cheque at the end of the day is secondary to being able to perform our work/collecting a cheque to a ripe old age plus free of any major aches, pains, crippling injuries or at worst death.
 
sjmtrees said:
Regardless of the size of the saw, its more about knowing what the saw is capable of. Sharp chain,proper depth gauges, looked after bar, use of the dogs,confidence of the saw power. Positioning will come naturally with experience
Click to expand...
Let me reiterate, this is not for me. I'm looking for a teaching tool. To paraphrase what TH said above, experience can teach you bad habits too. And you won't get much training time in, if you put a chainsaw into your chest along the way. Experience can be a great teacher, but not when you get away with doing something wrong nineteen times. That twentieth time can be a bitch.
 
RopeShield said:
http://www.arbclimber.com/index.php/digital-magazine

One Hand Versus Two Hand Cutting Issue 1
Chainsaw Techniques Issue 2
Managing the Saw while working aloft Issue 4
Staying Alive Cut while working aloft Part 1 and 2 Issues 5 and 6 respectively.

Positioning to Make the Cut Issue 3
Here is small sample
We arbclimbeers operate with athleticism, skill and knowledge of many disciplines. We apply force to our tie in points and body and accept responsibility for those actions. When handling the power saw it is crucial to maintain a strong and stable centre of balance. It is worth while to examine and communicate a comprehensive set of actions to postition and performm confidently with a chainsaw in the tree.
Successfully collecting a cheque at the end of the day is secondary to being able to perform our work/collecting a cheque to a ripe old age plus free of any major aches, pains, crippling injuries or at worst death.
Click to expand...
Thanks RopeShield. That's the type of stuff I'm looking for.
 
Let me know if you have trouble with any thing. I have a few hard copies here.
Regarding the scenario you describe, is the position of the saw with bar nuts up or down? And is it back chaining or pulling?. Just guessing here but it may have some things to do with comfort. I have had trouble working with left handers in the past. Easy solution might be to start the cut with the top handle and then 660 it. On a leaner and getting pushed or pulled of balance is a bear.
 
RopeShield said:
Let me know if you have trouble with any thing. I have a few hard copies here.
Regarding the scenario you describe, is the position of the saw with bar nuts up or down? And is it back chaining or pulling?. Just guessing here but it may have some things to do with comfort. I have had trouble working with left handers in the past. Easy solution might be to start the cut with the top handle and then 660 it. On a leaner and getting pushed or pulled of balance is a bear.
Click to expand...
Come to think of it I think I've seen it bar nuts up sometimes, and bar nuts down sometimes. Depending on whether the right hand is on the trigger handle, or the left hand. It's mostly when trying to line up the horizontal cut of the face that I've seen it done, and I assume they feel they can get more of a level cut when looking directly at the bar. Personally, I just feel a lot safer if my body is at the back end of the saw, not in the kickback path.
 
TreeLogic said:
Personally, I just feel a lot safer if my body is at the back end of the saw, not in the kickback path.
Click to expand...

That's because your mama didn't raise any fools... some of these guys think that as long as they smear a little Rogaine on their nutsack, it will prevent them from taking a chainsaw blade to the face. My dad (rest his soul) told me, "Never take advice from a guy covered in ugly scars. He's either a badass or a fool. There's a lot more fools out there than badasses."
 
TreeLogic said:
Anybody have a link to documentation of good chainsaw usage? I'd like to have something to back me up when I try to teach my guys good technique, and they complain that it's uncomfortable, or they've seen guys doing it this way or that. I know the manuals state to not stand over the cut, but stand off to the side. However I'm looking for a little more detailed information than that.

One thing that has always seemed really dangerous to me is when on a big saw, operators want to hold the trigger handle with their left hand, the handle bar with their right, and with the saw at chest height they stand right in front of the bar on a horizontal trunk cut. I tried searching for some information on this but the only thing I can come up with is the saw is for right handed use only.

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Don't have any links on hand, but a training thought... you could focus on the ease and importance of using the sights in order to aim your face cut easily, then you HAVE to stand behind the saw (behind in relation to the direction of felling ). You don't look at your gun when you are trying to hit a target, you look at your target. Can't do that if you're facing the tree you're cutting. Remind them that running the throttle with your right thumb is totally acceptable, so you don't have to crank your wrist around to use your "trigger finger" when you've got bar nuts down with the top facing your target. And with a big saw, holding it down at waist level standing behind the saw is a lot more comfortable than chest high in front of it.
 
My chainsaw instructor, a feller, small engine mechanic and motocross racer, described holding the saw as being akin to holding the handlebars on a bike. When you're standing beside the trunk facing your target look down along the sights. They give you both direction and level. Practice that so they get use to setting up cuts like this and they'll develop it as a habit.
 
TreeLogic said:
Let me reiterate, this is not for me. I'm looking for a teaching tool. To paraphrase what TH said above, experience can teach you bad habits too. And you won't get much training time in, if you put a chainsaw into your chest along the way. Experience can be a great teacher, but not when you get away with doing something wrong nineteen times. That twentieth time can be a bitch.
Click to expand...
Are you talking about positioning In atree? or on the ground? Position for cutting in a tree is awhole different ball game and is probably the hardest thing to learn as a climber. Note_ Experience of a chainsaw should be second nature at this stage
 
sjmtrees said:
Are you talking about positioning In atree? or on the ground? Position for cutting in a tree is awhole different ball game and is probably the hardest thing to learn as a climber. Note_ Experience of a chainsaw should be second nature at this stage
Click to expand...
Dear sjmtrees, please read original post.
 
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