Talk to me about chainsaws and ladders

[jon-]

I have a tree I need to remove. It's a cherry tree, and about 10 ft high.

Sure, I could pay someone to come and remove it, but then I wouldn't end up owning a chainsaw and ladders. As a man, I feel like I shold own a chainsaw and ladders.

Thinking of something cheap and cheerful for the chainsaw:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TIMBERPRO-62cc-Petrol-Ch...

And a bit more robust for the ladders, as I'll need to paint my stairs soon.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FoxHunter-4-7M-Multi-Pur...

Any suggestions or advice before I waste my money?

[andy43]

Bow saw and a rope for a ten foot tree. By all means wear a lumberjack shirt while sawing if it helps...

[shtu]

Loppers and a bowsaw will take that down no problem, don't spend the extra "just because".

I cut down two similar-sized trees at the weekend in a couple of hours, and only cut the trunks with a chainsaw because I already have one. If I hadn't already, I would have just cut them with a saw\axe.

[roofer]

Get a big nasty chainsaw, cut tree from bottom shouting timber as it falls, trim on floor. Ladders not required, much points for getting it to fall where you wanted.

Edited by roofer on Monday 3rd August 12:02

[jon-]

But... then I won't own a chainsaw.

I've just been out to reinspect the tree. It's actually pushing 20ft, and the base of the trunk has a 25cm diameter at its widest. I'm going to need to cut it down in at least two parts, then cut it up into smaller pieces to make it fit into the back of a pickup to get it to the tip.

So... chainsaw?

[roofer]

Trees in the pic were 25ft with 2ft trunks, they came down in 1, get a 3kw leccy saw, or a mofo petrol one.

[NorthDave]

jon- said:

So... chainsaw?

Do it. I ended up with a Stihl for no other reason than they wanted to see some (irrelevant!) business insurance before they would sell it to me. They are great fun just dont get too carried away or you'll chop bits off yourself.

[smifffymoto]

Don't use the chainsaw whilst on the ladder.It is the perfect combination for a very nasty accident.

[jon-]

Finally, some pistonhead sense Unfortunately due to the location of the tree I can't cut it down in one, as it will fall on a fence or garage whatever direction it goes. I'll order some rope.

[marksx]

Possibility of owning power tool > common sense method.

I'm trying to justify a chainsaw, and I don't have any trees!

[bobtail4x4]

dont take it to the tip.

a local with a chainsaw will remove it for you and take it away,

if you must buy a chainsw dont buy a cheap one, more trouble than they are worth.

[TA14]

marksx said:

Possibility of owning power tool > common sense method.

I'm trying to justify a chainsaw, and I don't have any trees!

I remember being at Le Mans BBQ about a decade ago and there was a fairly long (15ft?) plank on the fire. I mentioned that it would be useful if we could cut the ends off to build a bigger fire. Two minutes later someone came out of their motorhome with a large chainsaw...

[CubanPete]

Mention it to the local landlord, someone will take it down for you for the wood.

That's what we did... Chap was round the following weekend.

[moles]

Put an advert in local shop window someone with a wood burner will chop it for free if they can keep the wood. That's how I get my firewood never any shortage from one year to the next.

[boyse7en]

moles said:

Put an advert in local shop window someone with a wood burner will chop it for free if they can keep the wood. That's how I get my firewood never any shortage from one year to the next.

This ^^^^


I've not bought any wood for my logburner in about 10 years since I got a chainsaw. Every time I get close to running out there is always someone with a tree needs felling or trimming.

[EggsBenedict]

smifffymoto said:

Don't use the chainsaw whilst on the ladder.It is the perfect combination for a very nasty accident.

True dat.

If you get a chainsaw, be careful. There'll no doubt be someone along who'll say you need chainsaw trousers, steel toecap boots, a visor, ear defenders and decent gloves. I'm not going to say that - it's all very sensible and all, but it's your choice. But do be careful.

Anyway.

I've got a Mitox chaisaw. Very pleased with it. It's from the 'pro' range, but your ickle tree will get lopped down with a cheaper alternative. My first chainsaw was(is) a McCulloch. It came from the 'bay. It's still great, but I do tend just to use it to cut smaller branches now, even though it has been used to fell trees. It's about 10 years old and been serviced once!

[944fan]

Chainsaw + Ladder + DIY'er = A&E

Twas always thus.

Real men push trees over and chop them up with a butter knife.

[RedLeicester]

jon- said:

But... then I won't own a chainsaw.

I've just been out to reinspect the tree. It's actually pushing 20ft, and the base of the trunk has a 25cm diameter at its widest. I'm going to need to cut it down in at least two parts, then cut it up into smaller pieces to make it fit into the back of a pickup to get it to the tip.

So... chainsaw?

It's a twig then.

Get a bowsaw and do it by hand.

[Uncle John]

Every "real" man needs a chainsaw, and you are even more of a man if you have a wonky ladder to go with it.....

I've only a small Stihl saw for firewood, but I'm happy, it does me.

[MajorProblem]

I don't think I could ever buy a "cheap" chainsaw. Just have a go with one and you'll have a new found respect for keeping your limbs attached to your body.

Costco do a mculloch cs400t 16" bar 40cc which is pretty strong, mculloch are owned by husqvarna and 90% of the parts on my saw are husqvarna parts, plus Costco give you 5yr warranty. £150.

Oh and I bet you can't pick one up without making the chainsaw noise :-)

Kudos for wanting a 20" bar for first saw.