ladders and chainsaws

[piemma]

Just a note to you guys who don't cut a lot If you have to get on a ladder to cut with a chainsaw, DON'T DO IT.

If you can't drop the tree then hire someone who can. There is nothing more dangerous than getting on a ladder with a chainsaw.

There have been a couple of incidents around where I live/work with home owners on ladders cutting branches and were seriously injured. At work we either climb (spikes and belt in a saddle) or in the bucket truck.

There are special saws called top handle saws (for instance Stihl MS200T) which are designed for climbers and bucket truck users. Even these are not safe on a ladder.

[Hookedagain]

What he said.... Good advice for sure. I watched my neighbor try this stunt and ended up with 65 stitches, and a ruined pair of Carhartt pants.

[basswipe]

A few years back a guy down the street was cutting from a ladder.He cut his leg quite badly and of course fell breaking his back in the process.

[piemma]

So my post was prompted by this asshat who just bought 5 acres down the street from me. I see him on a ladder, IN THE RAIN, the other day trying to cut one limb off a DEAD tree. So I stop and asked if he wanted me to drop the tree for him explaining that I lead the cutting crew at Crystal lake GC. He says: I know what the F&&^^K I'm doing. OK then, off I go.
Yup, wait for it … The sound of Sirens! Yup, he fell off the ladder and needed 30+ stitches.

So much for "I know what the F*&^$%K I'm doing.

[basswipe]

Amazing isn't it?

There is no amount of wisdom that can help people like that.

[FishermanTim]

Originally Posted by piemma

So my post was prompted by this asshat who just bought 5 acres down the street from me. I see him on a ladder, IN THE RAIN, the other day trying to cut one limb off a DEAD tree. So I stop and asked if he wanted me to drop the tree for him explaining that I lead the cutting crew at Crystal lake GC. He says: I know what the F&&^^K I'm doing. OK then, off I go.
Yup, wait for it … The sound of Sirens! Yup, he fell off the ladder and needed 30+ stitches.

So much for "I know what the F*&^$%K I'm doing.

Maybe that's EXACTLY what he wanted to do?
Or (more likely) it what he didn't want, but we all knew was going to happen.

I've cut branches from a pine tree in our yard while straddling another branch, using an electric (POS) chain saw. Not too difficult if you aren't standing/sitting/attached to the branch you're cutting.

Now we have a pole saw, for cutting SMALL branches within reach.
The big stuff we leave to the pros.

[TheSpecialist]

I've done it from a ladder, granted I work on ladders and poles all the time, and I used a climbing belt to strap in so I could use both hands

[Nebe]

Lol
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[OLD GOAT]

As a wood tycoon in my twenties with little kids to feed.

DON;T DO IT!!!! Not worth it at any price.

[Rmarsh]

"Saw" this on youtube ......thought I'd share it as examples of things you shouldn't do.
https://youtu.be/FOJtmDYcFMg?t=42

[Rob Rockcrawler]

This thread made me laugh. About 15 years ago when I was pretty much a newbie at tree stuff a new neighbor moved in who has since become my best bud. He is a former tree company owner. I had a hanging branch and his wife saw me set the ladder up on the tree. She told me to wait, here comes the new neighbor with his harness and spikes. Proceeded to tel me about ladders and tree work. Lots of entertainment on you tube about ladders and chainsaws. Painful to watch!
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[piemma]

Originally Posted by Rob Rockcrawler

This thread made me laugh. About 15 years ago when I was pretty much a newbie at tree stuff a new neighbor moved in who has since become my best bud. He is a former tree company owner. I had a hanging branch and his wife saw me set the ladder up on the tree. She told me to wait, here comes the new neighbor with his harness and spikes. Proceeded to tel me about ladders and tree work. Lots of entertainment on you tube about ladders and chainsaws. Painful to watch!
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Indeed it is Rob. I can't tell you how many guys get seriously injured with ladders and chainsaws. As I said before. If you can't reach it from the ground, hire a pro. We use the right equipment for the situation.

I see guys cutting without PPE all the time also. I don't start my saws without my Kevlar chaps on and eye protection.

[Rob Rockcrawler]

Originally Posted by piemma

Indeed it is Rob. I can't tell you how many guys get seriously injured with ladders and chainsaws. As I said before. If you can't reach it from the ground, hire a pro. We use the right equipment for the situation.

I see guys cutting without PPE all the time also. I don't start my saws without my Kevlar chaps on and eye protection.

I'm always wearing my glasses, if more than a couple cuts i wear the chaps. Always wear the brain bucket when dropping. Luckily i have never had an accident. If i can drop 30 pounds or so i will start climbing under the supervision of my neighbor. Talk about using muscles you don't know about, OUCH!

[PaulS]

Even the few times I've got on a step ladder with the chainsaw scared the heck out of me
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[afterhours]

I have a smallish limb that I want to drop. Requires me to use a ladder and chainsaw - remembering this thread has kept me from doing it .

[spence]

Originally Posted by afterhours

I have a smallish limb that I want to drop. Requires me to use a ladder and chainsaw - remembering this thread has kept me from doing it .

I’m sure you’re fine. Just have a few shots first to calm your nerves
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[afterhours]

Originally Posted by spence

I’m sure you’re fine. Just have a few shots first to calm your nerves
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Hold my beer, I've got this.....

[piemma]

Originally Posted by afterhours

I have a smallish limb that I want to drop. Requires me to use a ladder and chainsaw - remembering this thread has kept me from doing it .

If you still need the limb taken off, PM me. I have a pole chainsaw that, if I stand in the back of my pickup bed, I can reach up about 20'.

[afterhours]

Thanks Paul. My neighbors having some trees dropped and the guy has to drive thru my yard- i'll tell him about the limb toll .

[FishermanTim]

Or at the very least (if you have a fireplace / wood stove) have him cut some of the wood to your specifications and have it piled wherever you want it in lieu of a trespass toll.

[Jimbo]

Never been one to go high with a chainsaw even though I've only had smaller electric ones, myself. But when I was in high school my dad had no problem sending me up 15 or so feet on a ladder with a Medeival two-man, wood cutters saw (I now have in my possession). I think it was his version of manning me up. Maybe it's safer than a chainsaw, what do I know.