Landscape and Irrigation is read by decision makers throughout the landscape and irrigation markets — including contractors, landscape architects, professional grounds managers, and irrigation and water mgmt companies and reaches the entire spetrum.
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/557483
www.landscapeirrigation.com Landscape and Irrigation September 2015 37 states and municipalities do require them. Regardless, progressive climbing arborists would be well served to always wear lower body protection when operating a chain saw — no matter their location. Aer all, a bleeding laceration to the lower body is certainly not going to be any easier to deal with 45 feet up in a pin oak than it is in Mr. Jones' neatly trimmed backyard. "THIS IS KICKIN'!" ISN'T ALWAYS A STATEMENT OF GOOD THINGS One of the key thoughts to entertain when operating a chain saw is where is the path of kickback. is is extremely important when running a saw while climbing or from an aerial li, as, besides the operators' obvious isolation from ready assistance, there are simply very few options with regard to footing, body placement and movement. ese limitations, coupled with the fact that the operator is less likely to be in a "position of power" to absorb and counter the force of a kickback, all mean the operator needs to focus on the path of kickback. Knowing and recognizing the causes of kickback and avoiding them will eliminate the majority of the risk of it occurring. However, oen some thought put into the positioning of the chain saw while cutting in relation to the operator can radically limit the possibility of a kickback striking them or their climbing system. For example, operators cutting with the bottom of the bar with the saw held directly in front of their face are setting themselves up for some brutal cosmetic surgery in the event of a kickback. A quick examination of the situation Aerial chain saw use requires the use of two means/methods of attachment while cutting aloft, in this case a lanyard and a climbing system; and both hands on the chain saw. PHOTO BY SCOTT PROPHETT The completion of a properly executed spar mismatch cut in which the climber is able to put the chain saw away, and, using both hands, snap off and throw to the desired landing area the severed piece of wood. A mismatch cut on a vertical piece or spar (note that the mismatched cuts overlap or bypass one another). The distance between cuts will vary with diameter and species. PHOTO BY MICHAEL "HOUSE" TAIN PHOTO BY MICHAEL "HOUSE" TAIN will oen offer better positions or options, such as cutting from the side with the top of the bar, making any kickback that might occur likely to go out and away from the operator. Climbers and aerial li operators should also consider the location of their equipment in the path of kickback, as a saw can just as easily take out a climbing or hydraulic line. OLD SCHOOL ough oen le on the ground, or even in the truck, during aerial chain saw operation, a hand saw can be an excellent complement to its motorized progeny. A great many cuts can be carried out almost entirely with the chain saw, saving time and energy, then quickly and safely completed with a few strokes of a modern sharp, efficient hand saw. e use of a hand saw with a straight blade will allow users to evenly "thin" the hinge in a felling cut while alo, unlike a curved blade, which will remove material from either end of the hinge, leaving a thick portion in the middle. OH SNAP! e mismatch or snap cut is a great technique when cutting alo, as it allows the operator to cut the piece while leaving it in place, safely stow the chain saw away, and snap the piece off to hurl it handily towards the right place — all while avoiding one-handed chain saw operation. is technique can be used for either horizontal branches or vertical spars, though the location of the cuts will vary with orientation, species and diameter. For TREE CARE