Clearing saw vs chainsaw

[LPilcher]

On 14/05/2021 at 15:17, htb said:

What area, density and as Steve says size matters.

About half a hectare, quite dense 

[htb]

Personally, I would go with a clearing saw with decent blade (Such as scarlett blade) on it. If they are up to 6" then may have to go from both sides to get a clean cut. We managed to take stuff out around 10" but it can be hard work, only about 1% at this size. Need a decent clearing saw mind. I used a Stihl 450, we also had a 490 and Husky 455.

If no clearing saw use a chainsaw and book an osteopath.

[Dbikeguy]

Polesaw and stay stood up, could even bend the shaft on one of the new electric models (only cables inside the fixed length model) to get horizontal cuts?

[carlos]

i couldnt see a polesaw on the ground being very ergonomic  or quick for cutting saplings even if you managed to bend the shaft to the desired angle!!!(havent tried it mind)

[htb]

Stihl used to do an angle bend for the polesaws, you could try that, if they still do them. Never seen one mind.

[openspaceman]

2 hours ago, LPilcher said:

About 3 to 6 inches in diameter 

I'd still say clearing saw, though when I chiefly used them I think we were allowed 9" or bigger blades, so  a depth of cut of 3.5" was possible. I have a feeling you are limited to  8" blade now, or can you get bigger on the 50cc brush cutters?

[htb]

Husqvarna Scarlett blades are 8".

Stihl may do up to 225mm.

[openspaceman]

20 minutes ago, htb said:

Husqvarna Scarlett blades are 8".

Stihl may do up to 225mm.

Okay but the point I am trying to make is that after allowing 30mm to clear the gear head with a 200mm blade you have at best a depth of cut of 70mm so you can sing through 70mm stems, have to have a couple of cuts (once with a pushing blade which is a bit more awkward) above 70mm and a 150mm cut is a bit much.

 

When respacing ( thinning to waste) I would use the brush cutter but would walk back through with a chainsaw for the large stems and spear cut them at 4ft just to drop them below the canopy and leave them hung up if necessary.

Edited May 16, 2021 by openspaceman

[htb]

17 hours ago, openspaceman said:

Okay but the point I am trying to make is that after allowing 30mm to clear the gear head with a 200mm blade you have at best a depth of cut of 70mm so you can sing through 70mm stems, have to have a couple of cuts (once with a pushing blade which is a bit more awkward) above 70mm and a 150mm cut is a bit much.

 

When respacing ( thinning to waste) I would use the brush cutter but would walk back through with a chainsaw for the large stems and spear cut them at 4ft just to drop them below the canopy and leave them hung up if necessary.

Agree entirely with you up to 5" trunks blade OK after that easier with chainsaw. You can do larger with a clearing saw its just a faff, and you often have a holding peg in the middle.

[openspaceman]

26 minutes ago, htb said:

Agree entirely with you up to 5" trunks blade OK after that easier with chainsaw. You can do larger with a clearing saw its just a faff, and you often have a holding peg in the middle.

Actually  I think we agree on all points