need qualification to buy a top handle

[Steve999]

Can any of you professional tree surgeons please explain to me (an amateur but who has attended a basic c/ s course out of interest of self preservation, and has no intention of ever climbing) why it's safer to use a top handle saw when airborne? It looke real dodgy. What about kickback, looks like there's no possibility of controlling the reaction - guess the answer is technique, don't get into the zone where it can happen. Yes?

[burrell_]

steve most people use a topper 1 handed because they can i do

i will tell u no lies but a 1 handel saw in a tree is MUCH easier and u will only find that out if u was a climber but alot of people use toppers one handed when there is no need

its feeling safe with the saw and knowning what u can do with it before it bits

as iv bin bit 2 time bad

[Rich2484]

The official lines about one handed use of a top handle is something like if you don't need to use one hand then don't. But I have seen sometimes its the only safe way to do it. When using a handhold to steady yourself etc.

[skyhuck]

Can any of you professional tree surgeons please explain to me (an amateur but who has attended a basic c/ s course out of interest of self preservation, and has no intention of ever climbing) why it's safer to use a top handle saw when airborne? It looke real dodgy. What about kickback, looks like there's no possibility of controlling the reaction - guess the answer is technique, don't get into the zone where it can happen. Yes?

 

According to H&S guidelines top handled saws are only to be used one handed when at the extremity of the crown, when reaching out at arms reach where its not possible or safe to use both hands and the saw is so far away from you that a kick back would not hit your body, at all other times two hands are to used.

[Steve999]

Thanks for the info skyhuck. If kickback were to occur, presumably the saw would go flying towards the operator - sounds lethal. I've seen videos of trees being demolished with the top handle being used with both hands, so probably close enough to do some serious damage. As always, whatever H+S advise, individuals will do as they want.

 

Anyone had kickback with a top hanle?

[Steve999]

Sorry, I was posting whilst others were or had replied. I think Burrell was saying he'd been bitten on 2 occasions. How bad mate?

[burrell_]

me in the chest JUST BELOW THE NECK so i was lucky but hands up

MY FAULT

stupid

confer trying to get done on a really hot day

[skyhuck]

IMO, its important to remember that we are all different, just look at sport, people's capabilities are very different, its important to learn your own capabilities and work within them, its best if you can discover your limits without being cut.

[Steve999]

You guys deserve whatever you charge to down a tree. The general public have no idea what's involved and the potential risk.

[burrell_]

i think dave as always is rite experience WILL never over come tickets

dont matter what tickets u have experience is KING