johshaw

Thank you all for your replies, very much appreciated. There is some very sound advice that I will adhere to. I really liked the advice that if you are not 100% sure about what will happen felling a tree, walk away and re-think. I spent some time on Sunday surveying trees to fell, mature Beech trees, and there were a few I wasn't comfortable with so won't be going anywhere near them. Thankfully I have hundreds to choose from. The reason I change the chain after every tank of fuel is a friend of mine advised you always want your chain really sharp. I think that is good advice. I have an Oregon bench grinder so it takes only a few mins to sharpen a few chains. Thanks, John

Thank you all for your replies and good advice. I always try and keep safety top of mind and keep my chain sharp (letting the saw do the work), swapping the chain after each tank of fuel. I have an Oregon bench grinder to maximise the sharpness of the chains I use and minimise the time it takes to sharpen them. I am based in Ayrshire and have access to lots of mature hardwood trees. Haven't really spent much time with the 576 yet but will take it easy to start with. My plan is to use the 576 for felling and then cutting the larger rounds from the trunk and using the 550 for the branches and slimmer trunks. My biggest concerns are the force of any kickback on a 576 as compared to my previous 345 and also the weight of it. Thanks, John

Never taken any training - just read the manual many times over and taken tips from some colleagues using similar sized saws (Husky 340).

Hi Folks, would appreciate if someone could provide some guidance for me. I have been using a Husky 345e (18" bar) for the last 6-7 years, averaging once a week for an hour or two. Recently I sold this saw and bought a Husky 550 (15" bar), which I really like and also a Husky 576XPG (20" and 28" bars). The 576 is clearly a much more serious saw than I have been used to. I have read online that security/safety issues with such a saw are more important and I would like to know what additional safety I should be considering ? I have chainsaw boots, trousers, helmet, gloves and jacket. Maybe it's not safety clothing but technique I need to pay more attention too with such a saw. Any advice would be very welcome. All my cutting is done with my feet firmly on the ground, no climbing. Thanks, John