She's not Ma Duece, but will hopefully meet my needs.
Some assembly was required, namely charging the batteries, and installing the chain and bar. The batteries went from one blinking bar on the indicator, to fully-charged in about 40 minutes. Depending on the run time I get, this would be a nice break from cutting to recharge myself and the batteries.
Had to back off the tensioner two full turns to get the bar and chain on, and when I turned it back those two turns, the chain tension seemed to be just right.
Filled it with oil, snapped the batteries in it, and ran the chain at low speed until I could see some oil on it.
Off to Home Depot tomorrow to get some chaps. SLW agrees 100%, and wants me to be safe and comfortable while I'm doing this work. I have hard hats, goggles, face shields, hearing protectors, and several pairs of work gloves, from lightweight to Rhino Hide, so I should be good-to-go after I get the chaps.
Stay tuned. I've never used one of these before, but the manual is full of information on how to safely do limbing, and cutting large things. This has a 16" bar, and I don't think I'll be cutting anything bigger than 8~10", so I hope it's big enough. SLW was worried I was going to get some 5HP monster with a 30" bar, but she's quite pleased with this one.
I don't think she'll ever use it, but then I never thought I'd see her driving a pick-up truck, either!
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Lots of really good video out there on how to properly chop down and chop up all sorts of trees. Recommend you watch some and be careful of making pinch-joints. A set of cheap wedges and a hand sledge will help with that.
ReplyDeleteAnd, YAY on the chaps. Your log cutter guy is very correct, they'll help you save your legs. I've worn them doing weed-whacking, mowing, sawing, anything that can threaten my legs. They're a little bit more normal looking than a set of Roman greaves...
Over at Joel's Gulch is a handy chainsaw use and maintenance 'booklet.' http://joelsgulch.com/freebies/ It's worth a look at.
Thanks for the links, Beans.The only thing I'm unsure about are these chaps are "International Orange". I'll probably look like a USCG C-130 when I'm wearing them....
DeleteDavid of the website "True Blue Sam the Travelin' Man"
ReplyDeletehttps://truebluesam.blogspot.com/ has a YouTube channel with a bunch of very good information about chainsawing and tree work.
He is an experienced pro and his videos are well worth watching.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvAPKVCdDmn6uR0JM3Vz6PQ
The chain will probably need a bit of tightening after its first use.
Seriously, there are not many minor injuries with chainsaws.
Beans. Great information. And if your Roman armor gets pushed into your legs, does it cause a greavous injury? :)
Seriously, there are not many minor injuries with chainsaws.
DeleteYou got that right! I've never seen somebody get hurt, but I've heard and read about the injuries. Gotta wear PPE.
I got my Rhino Hide gloves out last night and worked a little neatsfoot oil into them so they're more comfy to wear.
Also get a drip pan to set the saw in. It WILL leak oil everywhere... sigh
ReplyDeleteYep, I've got a drip pan from auto use that I can use. I know, they're messy. I've never owned one before, but I've been around them a lot the last 3 years.
DeleteOur local tire dealership in Bandera, Texas is also a Stihl dealership. They have a monster chain saw on display there; it has a bar about 5 feet long with a 10 hp engine. About the only thing in this part of Texas that would require that are some really old oak trees and some of the cypress trees that line the rivers and creeks.
ReplyDeleteI've seen pictures of those. The only thing crazier is the guy that made one powered by a small block Chevy!
DeleteYou may soon be the most popular man in the neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteOur young neighbor across the street bought one yesterday. It's an off-brand from Amazon, but he says he's used one before and they're OK.
DeleteHe said he just got tired of messing around with his old Stihl.
Jealous...
ReplyDeleteNow, now, Parson!
DeleteYou're welcome to stop by and borrow it.