Just a reminder to all of us to think things through before doing anything a bit sketchy . A few weeks ago my BIL decided to take down a storm damaged branch from a Maple tree . It was maybe 6-8 " in diameter . To do it ,he had his wife lift him up in the FEL of his tractor . Well, when the branch dropped ,it rolled and caught him square in the chest ,throwing him out of the bucket . Results .... Broken left collar bone, broken right shoulder , 3 vertabrae in his neck broken . He'll likely never recover to full health ,but he's lucky to be still amongst the living . So, like I said , think it through for a moment before taking a chance .
Wow. I have an EXTREMELY healthy respect for trees I'm cutting. I've seen way too many vids of guys getting a tree to the chest or leg.
Cuttn up storm damaged trees can be very hairy if u dont have some sort of idea of whats going on...not reading pressure on a tree can cost big time...
Thanks ! He had to have the 3 vertabrae fused to 3 other vertabrae with a rod and screws . That ,and he has limited strength in his right hand . He's a heavy mechanic by trade . So I think it's going to be a tough row to hoe for him . Not gonna take your bet . I'm sure this is one of those moments in time he'd like to have back . I'd been looking at chainsaws on a stick for a few weeks before this happened . Wish that I'd have acted sooner on getting one . Maybe this would have been avoided . At any rate , I got abot 6-7 cord of wood CSS for them at their place ,and about 2 set aside at mine if they need it . So, they won't have to spend money on heating oil .
Yep . What surprised me ,other than standing in the bucket , was that he didn't take it down in pieces instead of all at one go .
You are a good man to help look out for that family. I'm sure they appreciate it. Thank you for being there and willing to help out.
This can't be repeated enough. Even if you've had some experience with it, storm damage is probably the most hazardous aspect of working with trees.
I think every tree @thewoodlands cuts is the result of storm damage. Most of those he shows us are hung up on other trees.
Hoping for a full recovery as well.. I made one cut on a Mulberry in the bucket of a FEL. Never again.. Thoughts and Prayers from Ohio..
I like them on the ground but I always worry when cutting certain uprooted trees, they all act different when cutting. I have been talked out of a few that I wanted to fell because of some members on here.
Very sorry to hear about your BIL Nixon. Hope he gets better soon. I'm as guilty as the next guy when it comes to "I'll do it just this one time"... to get the job done. Have had luck go a long way. Too long sometimes. Have had things go bad too. We all know that some of our activity can be very risky stuff... if we were honest (that leaves Jack out... ) part of the fun of dropping trees IS the risk. I like the idea of doing something most can't/won't do, because it's too crazy or risky or whatever. It's a lot of knowing from doing. We do this long enough, you know what to stay away from, and when you can push it a little. Add a little age and slower speeds, and we just have to adjust for it. It's a very individual oriented thing we like to do... and everyone has to make choices that work for them...
Sorry to hear that, trees can be nasty when they come down. Seen a few do some crazy things myself. Glad to hear he's still around.
Wow, prayers are being sent. Thats quite a eye opener. Thanks for sharing this with us. Best of wishes to your BIL...
Sad to here your BIL got hurt I hope he is back on his feet quickly Thanks for posting, a good reminder to be carful
