Accident Today

I cut as low as possible so there is the most wood on the log, plus no tall stumps.

Going back after to cut the stump short means first wasted money since there is less wood on the log. Then wasted time and fuel to cut the stump short. But like I said in the other post "when possible". Situations ditact.

Never heard the saying from Fred Weyerhaeuser "cut em low boys"?

 

Situations dictate. I was just making a point that cutting low isn't "wrong".

If I was out cutting stove length rounds off felled trees right in the woods then it wouldn't really matter if I cut the tree at 8" from the ground or waist high.
But I don't.

The log gets hauled out and that chunk would be left behind. Not worth the trouble to skid it out normally.

The hardest trees I have to deal with with hand felling is usually small stuff, like 8-10" DBH. They are almost too small to properly notch/cut and you can't usually use wedges either.

Some woods around here that is all that is there.

 

I was the family member doing the sawing. The main contributor to my injury was the fact that when the tree started falling I didn't move away from the tree. It was falling exactly as it should have, and I saw no reason to move because it was falling away from me. When it hit the ground there was a three foot branch pointing down and to the side from the main trunk which caused the log to bounce and flop over, right onto my leg. I was extremely lucky it didn't do damage pain pills couldn't fix, still swollen and very bruised but otherwise fine. It was just complacency that got me. I have cut hundreds of trees, nearly all off them way larger and more difficult. I looked at the tree as an easy drop, I was in a hurry to other things besides fall trees, and just let my guard down. If anything I got a refresher course in the fact that working with saws and trees is dangerous work and must be treated accordingly. Comfort breeds complacency, complacency leads to serious accidents and property damage. I'm just glad it was me that was hurt and no ground crew, and that my injuries weren't serious. It was a good wake up call, both for me and those present, and it will make me a safer worker going forward.

 

We're all glad to hear you weren't hurt worse 451. It's funny how we can get a little too comfortable sometimes huh? Always remember that even a small tree has the power and energy to take you out. I might not get away from small trees quickly like i do when felling the big ones but i at least make a slow getaway . Hope your foot and shin heal up soon!

 

OUCH.. Glad he didn't get hurt worse.

Another thought... If you dont bring all your own saws, at least bring files. If need be you can make it a teaching moment and show 'em how to properly sharpen their chain. (the old give a fish, teach to fish thing....)

 

The person's 290 we were using is older with bad eyes, and his standards are lower than ours on that sort of a deal. Won't ever go to a job without my tools.

 

Crap happens to all of us, even when trying to be safe.

The other day I had a log roll off a pile while I was cutting them to ~20ft lengths. It didn't move but maybe a foot, but I was in the way and it caught my left shin. It did similar as the photo in this thread. Ripped the skin and some meat right off a 5" section, and scuffed up some more. I had chaps and jeans on too. I honestly didn't even stop working, just shrugged it off. Well until a bit later when I felt water leaking down my leg and realized it was blood.

 

Yikes!!!!