Monthly Archives: November 2013

Chainsaw Chain: Types and Applications

 

Chainsaw Chain

chainsaw chain

All chainsaw chain is not created equal! There are three different types of chainsaw teeth and sequences used in the arborist industry; chisel, semi-chisel, and skip chisel.  All of them have different uses and applications.Along with the different types of chain, there are also three cutter sequences;  standard (chisel & semi-chisel), skip, and semi-skip.Chisel chain has a square cornered tooth that cuts wood quickly and easily for fast, efficient cutting in clean softwood. This is the fastest cutting of the three types of chains and the type of chain most often used.

Semi-chisel chain has a rounded cornered tooth formed by a radius between the top and side plates. While 10% slower cutting than full chisel chain, semi-chisel chain retains it’s sharpness longer. This makes it a good choice for cutting in a dirty environment, frozen wood, hard wood, or for stump work. Hitting dirt won’t dull the chain as quickly as it would chisel chain.

Skip and semi-skip chisel chain have less cutter teeth than the standard chain. Generally they are used on bars longer than 24″ for added chip clearance or when a bar longer than is recommended for a chainsaw is used.  Fewer teeth means it takes less power to operate.

There are also three size issues to know about chainsaw chain. Gauge – the thickness of the drive links (i.e. .050, .058, .063); pitch – the distance between two rivets (i.e. .325, 3/8, .404), and the length measured by the number of drive links.  All three numbers must be known to get the proper size chain for your saw.  Most of the time these numbers can be found on the bar.

Be safe with your chainsaw. Use the correct type of chain for your application.

 

Climbing Ropes and Harnesses

AAS CAT BACK COVER-SMALL

Climbing Ropes and Harnesses: Are You Performing Daily Safety Checks

One task in the arborist industry that is not performed as often as it should be is the safety inspection of climbing ropes and saddles. Since your life depends on your safety gear they must be free from excessive wear, tears, and damage that could lead to catastrophic equipment failure. Daily inspection of these items is not only prudent but required under ANSI standards.

The following excerpt is taken from the The ANSI Safety Requirements for Arboricultural
Operations -(ANSI Z133.1)

“Chapter 8: Work Procedures

8.1        Ropes and Arborist Climbing Equipment

8.1.4 – “Arborists shall inspect climbing lines, work lines, lanyards, and other
climbing equipment for damage, cuts, abrasion, and/or deterioration before each
use and shall remove them from service if signs of excessive wear or damage are
found.

8.1.5 – Arborist saddles and lanyards used for work positioning shall be identified
by the manufacturer as suitable for tree climbing.

8.1.6 – Arborist saddles and lanyards used for work positioning shall not be altered
in a manner that would compromise the integrity of the equipment.”

At  American Arborist Supplies all of our saddles, ropes, and other climbing
equipment meet all of the applicable ANSI safety standards. As a general rule
of thumb, climbing saddles and ropes that receive everyday use should be replaced
at the very minimum every 5 years even if they are not showing any obvious signs
of wear. The constant use of these items (stretching, varying weight loads, abrasion
against carabiners and other objects, etc.) may cause internal damage to them that
is not visible to the naked eye.

While conducting a daily safety inspection of your equipment may take a few extra
minutes, think of your loved ones. They will thank you for taking the time to care.