Husqvarna Arborist Saw: Reliable for Wood Processing? (Expert Review)
Husqvarna Arborist Saw: Reliable for Wood Processing? (Expert Review)
An arborist saw, especially a model like those from Husqvarna, can be a game-changer for certain wood processing tasks. The key is understanding their strengths and limitations and how they fit into the overall workflow of turning trees into usable wood, be it for construction, furniture making, or firewood. I’ll walk you through what makes an arborist saw unique and its role in your wood processing endeavors.
Understanding Arborist Saws and Their Niche
Arborist saws, also known as top-handle chainsaws, are designed for use by trained professionals working in trees. Their lightweight design and maneuverability are paramount for tasks like pruning, limb removal, and crown reduction. However, their suitability for general wood processing hinges on several factors.
Key Features of Arborist Saws:
- Lightweight: Typically weigh between 6-10 lbs (2.7-4.5 kg).
- Compact Size: Shorter bars (12-16 inches) make them easier to handle in tight spaces.
- Top Handle Design: Allows for single-handed operation, freeing up the other hand for securing yourself in the tree (though I never recommend single-handed operation on the ground).
- High RPM: Designed for quick, clean cuts on smaller branches.
Is a Husqvarna Arborist Saw Right for You?
The answer depends on the type and scale of your wood processing activities. Are you primarily dealing with small-diameter logs and branches? Do you need a saw that’s easy to transport and maneuver? If so, an arborist saw might be a good fit. However, if you’re felling large trees or processing thick logs, a larger, more powerful chainsaw is a better choice.
Husqvarna Arborist Saws: A Closer Look
Husqvarna is a reputable brand known for producing high-quality chainsaws. Their arborist saws are no exception. Here are a few models worth considering:
- Husqvarna T540i XP: A battery-powered option offering excellent performance and low emissions. I’ve found the battery life to be sufficient for moderate use.
- Bar Length: Typically 12-14 inches.
- Weight: Around 6.4 lbs (2.9 kg) without battery.
- Pros: Lightweight, quiet, easy to start, low maintenance.
- Cons: Battery life can be a limiting factor for heavy use, initial cost is higher than gas-powered models.
- Husqvarna T425: A gas-powered model known for its reliability and power.
- Bar Length: Typically 12-14 inches.
- Weight: Around 6.4 lbs (2.9 kg).
- Pros: Powerful, reliable, readily available parts and service.
- Cons: Louder than battery-powered models, requires more maintenance.
Performance in Wood Processing:
In my experience, Husqvarna arborist saws excel at:
- Limbing: Removing branches from felled trees. Their lightweight design makes them easy to maneuver around the tree.
- Bucking Small Diameter Logs: Cutting small logs (up to 8 inches in diameter) into shorter lengths.
- Pruning: Maintaining trees and shrubs.
- Firewood Preparation (Small Scale): Cutting small rounds for firewood.
They are less suitable for:
- Felling Large Trees: The short bar length and lower power make them inefficient and potentially dangerous for felling large trees.
- Processing Large Logs: Cutting thick logs requires a more powerful saw with a longer bar.
- Heavy-Duty Use: Prolonged use on large projects can strain the saw and shorten its lifespan.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Safe and Efficient Wood Processing
Now, let’s delve into the practical aspects of wood processing, covering everything from tree selection to firewood stacking. I’ll highlight where an arborist saw can be particularly useful and where other tools might be more appropriate.
1. Tree Selection and Felling
Understanding Wood Types:
- Hardwoods: (e.g., Oak, Maple, Beech) Denser, burn longer, produce more heat, but are harder to split and take longer to dry.
- Softwoods: (e.g., Pine, Fir, Spruce) Less dense, burn faster, produce less heat, but are easier to split and dry quickly.
Felling Techniques:
- Planning: Assess the tree’s lean, wind direction, and potential hazards. Clear the area around the tree.
- Notch Cut: Cut a notch on the side of the tree facing the direction you want it to fall. The notch should be about 1/3 of the tree’s diameter.
- Back Cut: Cut from the opposite side of the tree, slightly above the base of the notch. Leave a hinge of wood to control the fall.
- Wedge: Use a felling wedge to help direct the fall and prevent the saw from getting pinched.
Safety First:
- Wear appropriate safety gear: helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and chainsaw chaps.
- Never fell a tree alone.
- Be aware of your surroundings and potential hazards.
- If you’re not comfortable felling a tree, hire a professional.
Arborist Saw Application:
While an arborist saw isn’t ideal for felling large trees, it can be useful for:
- Clearing Brush: Removing small trees and brush around the base of the tree you’re felling.
- Limbing: Removing branches after the tree is felled.
2. Limbing and Bucking
Limbing:
- Technique: Start at the base of the tree and work your way up, removing branches as you go.
- Safety: Stand on the opposite side of the tree from the branch you’re cutting. Be aware of kickback.
- Arborist Saw Advantage: The lightweight design and maneuverability of an arborist saw make limbing much easier, especially on smaller trees.
Bucking:
- Technique: Cutting the trunk into manageable lengths.
- Log Support: Use log stands or other supports to prevent the log from pinching the saw.
- Cutting Methods:
- Overbucking: Cutting from the top down.
- Underbucking: Cutting from the bottom up.
- Bore Cutting: Plunging the saw into the log and cutting outwards (requires experience and caution).
- Arborist Saw Application: Ideal for bucking smaller diameter logs (up to 8 inches). For larger logs, a larger chainsaw is recommended.
Case Study: Efficient Limbing with a Husqvarna T540i XP
I recently worked on a project where we had to clear a large number of small- to medium-sized pine trees. The Husqvarna T540i XP proved invaluable for limbing. Its lightweight design allowed me to work for extended periods without fatigue, and the battery power provided ample cutting power for the pine branches. I was able to limb approximately 20 trees per battery charge.
3. Splitting Firewood
Why Split Firewood?
- Faster Drying: Splitting exposes more surface area, allowing the wood to dry more quickly.
- Easier Handling: Smaller pieces are easier to stack and move.
- Better Burning: Split wood burns more efficiently.
Splitting Tools:
- Axes: Traditional splitting tool. Requires strength and technique.
- Mauls: Heavier than axes, designed for splitting larger rounds.
- Hydraulic Log Splitters: Powered by gas or electricity, these splitters make splitting large amounts of firewood much easier.
Splitting Techniques:
- Axe/Maul: Place the round on a chopping block. Position your feet shoulder-width apart. Swing the axe/maul with a controlled motion, aiming for the center of the round.
- Hydraulic Log Splitter: Place the round on the splitter. Activate the splitter to push the round against the wedge.
Arborist Saw Application:
An arborist saw can be used to:
- Cut Rounds: Cut the bucked logs into rounds of the desired length (typically 16-18 inches).
- Score Large Rounds: Make shallow cuts in large rounds to guide the axe/maul.
Example: Using a Hydraulic Splitter for Efficiency
I once had to process a large quantity of oak logs into firewood. Using an axe would have been extremely time-consuming and physically demanding. I rented a hydraulic log splitter, which significantly increased my efficiency. I was able to split approximately 2 cords of wood per day, compared to about 1/2 cord per day with an axe. The hydraulic splitter also reduced the risk of injury.
4. Drying and Stacking Firewood
The Importance of Drying:
- Green Wood: Wood that has not been dried. It contains a high moisture content (50-100%).
- Seasoned Wood: Wood that has been dried. It has a lower moisture content (20% or less). Seasoned wood burns more efficiently and produces less smoke.
Drying Methods:
- Air Drying: The most common method. Stack the firewood in a sunny, well-ventilated area.
- Kiln Drying: A faster method that uses heat to dry the wood.
Drying Time:
- Softwoods: Typically 6-12 months.
- Hardwoods: Typically 12-24 months.
Stacking Techniques:
- Rick: A single row of firewood.
- Cord: A stack of firewood that is 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long (128 cubic feet).
- Holz Hausen: A circular stack of firewood that allows for good air circulation.
Stacking Tips:
- Stack the firewood off the ground to prevent moisture from wicking up.
- Leave space between the rows for air circulation.
- Cover the top of the stack to protect it from rain and snow.
Original Case Study: The Benefits of a Holz Hausen
In my experience, the Holz Hausen stacking method is particularly effective for drying firewood. The circular design allows for excellent air circulation, which helps to remove moisture from the wood. I built a Holz Hausen to dry a large quantity of oak firewood. After 18 months, the wood was well-seasoned and burned beautifully. I measured the moisture content using a moisture meter and found it to be consistently below 20%.
5. Debarking Logs (Optional)
Why Debark?
- Aesthetics: Debarked logs can be more visually appealing.
- Pest Control: Removing the bark can help prevent insect infestations.
- Faster Drying: Debarking can speed up the drying process.
Debarking Tools:
- Drawknife: A traditional tool for removing bark.
- Spud: A long-handled tool for prying off bark.
- Debarking Machine: A powered machine for removing bark from large quantities of logs.
Debarking Techniques:
- Drawknife: Hold the drawknife with both hands. Pull the blade towards you, removing strips of bark.
- Spud: Insert the spud between the bark and the wood. Pry the bark off.
Arborist Saw Application:
An arborist saw can be used to:
- Score the Bark: Make shallow cuts in the bark to make it easier to remove with a drawknife or spud.
Safety Considerations: A Paramount Concern
Wood processing, whether using an arborist saw or other tools, carries inherent risks. It’s crucial to prioritize safety at every step.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear a helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and chainsaw chaps.
- Chainsaw Safety:
- Read and understand the chainsaw’s instruction manual.
- Inspect the chainsaw before each use.
- Keep the chain sharp.
- Use the correct bar length and chain type for the task.
- Be aware of kickback.
- Never operate a chainsaw while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Axe/Maul Safety:
- Use a chopping block that is stable and the correct height.
- Keep your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Swing the axe/maul with a controlled motion.
- Never swing the axe/maul over your head.
- Log Splitter Safety:
- Read and understand the log splitter’s instruction manual.
- Wear safety glasses.
- Keep your hands clear of the splitting wedge.
- Never operate the log splitter while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- General Safety:
- Work in a clear and well-lit area.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Take breaks when you’re tired.
- Never work alone.
- If you’re not comfortable with a task, ask for help or hire a professional.
Strategic Advantages of Efficient Wood Processing
Beyond the immediate benefits of having firewood or lumber, efficient wood processing offers several strategic advantages:
- Cost Savings: Producing your own firewood can save you money on heating bills.
- Self-Sufficiency: You’re less reliant on external sources for fuel.
- Environmental Benefits: Using firewood from sustainably managed forests can be a carbon-neutral heating option.
- Exercise: Wood processing is a great way to get exercise and spend time outdoors.
Conclusion: Is a Husqvarna Arborist Saw Right for Your Wood Processing Needs?
The Husqvarna arborist saw, with its lightweight design and maneuverability, can be a valuable tool for specific wood processing tasks, particularly limbing and bucking small-diameter logs. However, it’s important to understand its limitations and choose the right tool for the job. For felling large trees or processing thick logs, a larger, more powerful chainsaw is recommended.
Remember, safety should always be your top priority. Wear appropriate safety gear, follow safe operating procedures, and never hesitate to ask for help or hire a professional if you’re not comfortable with a task.
Next Steps: Putting Knowledge into Action
- Assess Your Needs: Determine the type and scale of your wood processing activities.
- Choose the Right Tools: Select the appropriate chainsaw, axe/maul, and log splitter for your needs.
- Practice Safe Techniques: Learn and practice safe operating procedures for all your tools.
- Start Small: Begin with small projects and gradually increase the scale as you gain experience.
- Seek Expert Advice: Don’t hesitate to consult with experienced wood processors or arborists for guidance.
By following these steps, you can safely and efficiently process wood for a variety of purposes, from heating your home to creating beautiful woodworking projects. Good luck, and happy wood processing!
