Stihl Felling Dogs Guide (5 Pro Tips For Safe Tree Felling)

Stihl Felling Dogs Guide (5 Pro Tips for Safe Tree Felling)

I’ve spent years in the woods, transforming towering trees into manageable timber. I’ve seen firsthand the power of a well-used chainsaw and the importance of every single component, especially those often-overlooked heroes: felling dogs. These simple metal teeth can be the difference between a controlled, safe fell and a dangerous, unpredictable situation. In this guide, I’ll share my knowledge and experience, focusing on how to use Stihl felling dogs effectively to improve your felling technique and, most importantly, enhance your safety.

Understanding Felling Dogs: Your Anchors in the Wood

Felling dogs, also known as bumper spikes or bucking spikes, are the toothed metal protrusions located near the base of your chainsaw’s bar. Don’t underestimate them; they’re not just for show. They act as a pivot point and anchor, allowing you to leverage the power of the saw more efficiently, reduce fatigue, and maintain control during felling and bucking. Think of them as your personal anchors in the wood.

I remember a time when I was felling a particularly stubborn oak. The wood was dense, and the saw was fighting me every inch of the way. It was only when I consciously focused on using my felling dogs that I was able to power through the cut smoothly and safely. This experience solidified my understanding of their importance.

Why Felling Dogs Matter for Safe Tree Felling

Ignoring felling dogs is like trying to drive a nail without holding it. You might get lucky, but you’re increasing your risk of injury and inefficiency. Here’s why they are so crucial for safe tree felling:

Improved Control: Felling dogs provide a stable pivot point, allowing you to control the saw’s movement and prevent kickback.
Reduced Fatigue: By using the dogs as leverage, you reduce the amount of force needed to push the saw through the wood, minimizing strain on your body.
Increased Precision: They help you maintain a consistent cutting angle, leading to more accurate and predictable felling.
Enhanced Safety: Minimizing strain and maximizing control directly translates to a safer working environment. Kickback is a serious hazard, and proper use of felling dogs can significantly reduce the risk.

Pro Tip 1: Choosing the Right Felling Dogs for Your Stihl Chainsaw

Not all felling dogs are created equal. Stihl offers a variety of sizes and designs, and selecting the right ones for your chainsaw and the type of timber you’re working with is the first step to safe and efficient felling.

Size Matters: Larger dogs provide a more stable anchor for bigger trees, while smaller dogs are better suited for smaller diameter timber and limbing.
Single vs. Double: Single dogs are standard on most chainsaws, while double dogs offer increased stability and are recommended for professional use and larger trees. I prefer double dogs when dealing with hardwood species like oak or maple.
Material: Most dogs are made from hardened steel, but some aftermarket options offer enhanced durability or specialized designs.
Stihl Specific: Always ensure the felling dogs you choose are compatible with your specific Stihl chainsaw model. Check your owner’s manual or consult with a Stihl dealer.

Actionable Step: Check your Stihl chainsaw model and determine the appropriate size and type of felling dogs. Consider upgrading to double dogs if you frequently work with larger timber.

Pro Tip 2: Mastering the “Pivot and Plunge” Technique

The core of using felling dogs effectively is the “pivot and plunge” technique. This method allows you to use the dogs as a fulcrum, reducing the effort required to make deep cuts and maintaining control throughout the process.

Here’s how it works:

Initial Contact: Position the felling dogs against the tree trunk at the desired cutting point.
Engage the Dogs: Firmly press the dogs into the bark, using them as an anchor.
Pivot and Plunge: Lower the saw into the wood, using the dogs as a pivot point. As the saw cuts deeper, continue to pivot the saw around the dogs, maintaining a consistent cutting angle.
Advance the Saw: Once the cut is deep enough, advance the saw forward, keeping the dogs engaged.

I’ve found that practicing this technique on smaller logs before tackling larger trees is incredibly beneficial. It allows you to develop muscle memory and a feel for the proper amount of pressure and leverage.

Case Study: I once worked with a novice logger who struggled with making consistent cuts. After teaching him the pivot and plunge technique, his cutting speed and accuracy improved dramatically, and he reported feeling significantly less fatigued at the end of the day.

Actionable Step: Practice the pivot and plunge technique on a small log, focusing on maintaining a consistent cutting angle and using the felling dogs as a stable pivot point.

Pro Tip 3: Using Felling Dogs for Back Cuts

The back cut is a crucial part of the felling process, and using felling dogs correctly can significantly improve your safety and control. The back cut is the final cut that severs the tree, allowing it to fall. It’s crucial to leave a hinge of uncut wood to help guide the tree’s fall.

Here’s how I use felling dogs to make a precise back cut:

Positioning: After completing the face cut, position yourself on the opposite side of the tree for the back cut.
Engage the Dogs: Place the felling dogs firmly against the tree trunk, ensuring they are stable and secure.
Controlled Cut: Carefully plunge the saw into the wood, using the dogs as a pivot point to maintain a consistent cutting angle.
Hinge Management: Leave a hinge of uncut wood to control the direction of the fall. The size of the hinge will depend on the size and species of the tree.
Withdrawal: Once the back cut is complete, carefully withdraw the saw, keeping the dogs engaged to prevent kickback.

Measurement: The width of the hinge should typically be about 10% of the tree’s diameter. For example, a 20-inch diameter tree should have a hinge of about 2 inches.

Actionable Step: Practice making back cuts on smaller trees, focusing on leaving a consistent hinge and using the felling dogs to maintain control.

Pro Tip 4: Mastering Bucking Techniques with Felling Dogs

Felling dogs aren’t just for felling; they’re also incredibly useful for bucking (cutting felled trees into smaller, manageable sections). Proper bucking techniques are essential for safe and efficient firewood preparation.

Here are a few bucking techniques I use with felling dogs:

The “Leverage Cut”: When bucking logs on the ground, use the felling dogs to lift the log slightly, creating a gap for the saw to pass through. This prevents the saw from pinching and reduces the risk of kickback.
The “Rolling Cut”: For larger logs, use the felling dogs to roll the log slightly after each cut, allowing you to access the entire diameter without having to lift or move the log.
The “Notch Cut”: When bucking logs that are under tension, use the felling dogs to create a small notch on the opposite side of the cut. This helps to relieve the tension and prevent the log from splitting unexpectedly.

Original Insight: I’ve found that applying a small amount of bar and chain oil to the felling dogs can help them glide more smoothly against the bark, further reducing friction and improving control.

Actionable Step: Practice bucking techniques on smaller logs, focusing on using the felling dogs to create leverage, roll the log, and relieve tension.

Pro Tip 5: Maintenance and Safety: Keeping Your Felling Dogs Sharp and Your Work Area Clear

Like any tool, felling dogs require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and safety. Neglecting maintenance can lead to reduced efficiency, increased risk of accidents, and premature wear and tear.

Here are some key maintenance tips:

Sharpening: Keep the teeth of your felling dogs sharp. Dull teeth will slip and slide, reducing their effectiveness and increasing the risk of losing control. I use a small file to sharpen them every few weeks, depending on how frequently I’m using the saw.
Cleaning: Regularly clean your felling dogs to remove dirt, debris, and sap. This will help to prevent rust and corrosion and ensure they grip the wood properly.
Inspection: Inspect your felling dogs regularly for signs of damage, such as cracks, bends, or broken teeth. Replace them immediately if you notice any damage.
Tightening: Ensure that the felling dogs are securely attached to the chainsaw. Loose dogs can be dangerous and can also damage the saw.

Safety First:

Clear the Area: Before felling or bucking, clear the area of any obstacles, such as branches, rocks, or debris.
Proper PPE: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including a helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and chainsaw chaps.
Safe Distance: Maintain a safe distance from other workers and bystanders.
Plan Your Escape Route: Before felling a tree, plan your escape route in case of an unexpected fall.

Metrics: Aim to inspect and clean your felling dogs after every use. Sharpen them every 20-30 hours of use, or more frequently if needed.

Actionable Step: Develop a regular maintenance schedule for your felling dogs and always prioritize safety when felling or bucking trees.

Addressing Common Challenges

Even with the best techniques and equipment, challenges can arise during felling and bucking. Here are a few common problems and how I address them:

Saw Pinching: If the saw starts to pinch, stop cutting immediately and use wedges to relieve the pressure. Never force the saw, as this can lead to kickback.
Difficult Terrain: When working on uneven or steep terrain, take extra precautions to maintain your balance and control. Use a stable stance and consider using ropes or other rigging to help control the tree’s fall.
Windy Conditions: Avoid felling trees in windy conditions, as the wind can make the fall unpredictable and dangerous. If you must fell in windy conditions, be extra cautious and consider using professional assistance.
Frozen Wood: Frozen wood can be more difficult to cut and can also increase the risk of kickback. Use a sharp chain and take extra precautions to maintain control.

Real-World Example: I once had to fell a large pine tree in a heavily wooded area with limited space. I used a combination of wedges, ropes, and careful cutting techniques to control the fall and avoid damaging surrounding trees.

Conclusion: Felling Dogs – Your Partners in Safe and Efficient Tree Felling

Felling dogs are more than just metal teeth; they are essential tools for safe and efficient tree felling and bucking. By understanding their function, choosing the right dogs for your chainsaw, mastering the pivot and plunge technique, and prioritizing maintenance and safety, you can significantly improve your felling skills and create a safer working environment.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Take the time to hone your skills and develop a feel for how to use felling dogs effectively. And always prioritize safety above all else. My years in the woods have taught me that respect for the tools and the environment is paramount. With the right knowledge and techniques, you can transform towering trees into valuable timber safely and efficiently. Keep your felling dogs sharp, your mind focused, and your work area clear, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a skilled and safe wood processor.

Stihl Felling Dogs Guide (5 Pro Tips for Safe Tree Felling)