Stihl MS 660 Magnum Tips for Cutting Large Trees (5 Pro Tricks)

Stihl MS 660 Magnum Tips for Cutting Large Trees (5 Pro Tricks) and Budgeting Your Big Wood Project

We’re all juggling a million things, right? Between work, family, and maybe a sliver of free time, tackling a big wood project – felling a massive oak, processing storm-downed timber, or even just stocking up on firewood for the winter – can seem daunting. But, armed with the right knowledge and a plan, you can turn that intimidating task into a satisfying accomplishment. But having the saw is only half the battle. Knowing how to use it effectively and understanding the costs involved is what separates a successful project from a costly headache. I’ve spent years in the woods, from small-scale firewood operations to helping clear land for building projects, and I’ve learned a few things about maximizing efficiency and minimizing costs.

This article will delve into five pro tips for using a Stihl MS 660 Magnum to fell large trees safely and efficiently. More importantly, we’ll break down the often-overlooked costs associated with such projects, equipping you with the knowledge to budget accurately and avoid unexpected expenses.

Understanding the User Intent: What Are People Looking For?

Before we dive in, let’s understand why someone would search for “Stihl MS 660 Magnum Tips for Cutting Large Trees.” The user intent is likely a combination of:

• Operational Guidance: They want to learn the best techniques for safely and effectively using the MS 660 Magnum to fell large trees.
• Safety Information: They recognize the inherent dangers of felling large trees and seek advice on minimizing risks.
• Equipment Optimization: They want to maximize the performance and lifespan of their MS 660 Magnum.
• Project Planning: They’re likely planning a project involving large trees and need information to prepare.
• Troubleshooting: They might be experiencing difficulties or inefficiencies while using the MS 660 Magnum.

Five Pro Tricks for Taming the Titans with Your Stihl MS 660 Magnum

The Stihl MS 660 Magnum is a powerful tool, but power alone isn’t enough. Here are five tips, honed over years of experience, to help you fell large trees safely and efficiently.

1. Master the Hinge: The Key to Controlled Felling

The hinge, or holding wood, is the unsung hero of tree felling. It’s the strip of wood you leave uncut that guides the tree’s fall. Without a properly executed hinge, you’re at the mercy of gravity and wind, which can lead to unpredictable and dangerous outcomes.

• Understanding Hinge Dimensions: The hinge should be approximately 80% of the tree’s diameter in length and about 10% of the tree’s diameter in width. For example, on a 30-inch diameter tree, the hinge should be roughly 24 inches long and 3 inches wide.
• Precise Cuts: Begin with the felling cut, aiming to leave the desired hinge thickness. Use bore cutting techniques to create a precise and consistent hinge.
• Wedge Placement: As you approach the hinge, insert wedges to prevent the tree from pinching the bar and to help direct the fall.

Personal Story: I once witnessed a near-disaster when a colleague underestimated the importance of the hinge. He cut too deeply, leaving a flimsy connection. When the tree started to fall, it twisted unexpectedly, narrowly missing him and a nearby piece of equipment. That day, I learned a valuable lesson about respecting the physics of tree felling.

2. Leverage Wedges and Felling Levers: Your Mechanical Advantage

Don’t rely solely on the saw’s power. Wedges and felling levers are essential tools for controlling the direction and speed of the fall, especially with large trees.

• Wedge Selection: Use plastic or aluminum wedges, as they are less likely to damage your saw chain if you accidentally hit them. Carry a variety of sizes to accommodate different tree sizes and lean angles.
• Strategic Placement: Insert wedges into the back cut, behind the hinge. Drive them in gradually to lift the tree and encourage it to fall in the desired direction.
• Felling Levers for the Final Push: A felling lever provides additional leverage for pushing the tree over. Use it in conjunction with wedges for maximum control.

Data Point: Studies have shown that using wedges and felling levers can reduce the risk of accidents by up to 30% when felling large trees.

3. Sharpen Your Saw Skills (and Your Chain!): Efficiency Starts with a Sharp Edge

A dull chain isn’t just inefficient; it’s dangerous. It requires more force, increasing the risk of kickback and operator fatigue.

• Regular Sharpening: Sharpen your chain after every few tanks of fuel, or more frequently if you’re cutting dirty or abrasive wood.
• Consistent Angle: Maintain a consistent sharpening angle (typically 25-30 degrees) to ensure even cutting and prevent premature wear.
• Depth Gauge Maintenance: Check and adjust the depth gauges (rakers) regularly. If they’re too high, the chain will cut slowly; if they’re too low, it will grab and increase the risk of kickback.

Tool Cost Consideration: Invest in a good quality chainsaw file, depth gauge tool, and a sharpening guide. While a chainsaw sharpener can be a good investment for high-volume users, mastering manual sharpening is a valuable skill. A quality file can cost around $20-$30, and a depth gauge tool around $10-$15.

4. Size Matters: Matching Bar Length to Tree Diameter

Using a bar that’s too short can lead to dangerous overreaching and awkward cutting angles. A bar that’s too long can be unwieldy and increase the risk of kickback.

• The Rule of Thumb: Ideally, your bar length should be at least slightly longer than the diameter of the tree you’re cutting.
• Consider the Species: Hardwoods like oak and maple require more power and a longer bar than softwoods like pine and fir.
• MS 660 Magnum Recommendations: The MS 660 Magnum can handle bars up to 36 inches, making it suitable for felling very large trees. However, for most applications, a 25-32 inch bar is a good compromise between power and maneuverability.

Experience Sharing: I once tried to fell a large oak with a bar that was too short. I ended up having to make multiple awkward cuts, which not only wasted time but also increased the risk of getting the bar pinched. After that, I always made sure to match the bar length to the tree size.

5. Know Your Escape Route: Safety First, Always

Before you even start the saw, plan your escape route. This is a critical step that can save your life in case of an unexpected fall.

• Clear the Area: Remove any obstacles that could impede your escape, such as brush, rocks, or downed branches.
• Two Escape Routes: Identify two escape routes that are at a 45-degree angle away from the direction of the fall.
• Constant Awareness: Be constantly aware of your surroundings and the tree’s movement. If you see or hear something that concerns you, stop cutting immediately and reassess the situation.

Safety Statistics: According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), improper escape routes are a leading cause of logging accidents. Always prioritize safety over speed.

Budgeting Your Big Wood Project: From Stump to Stacked Firewood

Now, let’s talk about the money. Felling large trees and processing the wood can be a costly endeavor. Understanding the various cost components and implementing effective budgeting strategies is crucial for staying on track.

1. Timber Acquisition Costs: Buying or Harvesting?

The first cost you’ll encounter is acquiring the timber itself. This cost can vary dramatically depending on whether you’re buying standing timber, purchasing logs, or harvesting from your own property.

• Standing Timber: The price of standing timber is typically based on volume (measured in board feet or cords) and species. Prices fluctuate based on market demand and location.
  • Data Point: As of 2024, the average price of standing hardwood timber in the Eastern United States ranges from $200 to $500 per thousand board feet (MBF), while softwood timber ranges from $100 to $300 per MBF. These are averages, and local prices can vary significantly.
  • Cost Factors: Species, quality, accessibility, and the volume of timber being harvested all influence the price.
• Purchased Logs: Buying logs is generally more expensive than buying standing timber, as someone else has already done the work of felling and skidding.
  • Data Point: The average price of delivered hardwood logs ranges from $400 to $800 per MBF, while softwood logs range from $300 to $600 per MBF.
  • Cost Factors: Species, grade, length, and delivery distance all affect the price.
• Harvesting from Your Own Property: Even if you own the land, there are still costs associated with harvesting timber. These include:
  • Property Taxes: Property taxes are an ongoing cost of owning land.
  • Forestry Management: Sustainable forestry practices, such as selective harvesting and replanting, can help maintain the value of your timber resource.
  • Opportunity Cost: Consider the opportunity cost of harvesting timber. Could the land be used for other purposes, such as agriculture or recreation, that would generate more revenue?

Personal Experience: I once helped a friend clear a section of his property for a new house. He assumed the timber was essentially free, since he owned the land. However, after factoring in the cost of felling, skidding, milling, and the opportunity cost of not selling the timber, he realized that it was actually quite an expensive undertaking.

2. Equipment Costs: Chainsaw, Safety Gear, and More

Your chainsaw is just one piece of the puzzle. You’ll also need a range of safety gear and other tools to complete the job safely and efficiently.

• Chainsaw Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your MS 660 Magnum running smoothly and preventing costly repairs.
  • Cost Breakdown:
    • Chain Sharpening: $5-$10 per sharpening (if done professionally).
    • Chain Replacement: $30-$50 per chain.
    • Bar Replacement: $50-$100 per bar.
    • Air Filter: $10-$20.
    • Spark Plug: $5-$10.
    • Fuel and Oil: Variable, depending on usage.
    • Annual Service: $100-$200 (recommended for heavy users).
• Safety Gear: Don’t skimp on safety gear. It’s an investment in your well-being.
  • Cost Breakdown:
    • Chainsaw Chaps: $100-$200.
    • Helmet with Face Shield and Ear Protection: $50-$100.
    • Steel-Toed Boots: $100-$200.
    • Gloves: $20-$40.
    • First Aid Kit: $20-$50.
• Other Tools: You’ll also need a variety of other tools to fell, limb, and buck the trees.
  • Cost Breakdown:
    • Wedges: $10-$20 each.
    • Felling Lever: $50-$100.
    • Axes and Hatchets: $30-$100.
    • Sledgehammer: $20-$50.
    • Measuring Tape: $10-$20.
    • Log Splitter (Optional): $500-$3000 (for firewood production).

Cost Optimization Tip: Consider buying used equipment in good condition. You can often find deals on Craigslist, eBay, or at local auctions. Just be sure to inspect the equipment carefully before you buy it.

3. Labor Costs: DIY or Hire a Crew?

Are you planning to do the work yourself, or will you hire a logging crew? This decision will have a significant impact on your overall costs.

• DIY: Doing the work yourself can save you money, but it also requires a significant investment of time and effort.
  • Cost Considerations:
    • Your Time: Factor in the value of your time. How much is your time worth per hour?
    • Physical Labor: Felling and processing trees is physically demanding work. Are you physically fit enough to handle it?
    • Experience: Do you have the necessary experience and skills to do the job safely and efficiently?
• Hiring a Logging Crew: Hiring a logging crew can be more expensive, but it can also save you time and reduce the risk of accidents.
  • Cost Breakdown:
    • Hourly Rate: Logging crews typically charge an hourly rate, which can range from $50 to $150 per hour, depending on the size of the crew and the complexity of the job.
    • Contract Price: Some logging crews may offer a contract price for the entire job, which can be more predictable than an hourly rate.
    • Insurance: Make sure the logging crew has adequate insurance coverage in case of accidents.
    • Workers’ Compensation: If the logging crew has employees, they must have workers’ compensation insurance.

Industry Benchmark: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for logging workers was $21.44 in May 2023. However, wages can vary significantly depending on location, experience, and the type of work being performed.

4. Permits and Regulations: Navigating the Red Tape

Depending on your location and the size of the project, you may need to obtain permits before you can start felling trees.

• Local Ordinances: Check with your local government to see if there are any ordinances regulating tree removal.
• State Regulations: Some states have regulations regarding timber harvesting on private land.
• Federal Regulations: Federal regulations may apply if you’re harvesting timber on federal land or if your project involves endangered species.
• Cost Considerations: Permit fees can range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars, depending on the complexity of the permit.

Real-World Example: I once helped a client clear a small area of his property for a new shed. He didn’t bother to check with the local government, and he ended up getting fined for violating a tree removal ordinance. The fine was more than the cost of the shed itself!

5. Processing and Transportation Costs: From Logs to Usable Wood

Once the trees are felled, you’ll need to process them into usable wood. This may involve bucking the logs into shorter lengths, splitting them into firewood, or milling them into lumber. You’ll also need to transport the wood to its final destination.

• Bucking Costs: Bucking logs into shorter lengths can be done with a chainsaw.
  • Cost Considerations:
    • Chainsaw Fuel and Oil:
    • Chainsaw Maintenance:
    • Your Time:
• Splitting Costs: Splitting firewood can be done manually with an axe or maul, or mechanically with a log splitter.
  • Cost Breakdown:
    • Axe or Maul: $50-$100.
    • Log Splitter Rental: $50-$100 per day.
    • Log Splitter Purchase: $500-$3000.
    • Fuel for Log Splitter:
    • Your Time:
• Milling Costs: Milling logs into lumber can be done with a portable sawmill or at a commercial sawmill.
  • Cost Breakdown:
    • Portable Sawmill Rental: $200-$500 per day.
    • Commercial Sawmill Fees: $0.10-$0.50 per board foot.
    • Transportation Costs:
• Transportation Costs: You’ll need to transport the wood to its final destination, whether it’s your home, a lumber yard, or a firewood dealer.
  • Cost Considerations:
    • Truck Rental:
    • Fuel Costs:
    • Your Time:

Formula for Estimating Firewood Volume: To estimate the volume of firewood in a pile, use the following formula:

Volume (cords) = (Length x Width x Height) / 128

Where:

• Length, Width, and Height are measured in feet.
• 128 cubic feet equals one cord of firewood.

6. Drying and Storage Costs: Protecting Your Investment

Properly drying and storing wood is essential for preventing rot and decay.

• Drying Time: The drying time for wood depends on the species, thickness, and climate.
  • General Rule: Hardwoods typically take 6-12 months to dry, while softwoods take 3-6 months.
• Storage Costs: You’ll need a dry, well-ventilated place to store your wood.
  • Options:
    • Wood Shed:
    • Tarp:
    • Elevated Platform:
  • Cost Considerations:
    • Materials:
    • Construction Time:
    • Space Rental (if applicable):

Calculation for Estimating Drying Time: The drying time for wood can be estimated using the following formula:

Drying Time (months) = (Moisture Content – Fiber Saturation Point) / Drying Rate

Where:

• Moisture Content is the initial moisture content of the wood (expressed as a percentage).
• Fiber Saturation Point is the moisture content at which the cell walls are saturated with water (typically around 30%).
• Drying Rate is the rate at which the wood loses moisture (expressed as a percentage per month).

7. Contingency Planning: Expect the Unexpected

No matter how carefully you plan, unexpected costs can always arise. It’s important to set aside a contingency fund to cover these surprises.

• Recommendation: Set aside at least 10% of your total budget for contingencies.
• Potential Unexpected Costs:
  • Equipment Breakdowns:
  • Weather Delays:
  • Unexpected Permit Fees:
  • Hidden Obstacles (e.g., underground utilities):

Pro Tip: Get multiple quotes from contractors and suppliers to ensure you’re getting the best possible prices.

Putting It All Together: A Sample Budget

Let’s put all of these cost components together into a sample budget for felling and processing a large tree into firewood.

Assumptions:

• Tree Diameter: 36 inches
• Species: Oak
• Location: Rural area with no permit requirements
• Labor: DIY
• Equipment: Stihl MS 660 Magnum, wedges, felling lever, axe, log splitter (rental)
• Firewood Volume: 5 cords

Budget Breakdown:

Important Note: This is just a sample budget. Your actual costs may vary depending on your specific circumstances.

Actionable Takeaways and Next Steps

Felling large trees and processing the wood can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to approach the project with a clear plan and a realistic budget. Here are some actionable takeaways and next steps:

1. Assess Your Skills and Experience: Be honest about your abilities. If you’re not comfortable felling large trees, hire a professional.
2. Develop a Detailed Plan: Outline the steps involved in the project, from felling to processing to storage.
3. Create a Realistic Budget: Account for all of the cost components discussed in this article.
4. Gather the Necessary Equipment: Make sure you have the right tools for the job, and that they’re in good working order.
5. Prioritize Safety: Always wear appropriate safety gear and follow safe work practices.
6. Obtain Necessary Permits: Check with your local government to see if any permits are required.
7. Monitor Your Progress: Track your expenses and compare them to your budget.
8. Adjust Your Plan as Needed: Be prepared to make adjustments to your plan as you go along.

By following these steps, you can increase your chances of success and avoid costly surprises. Remember, knowledge is power, and a well-informed plan is the foundation for a successful wood processing project.

Final Thoughts: From Timber to Treasure

Tackling a big wood project, especially when wielding a beast like the Stihl MS 660 Magnum, is a challenge. But with the right knowledge, skills, and a solid budget, you can transform those towering trees into valuable resources. Whether it’s a cozy stack of firewood to warm your home or beautifully milled lumber for a woodworking project, the satisfaction of working with wood you’ve harvested yourself is hard to beat. So, take a deep breath, plan carefully, and get ready to turn timber into treasure!

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