Tree Come Along Tips (5 Pro Techniques for Safer Felling)
Alright, picture this: I’m wrestling a log that’s heavier than my Aunt Mildred’s fruitcake at Christmas. My back’s screaming, the sweat’s stinging my eyes, and the log? It’s just sitting there, laughing at me. That’s when I realized I needed a come along – and maybe a better gym membership.
But seriously, tree felling is no joke. One wrong move, and you’re not just looking at a bruised ego; you’re staring down potential serious injury or damage to property. That’s where the humble yet mighty come along steps in.
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s set the stage. Globally, the demand for wood products and firewood remains significant. According to recent reports, the global logging industry is a multi-billion dollar market, with firewood contributing substantially, especially in regions with colder climates. In the US, for instance, firewood sales reach millions of cords annually, highlighting the importance of safe and efficient wood harvesting practices. However, this activity can be dangerous; logging remains one of the most hazardous occupations. Proper techniques and equipment, like the come along, are crucial for mitigating risks.
In this guide, I’m going to walk you through five pro techniques for using a tree come along to make felling safer. I’ll share some of my own hard-earned wisdom, sprinkled with data, tips, and maybe a cautionary tale or two. So, grab your gloves, and let’s get to work.
Tree Come Along Tips: 5 Pro Techniques for Safer Felling
What is a Tree Come Along?
First things first, let’s define our terms. A tree come along, also known as a cable puller or winch, is a hand-operated mechanical device used to apply tension to a rope or cable. In tree felling, it’s primarily used to pull a tree in a specific direction, helping to control its fall and prevent it from landing where you don’t want it to – like on your house, your car, or, worse, you.
Think of it as a giant, mechanical helping hand, offering leverage when you need it most. It allows you to exert a significant force with relatively little physical effort.
Why Use a Come Along?
Why not just push the tree over, you ask? Well, that’s where things get interesting – and potentially dangerous. Here are a few key reasons why a come along is your best friend in the woods:
- Directional Control: The primary reason. You want that tree to fall exactly where you planned. A come along lets you steer it.
- Stuck Trees: Ever had a tree lean back on your chainsaw bar? A come along can pull it free. This is a lifesaver, trust me. I once spent a frustrating afternoon trying to dislodge a pinched saw, only to finally resort to a come along. Lesson learned.
- Safety: Felling trees can be unpredictable. A come along provides a way to apply force from a safe distance, reducing your exposure to hazards.
- Precision: Sometimes, you need to fell a tree in a tight spot, avoiding obstacles like power lines or other trees. A come along allows for more precise control than simply pushing.
Technique #1: Choosing the Right Come Along
Not all come alongs are created equal. Selecting the right one for the job is crucial for safety and efficiency.
- Capacity: This is the most important factor. Come alongs are rated by their pulling capacity, usually in pounds or tons. Always choose a come along with a capacity that significantly exceeds the estimated weight of the tree you’re felling. Overestimation is your friend here. I recommend aiming for at least a 2-ton capacity for most small to medium-sized trees. For larger trees, you might need a 4-ton or even a 6-ton model.
- Cable/Rope Length: Consider the distance you’ll need to pull the tree. A longer cable or rope provides more flexibility in positioning the come along. I generally prefer a cable length of at least 50 feet.
- Cable/Rope Material: Cables are typically made of steel or synthetic fiber. Steel cables are durable and resistant to abrasion, but they can be heavy and prone to kinking. Synthetic ropes, like those made of Dyneema, are lighter and stronger for their weight, but they can be more susceptible to damage from sharp edges. I often opt for synthetic rope for its lighter weight and ease of handling.
- Gear Ratio: The gear ratio determines how much force is required to operate the come along. A lower gear ratio requires more force but provides faster pulling speed. A higher gear ratio requires less force but is slower. For most tree felling applications, a higher gear ratio is preferable, as it allows you to exert more pulling power with less effort.
- Quality and Brand: Invest in a reputable brand known for quality and durability. Cheaper come alongs may fail under stress, posing a serious safety risk. Read reviews and do your research before making a purchase. I’ve had good experiences with brands like Maasdam and Warn, but there are other reliable options available.
- Maintenance: Inspect your come along regularly for signs of wear and tear, such as frayed cables, bent hooks, or damaged gears. Lubricate moving parts as needed to ensure smooth operation.
Data Point: A study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) found that equipment failure, including winch malfunctions, was a contributing factor in a significant percentage of logging accidents. Choosing high-quality equipment and performing regular maintenance can significantly reduce this risk.
Technique #2: Setting Up the Come Along Correctly
Proper setup is just as important as choosing the right come along. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
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Anchor Point Selection: Choose a solid anchor point that can withstand the pulling force. This could be another tree, a sturdy stump, or even a properly anchored vehicle. The anchor point should be located in the direction you want the tree to fall. Make sure the anchor tree is healthy and significantly larger than the tree you are felling. I’ve seen people try to anchor to saplings – don’t be that person.
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Attach the Cable/Rope to the Anchor Point: Use a chain, choker, or tree strap to securely attach the cable or rope to the anchor point. Ensure the attachment is strong and won’t slip or break under tension. Avoid wrapping the cable or rope directly around the anchor point, as this can damage the cable and weaken it.
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Attach the Come Along to the Cable/Rope: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to properly attach the come along to the cable or rope. Ensure the connection is secure and the cable or rope is properly seated in the come along’s mechanism.
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Attach the Cable/Rope to the Tree: Use a chain, choker, or tree strap to securely attach the cable or rope to the tree you’re felling. The attachment point should be as high up on the tree as possible to maximize leverage. However, be careful not to attach it so high that it becomes unstable. I usually aim for a point about two-thirds of the way up the tree.
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Tension the Cable/Rope: Slowly and carefully tension the cable or rope using the come along’s handle. Apply steady, even pressure and avoid jerking or sudden movements. As you tension the cable, monitor the tree and the anchor point for any signs of stress or instability.
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Check Your Angles: Ensure the angle between the pulling cable and the direction of desired fall is as close to a straight line as possible. A severe angle reduces pulling efficiency and can put undue stress on the equipment.
Pro Tip: Use a tree protector strap when attaching the cable or rope to a tree. This will prevent damage to the tree’s bark and cambium layer, promoting its long-term health.
Technique #3: The Precision Cut
The come along is only as effective as your felling cut. A well-executed cut is essential for controlling the direction of the fall.
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The Undercut: This is the most critical cut. It determines the direction of the fall. The undercut should be a V-shaped notch cut into the tree on the side you want it to fall. The depth of the undercut should be about one-third of the tree’s diameter. The angle of the notch should be about 45 degrees. Accuracy is key here. I use a felling axe to refine the undercut, ensuring it’s clean and precise.
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The Back Cut: This cut is made on the opposite side of the tree from the undercut. The back cut should be slightly higher than the bottom of the undercut. Never cut completely through the tree. Leave a hinge of wood between the back cut and the undercut. This hinge will help guide the tree’s fall and prevent it from twisting or kicking back. The thickness of the hinge depends on the size of the tree, but it should generally be about 10% of the tree’s diameter.
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Monitoring: As you make the back cut, constantly monitor the tree for any signs of movement. If the tree starts to lean in the desired direction, stop cutting and let the come along do its job. If the tree doesn’t start to lean, continue cutting, but be extremely cautious.
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Wedges: If you suspect the tree might lean back on your saw, use felling wedges. Drive them into the back cut to help lift the tree and encourage it to fall in the desired direction. I always carry a few wedges with me, just in case.
Data Point: Studies have shown that proper felling techniques, including accurate undercuts and back cuts, can reduce the risk of tree felling accidents by as much as 50%.
Technique #4: Controlled Pulling
Once the cuts are made, it’s time to put the come along to work.
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Slow and Steady: Apply tension to the cable or rope slowly and steadily. Avoid jerking or sudden movements. Jerking can cause the cable to snap or the tree to fall unexpectedly.
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Communication: If you’re working with a partner, establish clear communication signals. Use hand signals or a two-way radio to coordinate your actions.
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Observation: Continuously monitor the tree, the anchor point, and the come along for any signs of stress or instability. If you see anything that concerns you, stop pulling and reassess the situation.
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Easing Off: As the tree begins to fall, ease off the tension on the come along to allow it to fall smoothly and naturally.
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Escape Route: Always have a clear escape route planned in case the tree falls unexpectedly. The escape route should be at a 45-degree angle away from the direction of the fall. I always clear my escape route before I start cutting.
Case Study: I once helped a friend fell a large oak tree that was leaning precariously towards his house. We used a come along to pull the tree in the opposite direction, away from the house. We applied tension slowly and steadily, constantly monitoring the tree and the come along. As the tree began to fall, we eased off the tension and watched as it fell perfectly into the open field we had planned. Without the come along, that tree would have almost certainly landed on his house.
Technique #5: Troubleshooting and Common Pitfalls
Even with the best planning and execution, things can still go wrong. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
- Tree Not Moving: If the tree isn’t moving even after you’ve applied significant tension to the cable, check the following:
- The Undercut: Is it deep enough? Is it clean and precise?
- The Back Cut: Is it too high or too low? Is the hinge the right thickness?
- The Anchor Point: Is it solid and secure? Is the cable or rope properly attached?
- The Come Along: Is it functioning properly? Is the cable or rope slipping?
- Cable/Rope Slipping: If the cable or rope is slipping, try the following:
- Tighten the Connections: Ensure all connections are tight and secure.
- Use a Different Attachment Method: Try using a different type of chain, choker, or tree strap.
- Clean the Cable/Rope: Remove any dirt or debris that may be causing the slippage.
- Tree Twisting: If the tree starts to twist as it falls, try the following:
- Adjust the Angle of the Pull: Try pulling the tree from a slightly different angle.
- Use Wedges: Drive felling wedges into the back cut to help guide the tree’s fall.
- Equipment Failure: If the come along fails, stop immediately and reassess the situation. Do not attempt to repair the come along in the field. Replace it with a new one or abandon the operation.
Pitfall Alert: Never stand directly in line with the cable or rope while applying tension. If the cable snaps or the anchor point fails, you could be seriously injured.
Budgeting Considerations: The cost of a quality come along can range from $100 to $500 or more, depending on the capacity and features. Factor this cost into your project budget. Also, consider the cost of other necessary equipment, such as chains, chokers, tree straps, felling wedges, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Resource Management: Plan your felling operations carefully to minimize waste and environmental impact. Use sustainable logging practices, such as selective cutting, to preserve the health of the forest. Dispose of debris properly and avoid damaging surrounding vegetation.
Next Steps and Additional Resources
Mastering these techniques takes practice, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it right away. Start with smaller trees and gradually work your way up to larger ones. Always prioritize safety and never take unnecessary risks.
Here are some additional resources to help you improve your tree felling skills:
- Local Arborists: Consult with a certified arborist for personalized advice and training.
- Forestry Extension Services: Contact your local forestry extension service for educational materials and workshops.
- Online Forums and Communities: Join online forums and communities dedicated to logging and tree felling.
- Equipment Suppliers: Research reputable suppliers of logging tools and equipment.
Specific Suppliers:
- Logging Tools: Forestry Suppliers, Bailey’s
- Come Alongs: Maasdam, Warn
- PPE: Northern Tool + Equipment, Grainger
Remember, tree felling is a challenging and potentially dangerous activity. By following these pro techniques and prioritizing safety, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure a successful outcome. Now, go out there and fell those trees – safely! And maybe invest in that gym membership, too. My back will thank you.
