Full comp, or skip chain ???

Mike mandry · Jul 19, 2003

Hey everyone, I have a huge (for these parts) hickory to take down. Actually mother nature took care of that the other day. It has to be at least 36" DBH & I am guessing a good 75'

It was on the top of a steep hill & blew down clear accross a pond. (bridged the pond)

I will be using my Homelite SXL 925 for the largest parts. I have a new 28" hardnose bar I am going to mount up. My question for all you experts is: Should I use a full skip chain on the 28" ?? Or, do you think it will pull full comp. OK. The tree is still plenty green, so I guess it will still be soft (at least for a hickory)

I have never used skip chain & thought it might be a good idea, esp. with the hardnose bar. I have always used a 20" & 24" on the 925 to date.

I am doing this for a friend & the good news is that I get to keep the wood.

Mike

rahtreelimbs · Jul 20, 2003

There are alot of threads on this subject. This is one that I started.

http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4522&highlight=full+skip+chain

Wade Huggins · Jul 20, 2003

Id run run full comp hickory is mighty tough.

Tony Snyder · Jul 20, 2003

With an old fashioned Homelite, and a hard nosed bar, you just as well have all things working against you and use full skip chain.

HUSKYMAN · Jul 21, 2003

For the older saws run full comp. For newer high speed saws go with skip.

Also full comp works well below 30", above that skip will work well, keep rpms up, and have less cutters to bust and sharpen

racereric · Jul 21, 2003

I cut a lot of hickory and red oak here in Va. I vote Full Comp.
I don't lay in into it too hard . Just let it eat at it's own pace. That 925 should do great.
Eric O.