Hydraulic Chain Saws

[24d]

Hydraulic Chain Saws, anybody used one? What's the deal?
I'm looking into a Stanley CS11 or a custom built one that will run a 36 inch bar.
Little picture for you.
http://www.echopkins.com/imageitem.php?i=57&x=1&w=1024&h=768&q=100

 

[TK]

Hydraulic Chain Saws, anybody used one? What's the deal?
I'm looking into a Stanley CS11 or a custom built one that will run a 36 inch bar.
Little picture for you.
http://www.echopkins.com/imageitem.php?i=57&x=1&w=1024&h=768&q=100

Most commonly used in bucket trucks because of the close by hydraulic source. Not sure there's another practical application for them really.

 

[24d]

Here is my application.
I run a restaurant in town, I cook with wood, the local utility crews and many local tree services give me the wood for free. Storage of gas, oil ect and the noise of a motor running pose a few problems so I built a log splitter that uses an electric motor to power the hydraulic system. I could easily use this same hydraulic system to run a saw.
The cs11 is a step up from the cs06 bucket truck model or Danzco Inc. will build one to do anything you can think of (Danzco Inc. also builds any size Rim Drive Sprocket you want if you need a 9 tooth and up)
Thanks JJ!

 

[Log Hogger]

Here is my application.
I run a restaurant in town, I cook with wood, the local utility crews and many local tree services give me the wood for free. Storage of gas, oil ect and the noise of a motor running pose a few problems so I built a log splitter that uses an electric motor to power the hydraulic system. I could easily use this same hydraulic system to run a saw.
The cs11 is a step up from the cs06 bucket truck model or Danzco Inc. will build one to do anything you can think of (Danzco Inc. also builds any size Rim Drive Sprocket you want if you need a 9 tooth and up)
Thanks JJ!

That's cool, I might try that! What kind of eletric motor did you use, I suppose it's 220V, how many amps does it draw?

 

[fearofpavement]

They're expensive

Hydraulic chainsaws are very expensive. They primarily are used because they are quiet. Also of course you don't have carb issues, fuel mix problems and so forth. In your situation it may be a decent solution. However, I don't know how much wood you go through but one of the new battery powered models may be a solution.

The cheapest solution would be to get a good quality electric chainsaw. It is quiet, uses no gas, and would probably use considerably less electricity than a hydraulic one. A good one is several hundred dollars but would cut your wood. I have used a very well made Milwaukee Electric saw. Not sure if they are still in that market. Don't bother with a $49 Remington if you have more than sticks to cut.

 

[CentaurG2]

The main limitation with hydraulic anything is cost. Motors, lines and fluid cost a fortune and I spend way more on hydraulic stuff per year than chainsaws. I have never run a hydraulic saw but I bet the power is phenomenal if you get over the weight of the lines. A blown or cut hydraulic line can generate an impressive mess. To be honest, you might be better off just purchasing your wood already cut split and delivered. You can also look at electric or perhaps pneumatic saws assuming they make such a thing.

 

[Urbicide]

I would think that a pneumatic saw would tend to be rather noisey. There are some decent electric chain saws out there. Dolmar, Makita, Stihl, Husqvarna. I've got a Skil electric gear drive that's perhaps close to 50 years old. Built like a brick you-know-what house. Which reminds me that chaps are pretty much useless with electric saws. A hydraulic saw would be great for cutting underwater with. Member Tom Trees uses hydraulic chain saws. Might try to get ahold of him.

 

[Jacob J.]

When I worked for the state running a road brushing crew, we had the hydraulic saws on our bucket truck and that's a slick
set-up. Of course we both straight and rotary blade and the rotary is awesome for the brushing.

 

[24d]

That's cool, I might try that! What kind of eletric motor did you use, I suppose it's 220V, how many amps does it draw?

Old time six horse yea 220, I don't know but it's on a 50 amp breaker.
Splitter works well.

Hydraulic chainsaws are very expensive. They primarily are used because they are quiet. Also of course you don't have carb issues, fuel mix problems and so forth. In your situation it may be a decent solution. However, I don't know how much wood you go through but one of the new battery powered models may be a solution.
The cheapest solution would be to get a good quality electric chainsaw. It is quiet, uses no gas, and would probably use considerably less electricity than a hydraulic one. A good one is several hundred dollars but would cut your wood. I have used a very well made Milwaukee Electric saw. Not sure if they are still in that market. Don't bother with a $49 Remington if you have more than sticks to cut.

1 to 2 cords a week, a very large part of the wood is three foot in diameter.

The main limitation with hydraulic anything is cost. Motors, lines and fluid cost a fortune and I spend way more on hydraulic stuff per year than chainsaws. I have never run a hydraulic saw but I bet the power is phenomenal.

The CS06 which runs a 20in bar is $350.00 or so new, I'm still checking on the CS11 which runs up to a 50 inch bar, I haven't got a price yet but yea, I'm sure they will want my oldest child or something.

To be honest, you might be better off just purchasing your wood already cut split and delivered.

Yes, I am well aware of that fact but if you say that again, or tell my wife that, our friendship is over HAHAHA!

 

[Philbert]

Why bother with running an electric motor, to drive a hydraulic pump, to run a heavy, expensive chainsaw, when you can plug one into a standard electrical outlet?

I have 3 electric (plus one battery powered) saws that I love to use in the city - anytime I am within 100' of anoutlet.

Like fearofpavement notes, there are good electric saws and cheap ones, just like anything else. One of mine, the Makita UC4000, is a 13 amps, well balanced, in-line saw that isn't any louder or heavier than a reciprocating saw, but I have sawn through multiple cords of oak, maple, and other woods with it. It is light, compact, and stores inside; no gas to buy or mix or store. Starts when you pull the trigger; stops when you let go. No heavy hydraulic lines, just a standard extension cord ( I run 12 gauge when I can). I am currently running it with a PowerSharp bar and chain, which has worked out well on it.

**** You still need to buy and use bar oil with these saws and they will still spray some of it off of the tip of the bar if you use them indoors ****

I bought my Makita used from a Home Depot Rental shop for under $100. I figured if it stood up to that type of abuse it would hold up for me. It has been replaced by a newer model, below. STIHL also makes heavy duty electric saws, but I have never tried them. They felt heavy in the store and are priced like other STIHL products. The Makita/Domar, or similar Husqvarna/Jonsered versions sell for $200 -$300 new.

Makita USA - Tool Details - UC4030A

HUSQVARNA 316E Electric - Chainsaws

The 36-40 volt battery-powered saws (Oregon, STIHL) might also be convenient for your use, if you tend to cut wood for limited periods (less than an hour) or purchased a second battery to swap out.

Philbert

 

[Philbert]

P.s. You could go to a Home Depot Rental outlet, if there is one near you, and try out the newer electric Makita with minimal risk, to see if it would work out for you. Note that they will rent it with a new, but lower quality Tri-Link ('000') chain, so don't let that color your judgement.

Philbert

 

[onewildturkey]

Hydro saw

Hydraulic Chain Saws, anybody used one? What's the deal?
I'm looking into a Stanley CS11 or a custom built one that will run a 36 inch bar.
Little picture for you.
http://www.echopkins.com/imageitem.php?i=57&x=1&w=1024&h=768&q=100

This company makes a lot of hydro tools for underwater operations. I can’t see the need to use a chain saw under water but you can.. For $2000 I think ill stick to gas rigs.

 

[Philbert]

I can’t see the need to use a chain saw under water . . . .

Salvage

 

[CentaurG2]

Old time six horse yea 220, I don't know but it's on a 50 amp breaker.
Splitter works well.

1 to 2 cords a week, a very large part of the wood is three foot in diameter.

The CS06 which runs a 20in bar is $350.00 or so new, I'm still checking on the CS11 which runs up to a 50 inch bar, I haven't got a price yet but yea, I'm sure they will want my oldest child or something.


Yes, I am well aware of that fact but if you say that again, or tell my wife that, our friendship is over HAHAHA!

There is a local restaurant that uses wood as a cooking heat source. They use about a full cord a week. Their account has been kicked around every major firewood supplier in the area. The restaurant has no wood storage at all and none of the suppliers is willing to sit on 52 cords of wood for the year to let it season. Last time I checked, they are getting their wood from far away.
If you are smashing 2 cords a week out of tree salvage, you have my deepest respect. On an up note, the cost of that hydraulic saw is way lower than I would expect. I think I paid more for my last hose and a pail of oil. If your splitters pump is up to the job, go for it.

 

[hardhat]

Another thought on running saw underwater. It would keep things very cool, but wonder how water would affect the lubrication of the bar..

I think the hydraulic saws use hydraulic fluid to lube the bar, so wouldn't have to worry about getting water in the oil. We need a video of this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYxhXNLaP6s

This is a pneumatic chainsaw, but still cool.

 

[tomtrees58]

i have 4 of them 1 line loper 3 stanley's there good but have their limits

 

[indiansprings]

I saw them in the military, they were part of the kit on the SEE small equipment excavator made by Mercedes, they would saw like a mother, but had huge hose reels, with maybe 50' of retractable hydraulic line, absolute pain in the azz to see people drag the lines thru the brush to use the saws, I could see how they would be very useful in bucket trucks and that kind of industrial application, but for what the military tried to do they were dang near worthless.

 

[24d]

Underwater logging is a VERY interesting subject, so is electric chain saws! Do a search if you want and look at some of the adventures in harvesting trees that were put underwater years ago when they built dams! I'v read they use the water and vegetable oil as chain lube. Also look on this site at electric saws they used to harvest trees MANY years ago, COOL!
I'll keep checking on the hydraulic saw and report back.
Thanks for your input men!

 

[Dennis Cahoon]

Collins Pine Co. still used D2 cats with a generator an a big electric chainsaw running a 40" bar and 1/2" chain when I went to work for them in 1970. Can't remember who made these saws, but they were about 80lbs. and had long electrical cords that wound-up on the back of the cat. The small cat was nice, as it was used to pack your gear and push timber around to help with your layout, and to travel up and down your strip. A few even got smashed to get back on saw buck rate.....Hahahahaha! They auctioned them off when they shut down there woods crews in the 80's. The mill also used electric cut-off saws to buck the big logs coming into the mill. Not sure if you could even find one of these saws, but they did cut wood!

 

[24d]

Collins Pine Co. still used D2 cats with a generator an a big electric chainsaw running a 40" bar and 1/2" chain when I went to work for them in 1970. Can't remember who made these saws, but they were about 80lbs. and had long electrical cords that wound-up on the back of the cat. The small cat was nice, as it was used to pack your gear and push timber around to help with your layout, and to travel up and down your strip. A few even got smashed to get back on saw buck rate.....Hahahahaha! They auctioned them off when they shut down there woods crews in the 80's. The mill also used electric cut-off saws to buck the big logs coming into the mill. Not sure if you could even find one of these saws, but they did cut wood!

Thats the ones! I saw pictures up here a long time ago, wild looking stuff!