Mechanical Timber Harvesting Handbook
14
Operational Recommendations
Best Practices
Daily Inspections
Check your safety devices at least once per shift :
• Chain shot guard
• Chain catcher
• Shields on snow holes
• Windows
• Cutting system
Run chain and guide bar in sets to equalize wear across the
cutting system.
Replacement Schedule
.404" Pitch
• 1-2-10 (1 drive sprocket, 2 guide bars, 10 loops of saw chain).
3/4" Pitch
• 1-2-6 (1 drive sprocket, 2 guide bars, 6 loops of saw chain).
Use Sharp Chain
Replace saw chain at least once or more per shift. Maintaining
sharp chain on the cutting system will pay off in many ways:
• Sharp chain cuts faster.
• Less energy (pressure and time) overall is used to complete
a cut, so wear on the entire cutting system is reduced.
A slightly dull chain can be lightly sharpened instead of needing to
be ground back significantly. It is best to lightly sharpen a slightly
dull chain often to provide more and faster cuts.
Replace the saw chain at least once per shift. This can vary
significantly with the type of timber being cut, the terrain, and
other environmental factors.
If the cuts are getting slower, it’s worth the time to get out of the
cab and exchange the chain for a sharp one.
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