Longline tree trimming
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 171
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From: midcoast US
Longline tree trimming
I've never seen this here, though very possible I missed it. My VN Huey friend sent it to me.
Luray Aerial Saw Trimming - YouTube
Looks to me to be frought with risk, even for utility heli ops. Perhaps some of you have done this work.
Questions:
1) I see that the saws aren't running when the rig is initially lifted. How does the pilot control the saw powerplant?
2) If the saw rig gets caught, do you immediately pickle, or first give a bit of slack to the cables first, or just gently try to work it free?
3) Is there a stabilization system for the saw? I couldn't tell how the saw blades stay aligned with the heli course.
Luray Aerial Saw Trimming - YouTube
Looks to me to be frought with risk, even for utility heli ops. Perhaps some of you have done this work.
Questions:
1) I see that the saws aren't running when the rig is initially lifted. How does the pilot control the saw powerplant?
2) If the saw rig gets caught, do you immediately pickle, or first give a bit of slack to the cables first, or just gently try to work it free?
3) Is there a stabilization system for the saw? I couldn't tell how the saw blades stay aligned with the heli course.
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Coming soon....to a HLS near you!
Longline tree trimming
There is an interesting video of an Austrian (Wucher) SA315B Lama engaged in underslung tree-cutting (www.wucher-helicopter.at). I'm sorry that I can't create a direct link.
Hi-Vis
Hi-Vis
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 54
From: At home
I'm beginning to wonder how many other things they've had in James Bond films aren't as far-fetched as they first appear!
Powerwise, I thought that long pipe from which the saw rail is hanging might be a tube for compressed air, however looking at the company's website, they say it uses a 'compact fuel injected engine'; presumably in that lump at the top of the rail.
Aerial Side-Trimmer Saw - Haverfield
The engine could have an electric start and, like almost every petrol chainsaw, a centrifugal clutch, so, start, throttle and stop would be the only controls needed. As its fuel injected, no choke would be required. If it is a two stroke, it wouldn't mind which way up it is, so could be started before taking off.
Powerwise, I thought that long pipe from which the saw rail is hanging might be a tube for compressed air, however looking at the company's website, they say it uses a 'compact fuel injected engine'; presumably in that lump at the top of the rail.
Aerial Side-Trimmer Saw - Haverfield
The engine could have an electric start and, like almost every petrol chainsaw, a centrifugal clutch, so, start, throttle and stop would be the only controls needed. As its fuel injected, no choke would be required. If it is a two stroke, it wouldn't mind which way up it is, so could be started before taking off.
Last edited by Mechta; 30th November 2013 at 09:23.
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 110
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From: The land of the cranberry
I havent done it but they had a couple of saw crews at the powerline company I used to work at. I have seen the saws up close. Its all controlled by the pilot and switches on the collective. The tubes are relatively rigid but you can also change the angle of the saw in the cockpit.
Joined: Mar 1999
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 1,658
Likes: 153
From: Brisbane, Qld, Australia
Couple Australian operators
Tree Trimming - Dwyer Aviation Services
Helicopters at their best ? aviationadvertiser.com.au
It appears the second operator is no longer.
Tree Trimming - Dwyer Aviation Services
Helicopters at their best ? aviationadvertiser.com.au
It appears the second operator is no longer.
