Brush cutter recommendations?

splitshot · 11-07-09, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigndn

Can we tie that together with a wheeling trip? Yeah, people are selling off some good stuff for pennies on the dollar. I picked up a Hitachi coil framing nailer, a FS90, and now a FS350, all for right around $150 ea.

Sure deal, gota cool overnighter which is not too far from the casa, and resembles a mini Moab.

So far I've been one reply too late to pick up a MS270 and a FS90 for about $150ea., also..My score is coming, I can feel it..

D'Animal · 11-07-09, 05:46 PM

I'm glad you like it and are satisfied with my recomendation.

I have been trying to get the USFS and other Fire Crews to switch over to these for years.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigndn

Well, I can now definately veryify that the above video is in real time. HOLY CRIKEY that thing's got some nuts. I hit a couple of 2-3" saplings down in my pasture and I can say that it's as fast if not faster than a chainsaw. I didn't want to put it down. Bonus: you don't have to bend over to lop saplings off at slightly above ground level. I'm sold.

bigndn · 11-07-09, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D'Animal

I'm glad you like it and are satisfied with my recomendation.

I have been trying to get the USFS and other Fire Crews to switch over to these for years.

Something's working. We just got two FS550's at the office this year for the thinning crew. I had no idea until last week.....

They would be incredibly useful in the right fuel types.

I'm going to get the 020 and return blades in the mail this week. Thanks a bunch, Dan!

nspctr1 · 11-08-09, 07:06 AM

Bigndn, what blades are you using to cut the saplings? The metal skil saw looking ones danimal sent you? I'm just confused about what is being used to cut the saplings. If it is the saw blades, how much does it cost to convert the trimmer head? That video is awesome but, I cant get it if I have to wear all of that gear. Too hot in the S texas sun. When I cut around the farm I use gloves, glasses and ear plugs wearing a long sleeve shirt and I still have to rest every 30 minutes or so. However, most of that can be due to age. ha. I'm going to start searching CL and pawn shops. I saw a fs45? at a shop the other day for 99 bux.

So, quick check on CL and there is a like new FS90 for 200 bux. I think I'll wait until I get a deal like Bigndn. Not sure the 90 can handle the brush and crap I have on my fences..

D'Animal · 11-08-09, 07:38 AM

FS 45 is a curved shaft home owner line trimmer that retails NEW for $129 or $139.

The FS 90 retails for $279 - $329 depending on the Loop Handle or Bike Handle version and what part of the country you live in.

The blade he is running is called a Chisel Bit Blade. There are no segments. The teeth are actually part of the blade.

Personal Protective Equipment is highly recommended but ultimately your choice. The reason they recommend wearing chaps is the blade is mostly exposed and the wood or sawdust comes flying back at you. Wear the hardhat since what you cut may fall on your head. You are already wearing the rest of the PPE.

bigndn · 11-08-09, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nspctr1

Bigndn, what blades are you using to cut the saplings? The metal skil saw looking ones danimal sent you? I'm just confused about what is being used to cut the saplings. If it is the saw blades, how much does it cost to convert the trimmer head? That video is awesome but, I cant get it if I have to wear all of that gear. Too hot in the S texas sun. When I cut around the farm I use gloves, glasses and ear plugs wearing a long sleeve shirt and I still have to rest every 30 minutes or so. However, most of that can be due to age. ha. I'm going to start searching CL and pawn shops. I saw a fs45? at a shop the other day for 99 bux.

So, quick check on CL and there is a like new FS90 for 200 bux. I think I'll wait until I get a deal like Bigndn. Not sure the 90 can handle the brush and crap I have on my fences..

Here is the exact blade I installed from D'Animal.
IH8MUD.com - View Single Post - Brush cutter recommendations?

I'll wear the same PPE I wear for sawing. Gloves, boots, pants, LS shirt, safety glasses, ear protection, and Hardhat. I don't wear chaps unless I'm sawing on a fire, which doesn't happen much anymore. The hardhat, face shield, earmuff combo that guy is wearing in the video is actually a pretty sweet setup if you need that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by D'Animal

FS 45 is a curved shaft home owner line trimmer that retails NEW for $129 or $139.

The FS 90 retails for $279 - $329 depending on the Loop Handle or Bike Handle version and what part of the country you live in.

The blade he is running is called a Chisel Bit Blade. There are no segments. The teeth are actually part of the blade.

Personal Protective Equipment is highly recommended but ultimately your choice. The reason they recommend wearing chaps is the blade is mostly exposed and the wood or sawdust comes flying back at you. Wear the hardhat since what you cut may fall on your head. You are already wearing the rest of the PPE.

Yesterday during my testing, I was wearing shorts.........I used the right side of the blade which pushed the sawdust away from me. Old ndn trick. I wouldn't recommend wearing shorts to anyone else, though.

Dan, you told me all I need to sharpen that blade is a round file and a flat file. I see the round file for sharpening the teeth, but what is the flat file for?

D'Animal · 11-08-09, 07:51 AM

I will scan and post some stuff on the sharpening.

nspctr1 · 11-08-09, 01:59 PM

I know about the cutting and hard hat stuff. Last year I was cutting a low branch , about 12 - 14" diameter, so I could get my tractor under it to shred. The damned thing broke about half way through and hit me on top of the head and knocked me out. It's a weird feeling waking up on the ground, trying to get your bearings and you hear a chain saw idling. I couldn't move because the branch had actually pinned me to the ground between my shoulder blades. After I crawled out from underneath it I realized the saw had fallen about 3' from me. Made me mad because it crushed my new straw hat so I packed up my toys and went home. When I got home my wife asked what the hell happened. She saw my hat was crushed and I was actually bleeding from the top of my head down my back. I thought I was just sweating. I am a hell of alot more careful now. No way would I run a trimmer like that in shorts, ndn. It hurts bad enough when my little black and decker flips out and attacks my ankle...

The FS90 the guy is selling has the handle bars. Would this setup work or is it a little underpowered? How much are blades for these things?