Patandsam wrote:Isnt there something like a hydraulic snipper like a log splitter thingy you could hook to a tractor which will quietly just squeeze a tree into pieces? Would a electric log splitter have enough force to chop a tree sideways?
Splitters go along the grain, not across it like a chainsaw does. Plus without a directional cut the tree can fall in any direction. You're opening up a HSE can of worms if you insist on people doing it that way (even Dexter may baulk at that way of doing it
). A harvester would be able to cope but
1. Aren't quiet
2. Are expensive
3. Not easy to get hold of to cut a small quantity of wood
In my opinion (which is worth as much as you are paying for it) you will struggle to get someone to come in and hand cut the trees. The chainsaw is only used for a very short time when you consider what goes into felling a tree so the noise should be for a short while, especially if you can get the trees out and get them cut to log length elsewhere. However, longer logs are more difficult to move (horse logging an option?).
The electric chainsaw seems about your only option. They are quite reasonably priced (B&Q for £70) but only come in the shorter bar lengths (power restriction due to being electric) of just over 12". But you need to get electric to where you are felling. A quiet generator will still make some noise and you have to lug it into place. The cordless chainsaws are even shorter barred I believe, but you can check the makita/husqvarna websites to check. I think 5" as they are just for general tidying and not attacking a full blown tree.
All in all the requirements you have would put off more and more people. But if you are prepared to wait then eventually someone will come along. The Big 6 keep pushing up prices so someone eventually will take you up on the offer. There are always other ways to do things, it just takes imagination and patience.
Or you could run it as a course for your guests next autumn and only using handtools. They pay and you reap the benefits.
