How do you guys deal with "chain shot"?

tiny3 · July 17, 2005, 02:36:30 AM

hi guys
on our harvesters we have a 20mm (margard)front window on the out side of the cab guard and 2 20mm margard windows bolted together in the front window of the cab,as well a chain guard.there are a few simple rules we use as well like never use it when another machine or person is in line with it in case it broke.i know of a bloke who was struck in the neck by a flying link(hes ok now)and a chain broke an went through the front window and out the back,hows that for CLOSE.hope this helps

Oregon Engineer · July 29, 2005, 06:54:37 PM

Hey Tiny,
How long ago was the operator injured in the neck? What was the loggin company name?

beenthere · July 29, 2005, 07:10:02 PM

OR Engineer
I'm curious. What is your interest in the chain guards?

User? State? Federal? Law Firm? Insurance Co.? Just interested? Chain Guard Co.? OSHA?

tiny3 · July 30, 2005, 04:57:16 AM

the guy was cut in the neck about 4 months ago i guess.im not sure on the name of the company,

Oregon Engineer · August 01, 2005, 04:17:50 PM

Beenthere,
I'm interested in the phenomenon of "chain shot" as it relates to mechanical timber harvesting and ways to reduce the risk of chain shot. The chain shot guards and chain catchers are ways to reduce the risk.

The dynamic phenomenon involved in chain shot has intrigued me ever since I was a kid. As a kid, my buddies and I played "crack the whip" on a frozen pond with ice skates. When it was my turn I still remember getting blasted into a snow bank from the sudden acceleration. Then when I got a bull whip and started snapping every thing insight, including my ears, I was amazed at how the power was concentrated into just the tip of the string. Now I work for a saw chain manufacturer and the forums are a good way to help educate machine operators and increase our understanding of work practices and other issues the operators are dealing with.

Tiny3,
What country was the accident in?

beenthere · August 01, 2005, 04:36:08 PM

Thanks OE.

I resemble that 'crack the whip' on ice thing. I wasn't the best skater, so I was 'volunteered' to be at the end of the 'whip', only we ice skated on the river in Iowa. Now getting 'whipped' off the end of the line and skating toward open river water was part of the thrill everyone got. I was 'out of control' but never did get wet.
It was the same river we swam in during the summer. Would climb on the railroad trestle, and dive off. Had to dive accurately, because the old bridge pilings were still in the river, right beside where we dove, just cut off a bit below the water line. Remember well getting too close and feeling the splintery, slimy wood sliding along my skin. Doubt I'd let my kids do such a thing, or my grandkids to even think about doing it.

sawguy21 · August 03, 2005, 08:34:26 AM

:D :D :D I hear ya. I told my buddy's son that if I ever caught him trying any of the stunts his dad and I pulled, I would beat him like a rented mule.

leweee · August 03, 2005, 10:46:33 AM

Back on topic here.....When the chain is SHOT....we FIXEM. :D :D :D

tiny3 · August 04, 2005, 07:11:46 AM

oregon engineer
the country is tasmania austraila

Oregon Engineer · August 04, 2005, 11:07:12 AM

Many thanks Tiny3, I've been contacted by people involved in that or a similar situation there. It looks like many many harvesters have been idled until they are fitted with thicker cab windows. That's a very good move!

SYOUNG · August 04, 2005, 11:06:35 PM

Greetings,

I am involved with forestry equipment design and engineering with a major forestry equipment manufacturer. All of our harvesters and feller bunchers fitted with a high rotation disc saw are equipped with an 1 1/4" thick front Lexan window. The Timbco in the safety video only appears to have a 3/4" thick from window as do many carriers that are converted to harvesters. If you are operating such a machine, please be aware that thicker front windows are available.

Regards,
Steve

Jeff · August 06, 2005, 05:22:53 AM

Welcome to the Forestry Forum Steve. Who is it you work for?

SYOUNG · August 06, 2005, 09:48:16 PM

Thanks for the welcome Jeff! I work for Tigercat and do some part time logging and milling as well. I enjoy this forum and look forward to all of the interesting posts and knowledge that is available.