I realize this is an old topic, but one I find interesting. I'm kinda spoiled, having access to heavy equip for tree removal but on occasion use my dad's MC for things around the ranch when lowboying in isn't an option. We have a canopy on our MC, also a Braden winch. I feel most comfortable using a block strapped to a tail hold (usually a stump) in the direction of the desired fall. I don't use rope much as cables(wirerope) are commonplace out here in Oregon. The advantage of the block method allows you to pull in a direction taking you away from the falling tree, and a block doubles your pulling power and line strength. Keep in mind you must watch your tail stump for pulling. You can tieback the tail stump to others to give it strength. Not the best idea to tail to standing trees without tying them back. There are pages of regulations on these things in Oregon on what you can and can't do commercially
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. When I am concerned about lines breaking, I throw a sweatshirt or limb or something over the line between MC and the block. Hasn't ever happened but the theory is that the weight disapates the force downward. Most of the time when using MC I'm mostly concerned with where the tree will fall so I usually face the tree in the direction I want it to go, put alittle tension on the line, and start backcut leaving enough holding wood to keep tree from twisting off stump and giving me time to get back to MC. Don't push snags or deadtop trees. The top always seems to come back at the machine
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. MCs don't powershift to reverse very well. Even with the best eqiup. and guarding, tops can still get you.not to mention the trees that you are pushing/pulling the tree into/around
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. It's best and safest to fall trees into an open area and with their natural lean but there always is that road,propertyline ect. Take little time to think about what you are going to attempt ,what the outcome should be and all the chain reaction events that could take place. There are alot of ways to do things, and alot of cliche's fit most of them.
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If it's worth doin', it's worth doin' right.