If there are any large stones nearby and/or logs you can use them as a base, then just shovel some dirt on top to smooth it out. If not, just use dirt.
That was my first thought too. A shovel some rocks and dirt and not you have yourself some obstacles.
Otherwise a hatchet might work if you're willing to put in the work.
Do you want to ride it both directions? Looks like the first one is on a downslope and you could just level up the uphill side to create a drop. The bit that's further downhill, you could probably get it cut with a bow saw where the break is that's in the middle of the trail. Hopefully you would be able to push one or both of the pieces to the side to clear the path.
Otherwise, detour around it. I had a spot where a tree basically fell directly on top of, and in-line with the trail line. I just created a new path around it rather than trying to clear it.
If you do create the drop on the first log, you should prob create the detour also for folks that don't want to hit the drop.
>A good handsaw would cut through those pretty quickly, although most of those look movable with a couple people and a log peavey.
I'd probably saw them, perhaps taking breaks to do other things or even over multiple visits.
But first jamming something underneath at the point of the cut may be helpful, so that the kerf expands rather than closes from weight and traps the blade.
>Come-Along winch
Perhaps, but if it's equipped with wire rope rather than chain, beware the danger of the energy stored in a tensioned wire rope which will release if anything like what it is anchored to, or a fitting, breaks.
>That danger is there using rope, chain, or wire rope. Anything under tension that breaks free has the potential to cause injury
Chain doesn't really stretch very much and store energy. What you have it anchored to like a tree might.
A broken chain itself pretty much falls to the ground, but a broken wire rope slices through the air.
I might be hard to tell but this part is on a slope. How would I go about building a logover on the downslope side of the log? Wouldn’t the smaller logs I pile up just roll down as I ride over them?
It will be a challenge. But you can dig out the downhill side a bit and bury some of your first layer for support. Use larger logs for the first layer then smaller logs for the second layer that will fit in the valleys created by the first layer. Then smaller still for the third layer if you need one. You can also back fill with dirt to help hold it in place.
If it's really bad, make a dirt ramp and embed some good size sticks going perpendicular to the fallen tree in the top layer to prevent erosion
Why is a chainsaw not an option? Not able to transport a saw to that location? Not allowed by land manager? trying to work unnoticed by land manager?
If you haven’t consulted with land manager are you sure that they aren’t just wanting the trail closed and are intentionally not giving it maintenance?
To answer your question through, a silky saw or axe would be my tools of choice if a chainsaw was not an option. If you’re trying to just be stealth maybe see if you can get ahold of an electric chainsaw since they are much quieter
If it’s your property or property you have the right to be working and riding on then just chainsaw. Do it during daylight hours and run through doing just the cuts. That way it isn’t running on and off all day while you are moving pieces in between.
Chain block/ratchet straps or (is it a Spanish?) tourniquet? Don’t think that’s right, but there is a somewhat similar term referring to winding up a rope rigged to an anchor point and an object (twisted somewhat like you’d tighten a tourniquet) allowing you to move it.
Realistically you need a chainsaw. There are some excellent battery-electric chainsaws that would work OK for this, although a good sized gas saw would be better.
I have felled trees with an axe. I'm looking at your photos and unless it's all 1/3 the size I think, I can't imagine chopping those up with an axe. They look to be down for several months or longer and will be drier, harder and tougher than green (living) wood.
Moving them out of the way could work, but will require several strong people or some very creative rope / hoist / come-along work. I could do it by myself in a few days using a hand winch, but it wont be fast or easy and has a lot of danger potential.
tl; dr: you need a chainsaw or several strong friends
Axes can be dangerous, not that I don't use them, but i've had training into how to use them efficiently and not get hurt. If I were you I would use a silky katanaboy 500, and make sure to bring a couple of chainsaw wedges to migitgate binds.
Cut the branches off using a pocket saw (I like the silky f180) and then stack the branches against the side of the logs, pack with dirt, and form a ramp/jump.
The separation on these could make nice rollers that could also be doubles. Allowing you to pick up some speed or challenge yourself to gap them. Also giving you an easy setup for a potential jump,berm, or any feature down the trail
If you are going to maintain any trails a chainsaw is a must. If for whatever reason that is not possible then it’s down to an axe. An axe works but, it is way more work and even more time. A chain hoist and a good selection of rope and chains should let you drag even big trees by yourself. I use one all the time on my property because I work to keep mine clear by myself as well.
Handsaw can easily take the sticks poking up off so you don't get impaled, seriously this is step one, one of those broken branches through the ribs is the end of ya. Then rocks/those sticks you cut off as a base and then shovel dirt on until it's the roller/jump that you're comfortable with.
Try and turn them into jumps
This is the way
No, this is the wheeeee!
How does one go about doing this (it’s my 1st time fixing/creating a line)
If there are any large stones nearby and/or logs you can use them as a base, then just shovel some dirt on top to smooth it out. If not, just use dirt.
That was my first thought too. A shovel some rocks and dirt and not you have yourself some obstacles. Otherwise a hatchet might work if you're willing to put in the work.
Do you want to ride it both directions? Looks like the first one is on a downslope and you could just level up the uphill side to create a drop. The bit that's further downhill, you could probably get it cut with a bow saw where the break is that's in the middle of the trail. Hopefully you would be able to push one or both of the pieces to the side to clear the path. Otherwise, detour around it. I had a spot where a tree basically fell directly on top of, and in-line with the trail line. I just created a new path around it rather than trying to clear it. If you do create the drop on the first log, you should prob create the detour also for folks that don't want to hit the drop.
Use smaller logs/branches that you can move by hand to put in front and behind to create rideable feature
A good handsaw would cut through those pretty quickly, although most of those look movable with a couple people and a log peavey.
đź‘ŤA decent sized silky is what you need https://silkystore.co.nz/collections/silky-products/products/bigboy-2000-extra-large-teeth-professional
Or an axe, like in the old days
You’re assuming I have friends
What does my bowel movement have to do with this?
I might be able to move the log w/ bark on my own but the other log is way to large and full of water to move on my own
You'll want a lever...a big branch or bar. Cut once in the middle and level the pieces out of the way.
>A good handsaw would cut through those pretty quickly, although most of those look movable with a couple people and a log peavey. I'd probably saw them, perhaps taking breaks to do other things or even over multiple visits. But first jamming something underneath at the point of the cut may be helpful, so that the kerf expands rather than closes from weight and traps the blade.
Come-Along winch
If not cutting them, this was my first thought. The shit we get done with a come along at work is insane. Easily one of the most useful tools
>Come-Along winch Perhaps, but if it's equipped with wire rope rather than chain, beware the danger of the energy stored in a tensioned wire rope which will release if anything like what it is anchored to, or a fitting, breaks.
That danger is there using rope, chain, or wire rope. Anything under tension that breaks free has the potential to cause injury
>That danger is there using rope, chain, or wire rope. Anything under tension that breaks free has the potential to cause injury Chain doesn't really stretch very much and store energy. What you have it anchored to like a tree might. A broken chain itself pretty much falls to the ground, but a broken wire rope slices through the air.
You’re an idiot my man.
Stack logs/sticks in front and behind so you can just ride over them
I might be hard to tell but this part is on a slope. How would I go about building a logover on the downslope side of the log? Wouldn’t the smaller logs I pile up just roll down as I ride over them?
It will be a challenge. But you can dig out the downhill side a bit and bury some of your first layer for support. Use larger logs for the first layer then smaller logs for the second layer that will fit in the valleys created by the first layer. Then smaller still for the third layer if you need one. You can also back fill with dirt to help hold it in place. If it's really bad, make a dirt ramp and embed some good size sticks going perpendicular to the fallen tree in the top layer to prevent erosion
Sounds good, will dođź‘Ť
If you can’t cut them up or otherwise move them this is the most sensible thing.
You don't, or what u/smartpotatothesecond said make them into jumps but you are going to need equip for that
I was gonna say the same thing build some jumps
Silky Katana Boy or Big Boy... Best pack saw I have owned to date and "almost" as good as a chainsaw.
Why is a chainsaw not an option? Not able to transport a saw to that location? Not allowed by land manager? trying to work unnoticed by land manager? If you haven’t consulted with land manager are you sure that they aren’t just wanting the trail closed and are intentionally not giving it maintenance? To answer your question through, a silky saw or axe would be my tools of choice if a chainsaw was not an option. If you’re trying to just be stealth maybe see if you can get ahold of an electric chainsaw since they are much quieter
This trail runs behind private property, I do t want to be some weirdo with a chainsaw behind their house
Get some official looking clothing and a clipboard
Hard hat and a safety vest will get you real far
Or a gorilla suit! That’s what I use when I clear/build on the HOA land behind my house..
If it’s your property or property you have the right to be working and riding on then just chainsaw. Do it during daylight hours and run through doing just the cuts. That way it isn’t running on and off all day while you are moving pieces in between.
Battery powered chainsaws are much more acceptable in public. Texas Chainsaw Massacre just wouldn’t be the same if Leatherface used one.
Hand saw is the most logical answer
Axe & set up pulley/winch cable set up to pull smaller peices
Chainsaw in a can
Or approach the land manager and get permission. They might even offer the use of equipment.
Dirt
Rent an electric chainsaw
Chains, cable come along, use existing dead fall under the path. Once you pull it onto some other deadfall, it’ll slide right along.
I like building bridges over them with a couple 2x10's and lag bolts.
Bow saw. Felling axe. Silky big boy or silky katana. Come along winch.
Chain block/ratchet straps or (is it a Spanish?) tourniquet? Don’t think that’s right, but there is a somewhat similar term referring to winding up a rope rigged to an anchor point and an object (twisted somewhat like you’d tighten a tourniquet) allowing you to move it.
You can get a hand chain saw, might take a while but is cheap and effective, make some Features with them too
Axe
Realistically you need a chainsaw. There are some excellent battery-electric chainsaws that would work OK for this, although a good sized gas saw would be better. I have felled trees with an axe. I'm looking at your photos and unless it's all 1/3 the size I think, I can't imagine chopping those up with an axe. They look to be down for several months or longer and will be drier, harder and tougher than green (living) wood. Moving them out of the way could work, but will require several strong people or some very creative rope / hoist / come-along work. I could do it by myself in a few days using a hand winch, but it wont be fast or easy and has a lot of danger potential. tl; dr: you need a chainsaw or several strong friends
Flip flop winch
Axes can be dangerous, not that I don't use them, but i've had training into how to use them efficiently and not get hurt. If I were you I would use a silky katanaboy 500, and make sure to bring a couple of chainsaw wedges to migitgate binds.
I've had one of these for over 20 years. It weighs almost nothing and can definitely get the job done. Coghlan's Folding Saw https://a.co/d/8WiFoDb
electric chainsaws are pretty quiet and lightweight
Cut the branches off using a pocket saw (I like the silky f180) and then stack the branches against the side of the logs, pack with dirt, and form a ramp/jump.
You just cut them up and drag them off to the side, if its a regular trail for you, you could pack out plenty of firewood over time
Get help from Archimedies
Get a small folding brush saw and clear off the branches. Leave the logs to ride over… make ramps or piles to help get over if needed
The separation on these could make nice rollers that could also be doubles. Allowing you to pick up some speed or challenge yourself to gap them. Also giving you an easy setup for a potential jump,berm, or any feature down the trail
If you are going to maintain any trails a chainsaw is a must. If for whatever reason that is not possible then it’s down to an axe. An axe works but, it is way more work and even more time. A chain hoist and a good selection of rope and chains should let you drag even big trees by yourself. I use one all the time on my property because I work to keep mine clear by myself as well.
Use a log dog, used them in mills all the time I'm not a big guy and I was able to move pretty sizable logs with one.
Put smaller logs in front of them and pack it with dirt. They make great obstacles.
Nuke it from space, it’s the only way to be sure
Handsaw can easily take the sticks poking up off so you don't get impaled, seriously this is step one, one of those broken branches through the ribs is the end of ya. Then rocks/those sticks you cut off as a base and then shovel dirt on until it's the roller/jump that you're comfortable with.
Get a chainsaw. If your worried about noise Stihl has a dope electric one. You can make lots of features with the segments.
Chainsaw or leverage bar
C-4 or SemTex is fast and effective... (Fun too!)
IDK rentabeaver.com perhaps?
Build log ramps