Splitting wedges and felling wedges are indispensable for professionals in the forest
Areas of application for wedges in forestry work
A wedge serves the forestry professional as an indispensable helper in various situations.One of the most common uses is its application in the felling of trees. Wedges are also used for the splitting of firewood, especially when it is too thick or too knotted for a splitting axe or splitting maul. However, not all types of wedges are equally suitable for every application. Even with this seemingly simple tool there are differences.
Hydraulic felling wedge as a trunk wood specialist
For heavy wedge work in hardwood, hydraulic felling wedges are a good choice. They generate tremendous lifting forces of up to 28 tons without vibration. Thus, the risk of dropping deadwood, especially in the case of deciduous trees, is significantly lower. Hhydraulic felling wedges have their counterpart in mechanical felling wedges which for example operate with rack-and-pinion ratchet drives.
Which wedge should I use for what purpose?
The respective size and gradient of the wedge should always correspond to the diameter of the tree. The larger the tree, the larger the wedge. If the lift of the wedge is insufficient, we recommend a special rewash wedge to second the first wedge. Generally, felling wedge should be used as swiftly as possible in order to prevent a closing of the felling section. When using several wedges it is necessary to drive them in evenly. This will benefit the overall safety and allow controlled felling of hardwood trees.Please observe: you are felling trees not by sawing but by tilting them through wedges.
For splitting timber with a wedge different wedge shape comes into play. A pure splitting wedge has a large gradient and can also be twisted in form. Special grooves in the wedge profile prevent the wedge from springing back from the wood which characteriscis apply to both felling and splitting wedges.
Common materials for timber wedges are
- aluminum
- plastic
- Aluminum wedges with wood insert
- (steel)
Steel wedges pose a special risk because they are prone to splintering. For this reason, they must not be driven with a steel tool (splitting maul). With time, a steel wedge will form a so-called beard. This is the name of the roughening of the striking surface during prolonged use. We recommend regularly smoothing of the wedge flanks in order to reduce the risk of splintering. The use of aluminum or plastic wedges significantly reduces this risk. These kind of wedges can also be driven in with any tool. Since steel wedges are comparatively heavy, they have become rare in the area of forestry.
Aluminium wedges are the best alternative to the traditional wedge of steel. Aluminum wedges are lightweight yet very stable. We offer proven FPA tested splitting and felling wedges made of forged aluminum, ideal for tough forest conditions. Other than with steel wedges, contact of aluminum wedges with the saw chain of a chain saw leads only to the dulling of the chain, not to splintering. Contact between chain and wedge should nevertheless be the exception.
Even lighter than aluminum wedges are those made of plastic. Plastic wedges are primarily used as chainsaw wedges or felling wedges. Such wedge lower the risk of injury and protect the saw chain, if it inadvertently comes in contact with the wedge. In addition to their impact resistance, plastic wedges stand out out mainly by their lightness. This is an important advantage in forestry.
However, splitter formation can always occur regardless of the material. We recommend wearing protective goggles with a high protection classification. If you are wearing the packaged Peltor helmet combination you will have good eye and face protection to match your helmet. Damp storage of your plastic wedges can help to reduce the risk of splintering.
Transport of forestry wedges
Normally, forest workers carry several wedges with tehm. For convenient transport, you can use wedge pouiches or holstesr. These accessories can be found in our online shop. Forst workers fit wedge holsters next to other equipment on their forest worker belt. The many-tool belts ensure a conveninent and safe trasport of your wedges.
Our brands at a glance
We provide you with quality wedges from different manufacturers, including
- Ochsenkopf
- Signumat
- Fiskars
- Gränsfors
- Nordforest
- Bahco
Many of the wedges carry the FPA mark of tested.and approved quality. We are also happy to advise you by telephone if you have any questions about this product range.
