Pole Felling

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Description

Pole felling requires a contestant to use an axe to fell a 6 to 9 inch dbh, 20 foot tall, bark-on pine pole. A stake is placed prior to felling, and the winner is the competitor who is closest to the stake or who hits the stake in the least time. Once the front cut is completed, a competitor may not touch the pole with their hands, and may not direct the pole by sticking the axe and rotating it. For safety reasons, competitors are stopped after 10 minutes and not allowed to continue. The event has been run every year since 1962.

Examples

Photo Credit: Colin Lowther competes in pole felling at the 59th Southern Forestry Conclave hosted by Clemson University. Photo by Jeremy Stovall.

Photo Credit: A pole felled within a couple inches of the stake. The pole bounced into the stake after hitting the ground, knocking the bark off the top. The pole is re-positioned to its original landing spot for judging. Photo by Jeremy Stovall.

Techniques

How to Make Tree Felling Notches

Click HERE to view the video on YouTube.

FORS 3000 Note: Part A module quiz includes content above this point. Part B module quiz includes content immediately below this point, and Part C is further down.

Notches Part 1

Click HERE to view the video on YouTube.

Notches Part 2

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Tree Felling Techniques - Wisconsin Master Logger

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OSHA Guide to Manual Tree Felling

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Equipment

Most axes used in modern timbersports competitions are called 'racing axes' and are manufactured by one of a handful of companies. Information for all companies I am aware of is listed below, including one listing for shin and toe guards important to safely learning to log chop. Much greater detail on the design and maintenance of axes and axe handles is included in the USDA Forest Service videos and documents below. While these documents are focused on the safe and efficient use of axes in trail maintenance, much of the content applies just as well to log chopping and pole felling. Pole felling is typically more focused on accuracy than speed, and thus a wider range of axe types may be used while remaining competitive.

Tuatahi Racing Axes and Saws - New Zealand

  • http://www.tuatahiaxes.com/
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  • 01164 6 377-3728

Carson Bosworth Lumberjack Equipment - USA - Wisconsin

Brute Forge Racing Axes - Australia

Mike Osborne No. 1 Racing Axes - Australia

Seymour Midwest - Link Handle Division - USA - Tennessee

GlobalIndustrial.com - USA

Bailey's Online - USA - California

FORS 3000 Note: Part B module quiz includes content immediately above this point. Part C module quiz includes content below this point, and Part A is at the top.

An Ax to Grind Video

Note that this video only counts towards FORS 3000 in the log chopping section. Click HERE to view the video on YouTube.

Handtools for Trail Work - Part 2 Video

Note that this video only counts towards FORS 3000 in the log chopping section. Click HERE to view the video on YouTube.

An Ax to Grind: A Practical Ax Manual

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Historical Context

Pole felling simulates the practice of felling a tree with an axe. Trees have been felled with axes for almost as long as axes have been in existence. Regardless of the method of tree felling, the most important goals are always felling the tree in the desired direction while maintaining the safety of the feller. Thus the Conclave pole felling event focuses on accuracy of felling direction first, and speed second.

Photo Credit: Loggers felling a tree with axes in east Texas. http://tfsweb.tamu.edu/history/Single-Article.aspx?id=19534

Pole Felling Example Layout

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