[MAIPC] Weed wrenches

[Richard Gardner]

 We have a PullerBear which works well on tough to remove plants. It is heavy to haul around, but has taken care of small trees, saplings, Oriental bittersweet and similar.
With the bush honeysuckles, I mostly pull them out by hand or use a spading fork attached to a long shovel handle. I find standard spading forks to be mechanically inefficient and lacking in reach.
For non-suckering plants I would use a shovel sharpened to cut through roots. When I have digging to do in an area full of roots or sod I sharpen a shovel on our grinder.
I am not a fan of swinging tools such as machetes, axes and mattocks, especially with volunteers.
I find machetes mostly useless when dealing with vining plants and shrubs. Branch loppers or a small saw work much better. I am especially fond of the 10" Corona RS 7265D RazorTOOTH Folding Pruning Saw. We have several which are put in our daypacks when hiking. I take out up to 6" deadfalls with it.
Chainsaws - I use a 12" Stihl easy start with chaps, gloves and helmet. My thinking is that the smaller blade is safer than the larger ones because there is less bucking and less blade to handle. Also, it requires me to think more before I make cuts. I have had no problem taking out deadfalls up to 18" or 20".
Penn State Ag Extension offers chainsaw training classes. However, the one we took by Appalachian Trail Conservancy was much better.
                                                Richard Gardner
 
The Weed Wrench company went out of business after the owner posted an anti-government rant to explain why he stopped manufacturing them.

    On Friday, September 24, 2021, 11:41:39 PM EDT, Muth, Norris (MUTH) <muth at juniata.edu> wrote:  
 
  Looking for recommendations or comments on the utility of weed wrenches or similar. Wondered if it was a helpful mechanical option for privet, bush honeysuckle, or autumn olive.
Thanks.
—
Norris Z. Muth, Ph.D. (he/him)
Juniata CollegeZoom meetingmuthlab.org

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