Backyard Logging with a Lewis Winch

Went out with a simple felling and dragging day ahead of me, came home with a story and new appreciation for PPE.
For anyone concerned, i wore my chainsaw pamts under my bibs and i used ear plugs for the second half of the day.

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

Wow! I always tell guys that the reason you wear a helmet is not for the dangers that you see... because if you see something coming for you, you just move......... The Lord was watching over you on that one, nicely done brother. - Patrick

[@zaccheus]

Indeed, He sure was. That's an excellent point if reason for the new guy on the crew. I'll have to remember it!

[@nevillesmith9795]

The Good Lord certainly was with you out there. That could have been very dramatic

[@zaccheus]

Absolutely!

[@dunnocorbiere3061]

Yessir always safety first especially in our line of work

[@garyh8833]

Ive been cutting trees 44 yrs and had a couple big limbs come down next to me but never hit me,glad your ok👍 young man and I would mounted that hard hat on the wall and saying thank you god for letting me live another day.

[@geekay4703]

Contact Pfanner and share this. They will love that the helmet saved your life. They might even send you a new replacement helmet. Please remember this when you get lax wearing PPE. Glad you're still here.

[@jeffcoon7160]

Everyone shows their successes but not everyone is willing to share the other stuff. I appreciate you sharing this bc its a reminder for all of us. I broke my nose two weeks ago while wearing that same helmet, but, it could have been worse

[@zaccheus]

Aw man, that's super rough. Facial injuries always suck a lot. Hope you're healing well. I think it's super important to share failures. If my failure gives someone else the opportunity to learn and prevent theor own failure then I'll gladly share all of my embarrassing moments everyday!

[@savage22bolt32]

@@zaccheus You gave me a greater respect for the unexpected. Even though I'm just a DIYer, I bought the same helmet. It's comfortable & convenient.

[@brother_jay]

Glad you’re ok brother. Also I can’t help but respect how quickly you recovered in true tree-guy fashion.

[@zaccheus]

Haha, thanks!

[@rmc489]

Wow, I went back and played that at quarter speed and that's quite the impact, never mind the penetration. That impact would have split your head at the very least and you'd be at risk of bleeding out whilst unconscious. You've taught me a thing or two.

[@zaccheus]

Yeah for sure man, this could be a video of me turning th snow red. Only to be discovered by the homeowner when they get home from work. Very thankful it didn't turn out that way. I've definitely learned the value of a helmet.

[@the5thmusketeer215]

GLAD YOU’RE SAFE! Praise God. 🥺🙏 And thanks for sharing this, as a reminder to others who perform such tasks (casually or professionally) who, through too much familiarity with such endeavours, might ever be tempted to become complacent with regards to safety equipment or sensible safety precautions….. Overconfidence, just ONCE, can kill.

[@sandiknotts7645]

You certainly have a guardian angel! All praises to God.

[@zaccheus]

Amen to that!

[@2ndgenlife]

Wow. I just saw this before I started cutting on several oaks on a 45° hillside that were all entangled and it was sketchy. Showed me alot in a matter of a few seconds. Stay safe.

[@christophernaumann1650]

Super glad you are ok, I watch your vids all the time. You do good work. Keep it up. Be safe.

[@zaccheus]

Thanks man! I'll do my best 😅

[@Jason-fg4jr]

Brother good thing you had your brain bucket on... God was watching over you... always look up in no pro ... but don't want to see anyone hurt and you seem to be a good human stay safe frosty and free brother

[@geoffreygreen297]

Wow!!!! HE saved your noggin. I had a piece about that size fall out of a dead pine that I was cutting. It spun around the bill of my full brim hard hat and stuck through my upper lip. It could have been a lot worse. I’m thankful for HIS guidance and safety every day. Have a blessed day.

[@zaccheus]

Ooo that sounds like a gnarly experience, were you on the ground or up in the tree?

[@geoffreygreen297]

@@zaccheus on the ground. I have an L between my nose and upper lip. Someday I’ll tell you about when HE saved my back on a 25 foot fall.

[@zaccheus]

Whoa, that sounds like a wild experience glad you're here to tell the story!

[@treblebass8049]

Dude..... That was nuts, glad you're alright man.

[@br-dj2ti]

Oh my God buddy I've never seen that happen in 20 years of falling trees I've seen pieces hit a hard hat but never stick straight in like that thank God you had your hard hat on I always keep it on no matter what thank God you're okay God bless you my friend stay safe

[@zaccheus]

Thanks man, I'll for sure never pick up a saw without a helmet on.

[@garyduncan1025]

I'll make sure I have a helmet working around him. 🤠 🤷‍♂️ 😀

[@zaccheus]

Haha, you're hilarious Gary 😂

[@woodystreeservicePNW]

I remember watching this video when you posted it. Thankful it went the way it did brother.

[@zaccheus]

Amen, it wouldn't have taken very much variation in the story to produce a very different ending. I'm very thankful it went the way it did. One of my most valuable lessons and it only cost me a helmet.

[@kalinkapavlova9398]

I'm glad you didn't go without your helmet! And I hope you kept it with the branch as a reminder. I vaguely remember someone telling me a story of how his boss (in carpentry I think) had a piece of saw fly off, and it hit him in his safety glasses instead of his eyes, so he keeps it on a wall and introduces his newbies to it. Great vid, love the snow! It looks so peaceful up there, besides the falling murder-branches lol.

[@zaccheus]

For sure! I donated the helmet to our local arborist supply store. They hold regular training sessions there and they'll be using it to convince people to wear a helmet.

[@midastouch9217]

You deserve a new subscriber, I will fill that slot I do not want to see any more near tragic events, you had a guardian angel looking out for you on this day, stay safe.

[@zaccheus]

Thanks man! I can't argue with that. My wife says the Lord must have assigned a couple to me and I probably make them work over time. I'm very glad to have been protected from a worse incident.

[@larrybagina76]

Glad you're ok. Was saying to myself when watching you cut the first tree that you don't look up enough. You need to be looking up way more often and need to really watch the tree for the first sign of movement (by looking up) and continue to glance up as you retreat down your escape path. Ask me how I know... I had one tiny lapse where I looked up and retreated but didn't look up again. Same scenario as you but limb missed my head (thankfully) and hit my knee. Tried to shake it off and keep working. Pain got really bad and turns out I had a fractured tibial plateau, fractured femur and needed surgery to remove a small piece of wood that became embedded behind my kneecap. Long recovery that I don't wish on anyone so thanks for sharing and helping others learn from your mistake! Including me! There's no such thing as a tree faller that looks up "too much" but there are a great many who don't look up enough. I even saw the piece that was coming for me and nonchalantly stepped out of the way but it must have brushed something else and changed direction. Wasn't a big piece, and it didn't come from overly high, it was 17 lbs but the fat end caught me just right. Shows how much damage even a small piece can do. Stay safe!! Also, for your lewis winch... Get the new threaded version to engage the clutch it works much better. Also, get rid of the cable and put 70 ft of 3/16 amsteel as it's way stronger, safer, doesn't have memory, don't get splinters, etc. Don't put more than 70 ft or you'll splay the drum as it piles up on one side with heavy pulls. I've used mine literally thousands of times at work and although it's very unrefined it's still pretty amazing what it can do.

[@Sethhaun78]

We lost great tree man jed just like that..realy hit home..hearing that ..

[@jodelhole]

Thanks for posting this! As a former feller / log cutter, I can attest to the advantages of hard hats: having had similar experiences. NEVER fall trees or work where trees have been taken down without a hard hat. Hung-up loose limbs fall for days afterwards.

[@zaccheus]

Especially after this experience, I can't agree more.

[@user-wo7rz3yn4o]

Boy you are one cool cucumber man, you did have some protection there ! Thanks for sharing and may you continue being protected 😇

[@zaccheus]

Amen to that! Thanks!

[@joshedwards8328]

Man that was crazy!!! Ya know, we’re always told to look up but I think in this case, if you had been looking up, it may have came through you face guard and not ended so well. Bad things normally happen sooo fast. Glad your ok, keep it up. God Bless!!

[@zaccheus]

I think you're right. I tend to crouch and brace for impact when something is coming for me. I don't think I would have had the correct reflexes to move out of the way. Definitely don't need a new hole in my face either 😅

[@thewoodpost]

Wow the good Lord was Looking after you thank you so much for sharing and God-bless

[@wittleoutdoors1858]

Nice job, glad you are ok. I am from Indiana and we cut a lot of the same tree species so it is great to see someone else with passion for it. I cut for firewood for heating . Great video. Be blessed and thanks again for sharing!

[@jonesrick1]

Via con Dios, my good man. You have posted a once-in-a-lifetime video. Congratulations on your good fortune.

[@zaccheus]

Thank you. I definitely believe this was a blessing from above 😊

[@verplanckekriss]

Nice cutting. Only one piece of advise: When cutting down a tree, always try to look up for widowmakers before and during the cut. I also run away from the tree when it's going, to prevent the thing that you encountered. Good thing you are wearing PPE :-) saved your life

[@zaccheus]

It did absolutely save my life. I definitely could have done better with looking up and better inspecting the tree before a fall. This experience gave me the best education I've ever had.

[@shermanhofacker4428]

I cut walnut CLOSE to the ground with a very narrow notch Humboldt, then bore into the center of the notch all the way out the back, put a wedge into the back kerf. Then cut most of the back by boring in behind the hinge and cutting towards the back, adding wedges as needed. Saving pulls and maximize log length.

[@jstraus34]

Nice reminder why we should always wear a helmet when dropping trees. Thank you for sharing.

[@Sepp2009]

that's some serious "final destination" stuff right there! holy crap

[@stuartwhelan3258]

I never work without my helmet. Lucky lad. That helmet deserves a medal. Did its job perfectly

[@thisoldsaw5438]

To every client/spectator that has ever walked into the work zone this is why you get chirped at!!! Glad you are safe🤜💕🤛

[@zaccheus]

Yeah no kidding!

[@amjorgy1]

I had something similar happen to me a few yrs back. I had just dropped a poplar tree, it was beautiful and landed right where I wanted it. After it went down, I started walking up to it and wham! A branch that had broke off up in the canopy and hung up on a different trees branch came loose and nailed me on my head! It wasn't a big branch it didn't knock me over but was quite the surprise to me when it happened. Luckily I had my helmet on and all was well. Since then though, I always check the branches after I drop a tree.

[@zaccheus]

Seems like there are so many stories like this. Some more violent than others, but all of them scary to some degree.

[@feliciajones1759]

Pretty sweet to see the winch in action! Enjoyed the ride on the shovel haha

[@zaccheus]

Haha, thanks, I was trying to look for creative shots all day

[@timkirkpatrick9155]

Learning to keep looking up for widow makers can be a steep learning curve!

[@justinsigmon1878]

Wow I just getting into tree work. That was crazy how easily that could have impelled your skull... God is good brother....

[@zaccheus]

Absolutely, he soared me to work another day!

[@dougreid2351]

Nicely filmed & narrated. Subscribed on first viewing. Thanks. DOUG out

[@zaccheus]

Thanks Doug!

[@jonathanr5238]

You could consider one of the those yellow nose cones that the portable capstan winches are supplied with. I use one in my wood and it massively reduces drag and makes it way easier to get the log started.

[@zaccheus]

Yes! I am aware of them. I probably should get one, I've just been avoiding it because of the price. Occasionally they come up used for cheap. I've just been waiting for the right opportunity

[@hughmainwaring9187]

Amazing - well done for not taking that short cut. PPE, PPE and PPE again. Lesson there for all. Me included. Hugh

[@zaccheus]

Absolutely, I'll never question it again!

[@spelunkerd]

I would post a second short clip of the accident, with a clicky title, it deserves to go viral. What a freak accident, I'm guessing it didn't glance off because the branch tip found some kind of vent hole in the plastic. You're so lucky it didn't penetrate through your scalp! In an instant there would be blood everywhere, and working alone you would be in serious trouble, even if it didn't penetrate the skull plates. Imagine if that happened up a tree.

[@zaccheus]

That's an excellent idea! I might do something like that with a slowed version so you can see what is really going on. I think the vent holes played a large part in the helmet penetration. It's a good thing it happened where it did. The branch got caught in the rear mounting point for the internal suspension. Also I think not having the chin strap on may have helped

[@crazycoyote1738]

Yes, wow!! As many ppl said.. You should keep this helmet as a reminder that we have so much credit up there, by God’s good deeds bank. We should continue to do good. I don’t think those cheap Husqvarna or still helmets could withstand that penetration. God bless!!

[@splitpin1764]

Good felling technique overall. Buckin Billy Ray covers this often, always look at the crown of the tree as it begins to fall. Better to see whats coming and have a chance to evade the limb. I also hadn't appreciated how snow could make moving more difficult.

[@zaccheus]

For sure, though Billy isn't exactly the safest tree guy on the internet, he does have a ton of experience. Here in the east our trees are rarely tall enough to provide a hazard with enough fall time to get out of the way. I'm not saying looking up is a bad idea, it's just important to remember that you're exposing an unprotected side of your head when you do. When you're looking up, you're trading one safety feature for another.

[@outwear4661]

Glad you are okay. Thanks for sharing how safe your Protos helmet is. Always wear your PPE and stay safe.

[@zaccheus]

Absolutely!

[@justinrutan1795]

Dang brother you were truly blessed this day, nice way to get back at it!

[@zaccheus]

Absolutely! It could have been so much worse, thanks!

[@bukfevr0]

Wow, that was a pretty hard hit to you, your right though, you can't let your guard down doing that kind of work. Glad your ok and thanks for sharing.

[@michaelpcooksey5096]

Really glad the Lord wanted you around awhile. Remember to stand for Him. Even if you are faced with death. Signs of the times say that is likely in the very near future. Remember the human condition has a 100 percent mortality rate. THEN comes the eternal assignment. Stand strong. Keep the prayer life active and never embrace his enemies ways.

[@pkope6849]

Hey Young Buck !!!!👍👍 If it were me,,. I would leave the limb in the Helmet and hang it in the Garage for Conversation Piece.. Glad you are ok with no affects...

[@zaccheus]

It's definitely a conversation piece. I donated it to Endor's Arborist Supply. They do lots of trainings and safety seminars.

[@dylananderson1067]

Sometimes I feel like tree work actually keeps me alive and looking forward to the next day…then I see or experience some shit like this and remember making a living and staying alive are two very different things.

[@zaccheus]

You're not wrong about that. It's a dichotomy, loving the same thing that appears to want to kill you.

[@srfsnwswm]

Really glad you're ok! What a close one. This came up as a recommended video even though I've never watched anything of yours before. I couldn't help but notice a couple things, maybe you've seen them too after re-watching the video. Apologies in advance for the critical eye, but I did have to say something, maybe it can help prevent an accident in the future for someone reading. 1) Looks like from the side that you chose to make your cuts, your view was obstructed to the top. The side closest to the camera looked like the safer side, maybe not for lean/load (not sure, wasn't there), but for visibility. Always good to look up, I do 5-10 times per tree through the whole process (depends how much I trust the wood fibres) and more if I'm tapping in wedges. If I'm dealing with dead wood, I'll give it a good whack with my axe before cutting--the vibrations might dislodge something that's ready to go. 2) I'd invest in a full-wrap bar. Allows you to work from one side without having to handle the saw awkwardly. 3) Your escape route was by walking across the rear of the tree as it was falling. I would reassess that. 4) Seemed like the bore cut wasn't that necessary. Looks like the release of your back strap is what dislodged that widowmaker. That was a pretty loud pop. Also, I've caught myself many times doing this too, but it's easy to admire your work. You feel good about your cut, things line up, tree dumps beautifully, and then you realize you've been ignoring the canopy the whole time. Keep looking up and let that canopy settle before you go admire your work. Stay safe out there and happy cutting!

[@zaccheus]

Hey Patrick, thank you for your critiques and gentle delivery! 1. You're not wrong that I should spend more time looking up, especially when hitting wedges and striking the tree before picking up a saw doesn't sound like a bad idea either. 2. I do have a full wrap bar on some of my other saws and I'm generally not a fan. They come with too many negatives and only one positives. For those who use and enjoy them, I'm glad they work good for you. I just prefer them inbthe tree or on the ground. 3. Yes, many folks have mentioned that directly behind the direction of fall is a danger zone. There were some landscaping features (though not large) just out of frame in the 45° degree direction and I chose the side of the tree the suited best for the film work (with the positions of the low sun etc). In the end, I believe you're right though, I think I could have done something other than what I did. 4. That's an evcellent thought and though it could have been the case, I think in this scenario a boar cut was still a good idea. A properly sized hinge critical in avoiding a barber chair experience. This tree wasn't leaning super hard, but it was hard enough that I thought a bore cut was the safest option. Hence the loud pop. Amd yeah, I enjoy what I do and it's fun to watch. Obviously safety is more important, but I do tend to get too excited sometimes 😆

[@nomerc3608]

Glad your ok! Thank goodness for your helmet! Glad you listened to your inter voice!

[@zaccheus]

Thanks! Me too 😅

[@MiniDigging]

Glad you're OK, that could have been really really bad without the helmet.

[@zaccheus]

No kidding. Made me think twice about working alone.

[@JakeAF]

You were so calm after almost having your skull impaled. Very lucky you were wearing that helmet for sure! Keep up the videos I don’t know how I got here but I’m entertained.

[@zaccheus]

Haha, glad to hear it!

[@freelyfarmexploits8854]

That's why we wear ppe, you just never know, dead wood hangups are always a huge problem, you were being looked after that day, 🙏

[@zaccheus]

I most certainly believe that.

[@Secr8aznman]

🙏🙏 Who ever you are stranger. Glad you're safe. Tmz brought me here.

[@zaccheus]

Hey cool! The fella from TMZ called me today and I thought it was a scam call 😂 thanks for leaving a comment Darren!

[@tommasosegala1850]

Thanks for sharing. Glad you're ok, i Will remeber this video for ever.

[@zaccheus]

Thanks! It's a lesson I hope no one else has to learn for themselves.

[@treeoflife7611]

Thanks Lord, you're alive!

[@zaccheus]

Amen to that!

[@ThienTran-ly9fi]

zaccheus, you should just make a 60 second clip of the event showing the strike by effect of tree work, and send it out to the world of youtube. This will help those looking to understand the danger of tree work. Love your work by the way. Keep it up. Thien From Hamilton Canada.

[@zaccheus]

Hey Thien! I actually did do that. I narrowed it down to a 30 second clip and it's out there somewhere. I made the mistake of not making a good thumbnail for it, but it has been seen by a lot of folks. Pretty sure it's my most viewed video

[@toddjacks8288]

Awesome video brother as always

[@zaccheus]

Thanks Todd, you're a real one 🤙

[@WileeC]

I see a great sponsorship/advertising opportunity for you and the manufacturer of that safety helmet.

[@schwartztekllc]

It just might be time that I go pick up a helmet for myself and my boy. Just wish I was still in Montana where there isn't the heat and humidity of TN. Hard to wear much more than a pair of shorts in the warmer months. Glad your helmet kept you safe.

[@zaccheus]

I hear that man, it's not as bad up here in Ohio l, but we still have some days. Taking shade breaks is always cheaper than dying 🤙stay safe out there!

[@Shakafist]

That was a close one. I’d say the ol’ Pfanner was definitely worth the money. Thanks for sharing this. Keep your head up. We live to cut another day.

[@zaccheus]

That's the truth for sure. Went and bought another one right away.

[@GG-jj9ny]

wowwwww straight from the TMZ article. A great AD for that helmet!!!!

[@zaccheus]

For sure! I bought another one just like it 😂

[@dcvariousvids8082]

Lucky to be alive. PPE is always worth wearing.

[@zaccheus]

Worth the money too 🤙

[@JP1AO]

WOW. I would keep that hanging on the shop wall as a reminder

[@zaccheus]

I actually donated it to the local arb shop and they have it on display there for people to see.

[@cluelessbeekeeping1322]

*DUDE* That was soooo amazing and lucky (or unlucky) Regardless, glad you're okay. Wow...that was close!

[@ianbarnett6027]

This should be made compulsory viewing at Arb Schools. Dangers are when you least expect them and the importance of PPE. So pleased you were ok.

[@zaccheus]

I've gotten a bunch of feedback from places saying that they intend to show it to trainees. I gave the helmet to a local training center for show and tell purposes too.

[@WilliamStihl]

Thank our heavily Father for not taking you that day. Dam close though ! Stay safe out there brother !!!

[@mattwood9981]

Glad you're alright, that was pretty bad! It could have been a whole lot worse!! I know a logger that's no longer with us because of basically the same circumstances.. That also shows the importance of clearing away from the base of the tree especially if there is limb entanglement and dead branches to be concerned about.

[@zaccheus]

Of course, of course. I decent habit of getting away once things are moving.just didn't go far enough fast enough

[@bradstreeservicellc2894]

Oh jesus man im so glad you are ok,

[@zaccheus]

Thanks man, me too!

[@michaelwhiteoldtimer7648]

I watched this on the short video when this branch hit you, so glad God was watching out for you

[@zaccheus]

Me too man, He is good

[@larryweinberg1191]

saw the short version of helmet hit. With this longer video I suppose discussion should be whether the protos helmet had a near failure due to vent openings. I have had dome saved more than few times wearing metal hard hat. 2x from side hits where rim folded down and another direct hit from top, all from my earlier days working in woods. Currently wear the rockman forestry helmet because of the prime suspension and distance from the suspension to top of helmet. Also the "crash pad" feature. Not the most stylish hat but seems built for a whack.

[@zaccheus]

I don't think the protos performed less than expected in this scenario. It's only speculation, but I believe the branch that hit me, hit with substantially more force than the EN397 standard that the helmet meets. The rockman helmet you mention looks nice, the option without vents certainly makes it nice for powerline clearance work. It also meets EN397, but I couldnt find anywhere that it was rated for side impacts. I really want side impact protection for climbing. For what it's worth, the vents are reinforced, but it's hard to say if the branch would have penetrated if it struck elsewhere on the helmet 🤷‍♂️

[@CounTreeGuy]

Wow that is amazing. Very lucky you. Careful on yer bore cuts, I did one the other day and I accidentally left my hinge too big and the damn thing barber -chaired anyway.

[@zaccheus]

Aye, that sounds like a nasty situation. I've definitely been a victim of my own haste too many times.

[@CounTreeGuy]

@@zaccheus yeah but this is how we learn! As long as we don't come TOO CLOSE along the way. I bet you'll be more likely to have a good look up even when you're falling now! I know I will! Thanks for the video!

[@BigButtocks967]

06:55 you are a lucky lucky man, that’s a tale to tell people.

[@zaccheus]

Absolutely, the Lord saved me that day

[@rodneymiller5320]

That protos helmet is a life saver. Stay safe

[@zaccheus]

Indeed! Worth every penny!

[@rodneymiller5320]

Oh yes and my favorite part of this job is that sound

[@zaccheus]

The hinge wood? It's one of a kind for sure 🤙

[@brotherlove100]

that's the kind of footage that'll make you famous!

[@kunzy04]

Wow, so glad you are ok! That’s very scary, it’s not your time brother, your angels were watching over you that day!

[@zaccheus]

True that! Very glad

[@charliepearsall9376]

Maann I know that feeling right after the fact. Astonishing thankfulness and wondering what you missed. Wow stay safe dude.

[@zaccheus]

It's was a new feeling for me. One I hope to never experience again. Thinks, I'll do my best 😅

[@havespurswillclimb]

Wow! Lucky guy! Perhaps better inspection of trees for suspect limbs, cracks, Etc? Glad you're OK.

[@zaccheus]

Of course. I was probably a bit hasty in my inspection. I knew they're were dead limbs up there. I took a couple steps away in an effort to avoid the dangers of being near the stump as it falls, I just didn't step far enough.

[@BissellMapleFarm]

You had me at static friction.

[@zaccheus]

Haha, whipping out terms from highschool physics class 😅

[@austinsmith3749]

Thank God you are ok brother!

[@zaccheus]

Amen to that!

[@orest227]

trees don't want to go down, they'll take you with them if they can. even on the easy days

[@shanewalsh3681]

Wow dude! Glad you’re not hurt, that was absolutely wild to watch.

[@zaccheus]

Thanks man, it was a wild experience for sure

[@eclark53520]

Glad you wore the bucket! I thought you just slipped or tripped and fell...had to rewind it to realize you got hit. Crazy.

[@zaccheus]

Me too man. I definitely wouldn't have finished the job if I didn't!

[@laboredinvain3252]

"Thankful the Lord protected me," yep, even in this He is glorified.

[@zaccheus]

Amen, He is

[@bracaarboristi]

Holy shit man! That is fked up! Thank god you’re alive !

[@jaredeberly9724]

Should have run from the second one the way you ran from the first 😂 kidding, hope the protos gets replaced. Very glad you wore the helmet

[@zaccheus]

Lol, it would have saved me from that experience, you're not wrong 😂🤷‍♂️

[@billr4677]

If you’d allow me to comment as you didn’t. IIR you at no time (at least on the video) did you look up for potential hazards. Especially during the banging of the wedges on the first tree. This was something that was thought to me early on. Second an most importantly you didn’t clear the hazard area fully nor quickly. Another really important thing my grandfather said as it’s the biggest widow maker off all the situations. Really glad you’re safe.

[@zaccheus]

Thanks for your care of my safety. There has a number of comments that have mentioned the value of looking up. Some suggesting that the incident could have been avoided and some suggesting that if I had, I would have been impaled in the face. I think looking up is a good habit to develope and I will certainly put more effort into it. I don't think it will prevent every accident and I don't think it would have prevented this one. Yes I could have moved faster and gone farther that's easy to see after it's happened.

[@billr4677]

@@zaccheus again this is not an indictment or an attack. Merely observations and wisdom thru life experience. I was and am concerned WRT safety. Never pass a fault or ignore passing wisdom. Hope you send that video to the helmet Co. Better yet trade it for a new one. Personally I’m a KASK guy but nothing is surviving that.

[@zaccheus]

Thank you for your thoughts. I post videos because I don't have anyone in real life to critique my actions amd choices so I really do appreciate comments of criticism.

[@Sethhaun78]

Love my green prhotos... sold my red one

[@kevinwatson5076]

Oh thank god you didn’t die that was crazy it’s definitely a reminder to protect yourself.

[@zaccheus]

For sure! I'll definitely never approach another tree the same way again.

[@AisAL321]

You should send your helmet with the limb in it to the manufacture with a note telling them thanks for making a good quality product and that it saved your life.

[@tisliliana]

Not to mention they'd probably replace it for him. My man has 3 of the same helmets... Good to see they work

[@savage22bolt32]

I wouldn't part with it.

[@Sethhaun78]

You definitely had God watching over you on that one..for sure...I could see the shadow come down .

[@ninjabugmantylersmith9977]

Apparently God’s not done with you yet! 🙏 Glad to see you’re alright man, that was scary. The best part is that you went right on working after the near death experience 😆

[@zaccheus]

Haha. I guess you're right. Well I had to. I really wanted to get done 😅 in all seriousness though, it important to know when to stop. Working with an injury is not an honorable decision though sometimes it feel like the manly thing to do. I'm just glad I wasn't hurt too bad amd was able to keep going.

[@ericharris893]

Disaster thwarted, the show must go on. Time will continue without you. Weather your dead, or stunned, or lazy, so life shows us, don’t get dead, don’t get shocked, don’t get lazy!

[@Morpheen999]

I always wear a helmet when felling, too many close calls in the past not too I guess thats why they say look up when finishing your cut as the tree starts to move.. Years ago a big widow maker came down and almost slapped me from a 4ft hard maple I'll never forget it

[@mossy6144]

I never even start my saw without my helmet on, and that's why, if I may I'll show this to all they guys who do the opposite, keep safe young man.

[@zaccheus]

Absolutely! Please share it and pass it around. I previously kept the real of never starting a saw without chaps or ear protection at least, but a helmet is now on that list for sure.

[@waynegriswold8953]

thats just a reminder that when falling trees its important to watch the crown the whole time because you dont know if a widow maker is hiding somewhere.

[@zaccheus]

Indeed, indeed. I'll be developing that habit from now on for sure.

[@kousterx]

Wow, glad you are okay and it was the helmet that took the hit and not your head. Imagine if it was few inches to the left, that would have hurt or been potentially life threatening. Do inspections in low clearance areas and the hard hat has saved my scalp and head many times.

[@zaccheus]

I know for sure. If it had gone differently in any number of ways, this would have been a video of me bleeding out in the snow alone. It's feel miraculous honestly

[@mtnbiker49]

Makes a pretty good argument for a helmet to not have large vent cutouts like that. I'd say that there is a pretty good chance a solid top would not have allowed the stick to penetrate.

[@zaccheus]

I've wondered about that a good bit. The holes are reinforced with thicker portions, but it does appear as though the were a part of why the branch went though. Either way, I'm sure the force of the falling limb far exceeded the forces in the EN397 test that the helmet went through 🤷‍♂️

[@tomjones4318]

Helmets don't just stop a hit but also and possibly mainly deflect the hit.

[@MrPogiBalut]

I know if you contacted the manufacture and showed them your video and hard hat they would be happy your safe and they may send you a new one. I was in a very serious bicycle accident and spend 3 months in the hospital I would be alive if I weren't wearing my ABUS helmet I sent them a thank email with pictures and they wrote me back the next day They said go on the website pick out any helmet I wanted. I gave them back their helmet they want to to make the even better. BTW I was hit by a Toyota Tacoma at high speed doctor your helmet saved you.

[@zaccheus]

Wow, that's an incredible story. I'm so glad you were able to recover from that. It's amazing how much the appropriate gear with improve your chances of survival for sure in any scenario. Thanks for sharing!

[@endutubecensorship]

Glad to see those Protos hardhats take a beating