Forestry suppliers chaps question

[g pierce]

I just received a pair of new old stock (manufacture date 6-12) Forestry Suppliers Inc. chaps, style: 8005083 that I bought on ebay. The attached tag has the following information:
"Does not comply to current standard specification for leg protection for chainsaw users F1897-04, F1897-08 editions or 6170-4F" (this info was not provided in the ad for the chaps). I did some searching and couldn't find details about what these specifications mean. The tag also shows "Two piles crowfoot woven Kevlar - Two piles Para Aramid Felt" Can I consider these chaps appropriate for use with my stihl 024?

 

[2dogs]

You bought a pair of decent quality old chaps. The current Forest Service WILDLAND user specs call for protecting against a chain moving at 3200fps and provide 180 degree leg coverage. This usually means 3 woven and two felted plies of Kevlar and a 14" wide leg. This is spec# 6170-4g. These chaps cost around $200.00 vs chainsaw shop chaps that sell for $80.00. (Cheapo chaps do not use Kevlar).

Forestry Suppliers' lawyers are probably saying "don't use these chaps on USFS jobs" because they call for a higher spec. Yes they will work fine wit your 024 but please remember chaps may only lessen the injury caused by a chainsaw, not eliminate completely an injury. Now make sure you have an Israeli dressing attached to your chaps belt or at least on your gas can. I have both.

 

[windthrown]

If you want a good pair of chaps, I would get Labonville which are 6 ply. They are about $70 online. You can order them from Madsens or Baileys. You can see what they can do to protect you here in this classic video:



Or read this web page and watch the WA state produced video on Madsens:

http://www.madsens1.com/chaps.htm

 

[Westboastfaller]

I believe 2dogs means 3200 FPM threshold.
I sometimes see chaps or pants in the store with a 2600 FPM threshold that are intended for the home owner but can't be used anywhere in industry. 3600 are the lowest WCB excepts here but we have to adhere to the highest standard. If a company wants 4100's we have to get them. Gas & 0il industry is wrap around calves for pants and side impact helmets.
Usually when they have low layers the layers are spaced with a pading material which helps. One saftey advantage to the chaps in my experience is WHEN they get caught the chain pulls them away from your leg but pants don't have the room to pull away especially with your knee bent
I wouldn't have a problem wearing chaps of the same thickness personally with any saw for the reason given. If I was on my own time. Bigger concerns would be:
Dose the protection come high enough and dose it go low enough. Do they have the tendency to want to roll in to the midline and expose the outer left leg.

*edit* ^^^ left leg

 

[g pierce]

Thanks for the info. I'm aware that no chaps will offer absolute protection. I'm a skinny, bird-legged old man and a 14" wide leg would pretty much be a full wrap around my calves.
I watched that video a couple of weeks ago. Very impressive.
As it turns out, I received a size 36 instead of the size 40 pictured in the ebay ad. They are almost exactly 4" too short. I've requested a refund and will probably buy the Labonville chaps.

 

[2dogs]

If you want a good pair of chaps, I would get Labonville which are 6 ply. They are about $70 online. You can order them from Madsens or Baileys. You can see what they can do to protect you here in this classic video:



Or read this web page and watch the WA state produced video on Madsens:

http://www.madsens1.com/chaps.htm

This is a non-valid way to buy any critically important piece of equipment. The manufacturer is not important, the specification the chaps are built to is what is.

Labonville makes fine products but is it right for the end user. And WT... do they only make one style of chaps? And he already owns chaps. Read more carefully next time.

 

[windthrown]

Oooooh, well tell me to read, eh? I thought that you had more class than that. Apparently not.

 

[Forestry Suppliers Inc.]

Hi g pierce,

It's likely the chaps you purchased do not exactly meet the specs of the US Forest Service. That doesn't necessarily mean they aren't applicable for your needs. Our product specialists are here to help if you'd like to speak to someone. You may reach us by phone at 1-800-430-5566.

Thanks!
Forestry Suppliers, Inc.

 

[2dogs]

I've been buying from Forestry Suppliers for years. My current chaps are PGI from FS. They also print the best catalog in the industry. They also list PARTS for the products they sell.