Chainsaw Review
What is the most important piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) to wear when operating a chainsaw?
Chainsaw chaps or protective pants — they protect the operator’s legs from chain contact.
What is the state fish of New York?
Brook Trout
What is the most important piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) when operating heavy equipment?
Hard hat, safety boots, gloves, eye protection, and high-visibility clothing.
What type of tree is tapped for maple syrup production?
Sugar maple or Red maple
What is the primary purpose of a greenhouse?
To provide a controlled environment for plants to grow, protecting them from extreme weather and pests.
Before starting a chainsaw, what safety check should always be done?
Inspect the chain tension, fuel level, chain brake function, and ensure all nuts and bolts are tight.
Name one common big game animal hunted in Upstate New York.
White-tailed deer.
Before starting a skidder, bulldozer, or backhoe, what should you always check first?
Fluid levels (fuel, oil, hydraulic), tire or track condition, and that all safety features are functioning properly.
During what season are sugar maples typically tapped?
Late winter to early spring, when temperatures fluctuate above and below freezing.
What is the process called when a seed begins to grow into a new plant?
Germination
What is the purpose of the chain brake?
To stop the chain immediately in case of kickback or when the operator engages it manually for safety.
What type of license is required to legally fish in New York State if you’re 16 or older?
A New York State freshwater fishing license.
What is the purpose of a backup alarm on heavy equipment?
To warn nearby workers and pedestrians that the machine is moving in reverse.
What is the liquid collected from maple trees called before it is boiled?
Sap.
Name one factor that affects seed germination.
Water, temperature, oxygen, or light.
What should you do if the chain continues to move while the saw is idling?
Stop the engine immediately and adjust the idle speed or have the saw serviced.
What is the main predator of the white-tailed deer in Upstate New York?
The coyote.
When operating a bulldozer on a slope, what is one key safety rule?
Always move straight up or down the slope, not sideways, to reduce the risk of tipping.
Approximately how many gallons of sap are needed to produce one gallon of maple syrup?
About 40 gallons of sap.
What is the difference between a seedling and a mature plant?
A seedling is a young plant that has recently germinated, while a mature plant is fully grown and capable of producing flowers or seeds.
Define “kickback.”
A sudden upward and backward motion of the chainsaw that occurs when the nose of the bar contacts an object or is pinched during cutting.
Which large freshwater lake forms part of New York’s western border and is known for excellent walleye fishing?
Lake Erie.
What is the primary hazard when using a log skidder in a forested area?
Striking trees, logs rolling unexpectedly, or pinching hazards from the cable
Name 2 pieces of equipment used in modern maple syrup production in the field.
Sap spiles, tubing systems, vacuum pumps, or collection buckets.
Why is proper spacing important when planting seeds or seedlings in a greenhouse?
To prevent overcrowding, ensure adequate light, reduce disease risk, and allow roots to develop properly.
What is the correct way to start a chainsaw on the ground?
Place the saw on firm ground, engage the chain brake, put one foot in the rear handle, one hand on the top handle, and pull the starter cord firmly.
What type of fish stocking program does the NYSDEC run to support trout populations?
Hatchery stocking programs. What is it? Raising trout in hatcheries and releasing them into public waters.
How should operators respond if a backhoe or skidder begins to tip or loses stability?
Immediately lower attachments (bucket/grapple) to the ground if possible, hold onto the controls, and exit safely once the machine is stabilized.
Why is it important not to over-tap a sugar maple?
Over-tapping can weaken the tree, reduce sap production, and make the tree more susceptible to disease.
Explain the difference between direct seeding and transplanting.
Direct seeding is planting seeds directly in their final growing location, while transplanting involves starting seeds in containers and moving seedlings to their permanent location later.
Why is it important to keep the chain properly sharpened?
A sharp chain cuts efficiently, reduces fatigue, and lowers the risk of kickback or injury.
What is the difference between a game fish and a panfish in NY waters?
Game fish (like bass, trout, pike) are targeted for sport and regulated by specific seasons and limits
Panfish (like bluegill, perch, sunfish) are smaller and less regulated by the DEC.
Why is it important to keep the load of a backhoe or skidder close to the ground while moving?
To lower the center of gravity, improve stability, and reduce the risk of tipping.
What is the purpose of a “reverse osmosis” machine in maple syrup production?
It removes water from sap before boiling, saving energy and concentrating the sugar.
What is the purpose of hardening off seedlings before moving them outdoors?
To gradually acclimate plants to outdoor conditions (sun, wind, temperature) to reduce transplant shock.
What is the correct cutting stance when operating a chainsaw? Be descriptive!!
Feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, firm grip with both hands, and saw held close to the body for balance and control.
Name one bird species in Upstate New York that is commonly hunted during the fall season that is more common in thick wooded areas
Ruffed grouse.
When using a bulldozer to push logs, what is a key technique to avoid rolling logs over the operator or nearby workers?
Push from the downhill side and maintain a safe distance from others; never push logs uphill toward people.
Explain how temperature and weather conditions affect sap flow in maple trees.
Sap flows best when nights are below freezing and days are above freezing; this creates pressure changes inside the tree that move sap.
What is the purpose of ventilation in a greenhouse?
To regulate temperature, humidity, and air circulation, which prevents overheating, reduces disease, and supports healthy plant growth.
5 step felling plan in detail
1) Identify height and hazards
2) Assess the side lean
3) Escape route
4) Hinge plan
5) ack cut technique
What is the purpose of a catch-and-release fishing program in New York State?
To maintain fish populations, allow breeding, and support sustainable fishing practices.
How can an operator minimize the risk of hydraulic line failure on heavy equipment?
Regularly inspect hoses for wear or leaks, avoid kinking or pinching, and relieve hydraulic pressure before maintenance.
How does forest management, such as thinning or pruning, influence long-term maple syrup production?
Proper management improves tree health, sunlight penetration, and sap production while reducing disease and competition among trees.
How does seed stratification help with germination for certain plant species?
Stratification exposes seeds to a period of cold or specific conditions to break dormancy and stimulate germination.
Explain the difference between a bore cut and a standard felling cut, and describe when you would use each.
A standard felling cut uses a notch and back cut to fell trees in a controlled direction, commonly for smaller or straightforward trees.
A bore cut involves inserting the saw tip into the tree’s center to create a hinge before cutting the back, used for large trees or those with heavy lean to prevent barber-chairing (splitting up the trunk).
Which New York State mammal is known for being a keystone species in wetland ecosystems, often creating habitats for other animals much like us - the humans?
The Beaver
What is the proper way to work around overhead power lines when operating a backhoe or skidder?
Maintain a safe distance (usually at least 10–15 feet), use a spotter if necessary, and never touch the lines or equipment to the lines.
Why is monitoring the sugar content (Brix) of sap important for maple syrup production, and how does it affect the boiling process?
Monitoring sugar content ensures that the sap is concentrated enough to produce syrup efficiently. Higher sugar content means less boiling is needed, saving time and energy, while low sugar content requires longer boiling and can affect syrup quality.
What hardiness zone are we in, at CV-TEC?
USDA Hardiness Zone 4b