Felling Axes

About Felling Axes

Felling axes are specialist cutting tools engineered to cut across the wood grain when chopping down trees and removing branches. Unlike splitting axes that work along the grain to divide logs, felling axes feature sharp, wedge-shaped blades with broader cutting edges for deeper penetration into timber. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks felling axes from leading manufacturers including Bahco, Hultafors, Draper, and Faithfull, offering both traditional hickory-handled models and modern fibreglass shaft options to suit different applications and user preferences.

Available in head weights ranging from 1kg to 2kg, our felling axe selection caters to professional arborists, forestry workers, and experienced DIY users tackling woodland management and tree maintenance projects. Premium options like the Hultafors Hults Bruk range feature hand-forged Swedish steel heads with precision-ground edges, whilst reliable models from Draper and Faithfull provide excellent performance for occasional use and general outdoor tasks.

Applications

Felling axes are essential tools for a wide range of trades and applications:

• Arborists and Tree Surgeons: Controlled tree dismantling and branch removal on domestic and commercial properties
• Forestry Workers: Tree felling, limbing, and general timber work in woodlands and plantations
• Groundskeepers and Estate Managers: Tree maintenance across parks, country estates, and public spaces
• Countryside Rangers: Habitat management, woodland trail maintenance, and vegetation control
• Landscape Gardeners: Tree removal and major landscaping projects involving timber clearance
• Farmers and Agricultural Workers: Hedgerow management, land clearance, and farm woodland maintenance
• Bushcraft Enthusiasts: Shelter building, campsite preparation, and woodland skills training
• Serious DIY Users: Property maintenance, woodland management, and land clearance projects

Choosing The Right Felling Axes

Handle Material: Traditional hickory handles offer excellent shock absorption and natural feel but require proper care and periodic oiling. Fibreglass and composite handles from brands like Draper and Faithfull provide superior weather resistance and minimal maintenance, ideal for year-round professional use in typical UK conditions.

Head Weight: Lighter axes (1-1.5kg) suit branch removal and limbing work, whilst heavier models (1.5-2kg) deliver greater cutting force for larger trees. Consider your physical capability and intended use – a mid-weight option around 1.5kg offers versatility for most users at MyToolShed.co.uk.

Handle Length: Standard felling axes feature handles between 600-900mm. Longer handles provide greater leverage but require more clearance and skill to control safely, whilst shorter versions offer better manoeuvrability in confined spaces.

Brand and Quality: Professional-grade axes from Hultafors and Bahco feature superior steel quality and precision grinding that maintains edge sharpness longer. Budget-friendly options from Draper and Faithfull provide reliable performance for occasional use, representing excellent value for less frequent users.

Safety Information

Before use, always inspect your felling axe for loose heads, damaged handles, and blade defects. Maintain a clear working area with a radius of at least three metres from other people, removing trip hazards from your swing path. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment including safety goggles meeting EN166 standards, steel toe cap boots conforming to EN ISO 20345, and suitable work gloves.

Never use an axe when fatigued, as tiredness significantly increases accident risk. Familiarise yourself with proper axe technique and directional felling methods before attempting tree work. A sharp axe is safer than a blunt one – dull blades require excessive force and are more likely to glance off timber unpredictably. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides guidance on safe tree work practices, and formal training is strongly recommended for regular forestry operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a felling axe and a splitting axe?

Felling axes feature sharper, thinner blades designed to cut across wood grain when chopping down trees. Splitting axes have wider, wedge-shaped heads that force wood fibres apart along the grain when splitting logs for firewood. Using the correct axe type significantly improves efficiency and reduces user fatigue.

Should I choose a hickory handle or fibreglass shaft?

Hickory handles offer traditional feel and excellent shock absorption but require maintenance including periodic oiling. Fibreglass handles provide superior durability, weather resistance, and consistent performance with minimal maintenance, making them ideal for professional daily use in varying UK weather conditions. Both materials perform excellently when properly cared for.

What weight felling axe is best for general use?

For most users, a head weight between 1.25-1.75kg offers the best balance of cutting power and controllability. A mid-weight option around 1.5kg provides versatility for various tree sizes whilst remaining manageable for most adults. Consider starting with this weight and adjusting based on your experience and physical capability.