Forestry and Agriculture
The Right Tool for Every Application in Forestry and Agriculture
Forestry tools must be designed to withstand wind, weather, gravel dust and heavy impacts while also being precise and easy to handle in confined situations within the woodland. Since 1781, OCHSENKOPF has been developing tools that combine both qualities: mechanical durability with task-specific construction. From patented handle fastening systems to KWF-tested assortments, OCHSENKOPF provides the foundation for efficient and safe work in the forest and on the farm.
Precision Where the Harvester Stops: Axes and Hatchets in Forestry
Harvesters and forwarders now handle most timber harvesting operations—but they do not replace hand tools. On the contrary: wherever machines cannot reach, residual timber needs to be processed, directional notches need to be cut or freshly extracted logs need to be reworked, the axe remains the fastest and most precise tool.
The harvester fells and de-branches the tree, but remaining branches, trapped logs and difficult terrain require manual work. This is where OCHSENKOPF axes such as the Universal Gold forestry axe or the SPALT-FIX come into their own.
Effortless Wood Splitting Without Jamming: The SPALT-FIX® and BIG OX® Systems
Large log diameters and tough hardwoods quickly push conventional axes to their limits. They become stuck and require considerable effort. Anyone processing firewood—whether for their own farm, the firewood trade or municipal energy supply—needs splitting tools that do not give up when faced with wet hardwood, forked branches or tough sections of trunk.
- The solution: OCHSENKOPF SPALT-FIX® axes feature a wedge-shaped head geometry. This geometry significantly increases the splitting effect and prevents the axe from becoming stuck in the wood.
- For heavy-duty work: With its 3 kg head weight and extra-wide striking face, the BIG OX® splitting maul delivers maximum impact. Its integrated turning nose allows you to turn heavy logs with ease without having to bend down.
Maximum Safety When Using Wedges: Splinter-Free Aluminium Splitting Wedges
Wedges are an underrated tool in forestry—but they often determine the felling direction and therefore safety and efficiency. Felling wedges made of aluminium or plastic are lightweight, robust and metal-free, so there is no risk of damaging the chainsaw if the wedge is accidentally touched. This makes them indispensable for controlling the felling direction, especially on slopes or near stands of trees and paths. Steel splitting wedges are suitable for splitting tensioned logs and further splitting particularly tough wood. Combined with the BIG OX® splitting maul, they are the most effective manual method for splitting hardwood logs.
An Unbreakable Connection Between Head and Handle: The ROTBAND-PLUS System
The OCHSENKOPF ROTBAND-PLUS system is a handle fastening system developed by OCHSENKOPF. It makes the connection between the axe or hammer head and the hickory handle significantly safer than required by the DIN standard.
In the event of a missed strike—the greatest risk of accidents when working with axes and hammers—the surrounding steel sleeve protects the handle directly beneath the head. The wood is held together by its long fibres, physically preventing the head and handle from separating uncontrollably. The steel sleeve also increases the weight by around 300 g, noticeably increasing the striking force.
What this means for you:
- Maximum safety in the event of missed strikes during forestry and agricultural work
- Greater head weight for more impact energy without additional effort
- KWF-tested: OCHSENKOPF tools with ROTBAND-PLUS also meet and exceed the requirements of the German Centre for Forest Work and Forestry Technology
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Ready for Your OCHSENKOPF Tool?
Whether you need an axe, splitting maul, wedge or matching bags, accessories and sharpening stones, OCHSENKOPF forestry tools for forestry and agriculture give you everything you need to work safely and effectively. We also offer tools for carpenters, by the way.
Answers to the most frequently asked questions
After use in a damp forest, the tool heads should be cleaned and protected against surface rust with a light film of oil, such as Ballistol. The edge should only be sharpened when wet or by hand with a whetstone. Dry grinding on a bench grinder generates excessive heat and removes the hardness from the C60 steel.
Hickory wood has approximately three times the load-bearing capacity of conventional ash. Its long wood fibres make the handle extremely elastic. When overloaded, hickory wood does not break suddenly but gradually starts to fray. This prevents the axe head from flying off uncontrollably and significantly increases safety at work.
Yes. Unlike moulded plastic handles, the ROTBAND-PLUS system can be serviced easily by yourself. The connection is released by removing the screwed retaining plate. OCHSENKOPF offers precisely matching replacement handle sets, including a steel protective sleeve, ring wedge and retaining screw, so that the tool can quickly be put back into service.
For splitting wood, professionals use forged aluminium splitting wedges, some with a wooden insert and ring, as their shape actively forces the wood apart. For tree felling with a chainsaw, lightweight plastic wedges or special aluminium felling wedges are used instead. These do not damage the chainsaw chain if they are accidentally touched during the felling cut.
