Cutting Techniques - Stihl MS 210 Instruction Manual

English / USA
A = Pull-in
Pull-in occurs when the chain on the
bottom of the bar is suddenly stopped
when it is pinched, caught or encounters
a foreign object in the wood. The
reaction of the chain pulls the saw
forward and may cause the operator to
lose control.
Pull-in frequently occurs when the
bumper spike of the saw is not held
securely against the tree or limb and
when the chain is not rotating at full
speed before it contacts the wood.
!
Warning!
Use extreme caution when cutting small
size brush and saplings which may
easily catch the chain, be whipped
towards you or pull you off balance.
To avoid pull-in
1. Always start a cut with the chain
rotating at full speed and the
bumper spike in contact with the
wood.
2. The risk of pull-in may also be
reduced by using wedges to open
the kerf or cut.
18
B = Pushback
A
Pushback occurs when the chain on the
top of the bar is suddenly stopped when
it is pinched, caught or encounters a
foreign object in the wood. The reaction
of the chain may drive the saw rapidely
straight back toward the operator and
may cause loss of saw control.
Pushback frequently occurs when the
top of the bar is used for cutting.
To avoid pushback
1. Be alert to forces or situations that
may cause material to pinch the top
of the chain.
2. Do not cut more than one log at a
time.
3. Do not twist the saw when
withdrawing the bar from a plunge
cut or underbuck cut because the
chain can pinch.

Cutting Techniques

Felling
Felling is cutting down a tree.
Before felling a tree, consider carefully
all conditions which may affect the
direction of fall.
!
Warning!
B
There are a number of factors that may
affect and change the intended direction
of fall, e.g. wind direction and speed,
lean of tree, surrounding trees and
obstacles, sloping ground, one-sided
limb structure, wood structure, decay,
snow load, etc. To reduce the risk of
severe or fatal injury to yourself or
others, look for these conditions prior to
beginning the cut, and be alert for a
change in direction while the tree is
falling.
!
Warning!
Always observe the general condition of
the tree. Inexperienced users should
never attempt to cut trees that are
decayed or rotted inside or that are
leaning or otherwise under tension.
There is an increased risk that such
trees could snap or split while being cut
and cause serious or fatal injury to the
operator or bystanders. Also look for
broken or dead branches which could
vibrate loose and fall on the operator.
When felling on a slope, the operator
should stand on the uphill side if
possible.
MS 210, MS 210 C, MS 230, MS 230 C, MS 250, MS 250 C