Stihl MSA 160 C Instruction Manual page 56

English
4.7.3 Felling
WARNING
￭ Inexperienced users cannot assess the dangers of felling
a tree. This can result in serious or fatal injuries and
damage to property.
► If you have any queries: Do not fell the tree yourself.
￭ A tree and branches can fall on bystanders or objects
during the felling operation. This can result in serious or
fatal injuries and damage to property.
► Determine direction of fall so that the area in which the
tree falls is clear.
► Do not allow bystanders, children or animals within 2.5
tree lengths of the felling site.
► Remove broken or dead branches from the tree crown
before felling.
► If broken or dead branches cannot be removed from the
crown: Do not fell the tree.
► Observe tree crown and crowns of neighboring trees
and keep clear of falling branches.
￭ When the tree falls the trunk can break or spring back in
the direction of the user. This can result in serious or fatal
injuries.
► Plan an escape path sideways behind the tree.
► Walk backwards along the escape path and observe the
falling tree.
► Do not walk backwards down slopes.
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￭ Obstacles in the work area and on the escape path can
hinder the user. The user may trip and fall. This can result
in serious or fatal injuries.
► Remove all obstacles from the work area and escape
path.
￭ If you cut into or through the hinge, stabilizing strap or
holding strap too soon, the intended direction of fall
cannot be controlled or the tree can fall prematurely. This
can result in serious or fatal injuries and damage to
property.
► Do not cut into or through the hinge.
► Cut through the stabilizing strap or holding strap last.
► If the tree begins to fall too soon: Abandon the felling cut
and retreat along the escape.
￭ Kickback can occur if the rotating chain in the upper
quadrant of the bar nose makes contact with a hard felling
wedge and is suddenly braked. This can result in serious
or fatal injuries.
► Use aluminum or plastic felling wedges.
￭ If the tree does not fall all the way to the ground or gets
caught on another tree, the operator cannot finish the
operation in a controlled manner.
► Stop the felling operation and use a cable winch or
suitable vehicle to pull the tree to the ground.
4 Safety Precautions
0458-701-9821-F