Felling - Stihl MSA 220 C Instruction Manual

English
8.6

Felling

8.6.1 Felling Conditions
Felling is cutting down a tree. Before felling a tree, carefully
consider all of the conditions that may affect the direction of
fall.
WARNING
￭ This chain saw is not designed for felling large trees, and
using it to cut large trees could result in an inability to
control the fall of the tree or limb, and can lead to serious
or fatal personal injury.
￭ Before starting the felling operation, make sure the saw
you are using has sufficient size, power and run time to
complete the felling operation efficiently and without re-
charging. Alternatively, have multiple charged batteries
available for use, select a more powerful chain saw, select
a more powerful battery, or consult a reputable tree
removal professional.
￭ 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 or foliage structure, wood
structure, decay, snow load, etc.
– To reduce the risk of severe or fatal injury to yourself
or others, look for, analyze and plan for these
conditions prior to beginning the cut, and be alert for
a change in direction while the tree is falling.
￭ Felling a tree that has a diameter greater than twice the
effective cutting length of the guide bar requires use of
either the sectioning felling back cut or plunge-cut
method. Neither of these cutting techniques is
recommended for this model chain saw. These methods
can be extremely dangerous because they involve the use
of the nose of the guide bar and can result in kickback.
Only properly trained professionals should attempt these
techniques. If you are inexperienced with a chain saw,
plunge-cutting should not be attempted. Seek the help of
a qualified professional.
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8 Proper Techniques for Basic Bucking, Limbing, Pruning and Felling
￭ Never attempt to cut a large diameter tree with a chain
saw that lacks sufficient size, power or run-time to
complete the task efficiently.
￭ Trees that are split, decayed or rotted inside or that are
leaning or otherwise under tension are more likely to snap
or split while being cut, causing serious or fatal injury to
the operator or bystanders.
– Always observe and be aware of the general
condition of the tree.
– Inexperienced users should never attempt to cut
such trees.
– Also look for broken or dead branches which could
vibrate loose and fall on the operator during the
felling operation. Certain types of trees are more
susceptible to this condition, such as Douglas firs.
You should check with a reputable tree service if you
have questions about the stability of the trees you
will be cutting.
– When felling on a slope, the operator should stand
on the uphill side if possible.
When felling:
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► Maintain a distance of at least 2 1/2 tree lengths from the
nearest person or structure.
► Take extra precautions in the vicinity of roads, railways
and power lines. Inform the police, utility company or
railway authority before beginning to cut.
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