Stihl MSA 220.0 T Instruction Manual page 17

7 Basic Working Technique
7.3 Cutting Branches under Ten‐
sion
2
1
A = Compression Side
B = Tension Side
WARNING
■ There is an increased danger of pinching the
chain saw when cutting branches under ten‐
sion. The tension in wood can also release
suddenly and with great force, propelling the
limb or chain saw into the saw operator, caus‐
ing injury or loss of control.
■ To reduce the risk of severe or fatal personal
injury from reactive forces, including kickback,
or loss of control when cutting wood under
tension:
► Always start with a relieving cut (1) at the
compression side (A) of the branch, and
then make a bucking cut (2) at the tension
side (B).
► If a pinch occurs that traps the bar/chain,
switch off the motor, activate the chain
brake, remove the battery and remove the
saw from the branch, exercising caution
that the limb does not suddenly snap or
release.
7.4 Blocking - Removing Sections
from a Standing Tree
7.4.1 Conventional Notch
WARNING
■ These in-tree instructions apply to STIHL top-
handle chain saws, designed exclusively for
professional, in-tree use. For basic instructions
on felling a tree from the ground, please see
the instruction manual for your STIHL rear-
handle chain saw.
■ These basic working techniques are not meant
to substitute for the judgment of an experi‐
enced professional with direct knowledge of
on-site conditions. A different type of notch or
working technique may be appropriate for your
particular circumstance. Always exercise good
0458-007-8201-B
B
A
professional judgment and discretion in deter‐
mining how to safely complete a cutting task.
A
The notch (A) determines the direction of fall.
Make the notch perpendicular to the desired line
of fall. Be aware of conditions such as wind, tree
lean, the slope of the terrain and other factors
that could alter the direction of fall.
For a conventional notch:
► First, cut down at a 45 degree angle to a depth
of approximately 1/5 to 1/4 of the trunk diame‐
ter.
1
When making the notch, use the gunning
sight (1) on the saw to check the desired direc‐
tion of fall:
► Place the felling notch perpendicular to the
line of fall. Position the saw so that the gun‐
ning sight (1) points exactly in the direction
you want the tree to fall.
► To complete the felling notch, make a horizon‐
tal cut that meets the bottom of the first cut.
► Remove the resulting 45 degree piece and
confirm that the back of the felling notch is
perpendicular to the desired line of fall.
7.4.2 Back Cut
English
A
17