Stihl MS 500i Instruction Manual page 30

English
WARNING
￭ Before starting the felling operation, make sure the saw
you are using has sufficient size, power and adequate fuel
to complete the felling operation efficiently.
￭ 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. 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.
￭ Before starting any felling operation, make sure the saw
you are using has sufficient size, power and adequate fuel
to complete the felling operation. Never attempt to fell a
large diameter tree with a chain saw that lacks the bar
length, 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.
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7 Proper Techniques for Basic Bucking, Limbing, Pruning and Felling
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.
7.5.2 Escape Path
Before making your first cut, prepare an escape path:
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