Felling Large Trees - Poulan Pro 2025 LE Series Instruction Manual

• Release the throttle triggerer as soon as
the cut is completed, allowing the en-
the to idle. If you run the saw at full
gi_rottle without a cutting load, unneces-
sary wear can occur to the chain, bar,
andengine. It is recommended that
the engine not be operated for lon-
er than 30 seconds at full throttle.
• _ avoid losingcontrol when cut iscom-
plete, do not put pressure onsaw at end
of cut.
• Stop the engine before setting the saw
down after cutting,
TREE FELLING TECHNIQUES
_ikWARNING:
Check for broken or
dead branches which can fall while cutting
causing serious injury. Do not cut near build-
ings or elect ricalwires if you do not knowthe
direction of tree fall, nor cut at night since you
will not be ale to see well, nor during bad
weather such as rain, snow, or strong winds,
etc. If the tree makes contact with any utility
line, the utility company should be notified
immediately.
• Carefully plan your sawing operation in ed-
vance,
• Clear the workarea. You need a clear area
all aroundthe tree so you can have secure
• footings.
The chain saw operator should keep on
the uphill side of the terrain as the tree is
likel=y to rollor slide downhillafter it is felled.
• Study the naturalconditionsthat can cause
the tree to fall in a gerticular direction.
Natural conditions that can cause a tree to
fall in a particular direction include:
• The wind direction and speed.
• The lean of the b'ee. The lean of a tree
might not be apparent due to uneven or
slopingterrain. Use a plumb or level to de-
termine the direction of tree lean.
• Weight and branches on one side.
• Surrounding trees and obstacles.
Look for decay and rot If the trunk is rotted,
it can snap and fall toward the operator.
Check for broken or dead branches which
can fall on you while cutting.
Make sure there is enough room fur the tree
to fall. Maintain a distance of 2-1/2 tree
lengths from the nearest person or other ob*
ects. Engine noise can drown out awaming
ca ,
Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, sta-
es, and wire from the tree where cuts are to
_:_ made.
Plan a clear retreat path to the rear and diag-
onal to the line of fall.
_,_,, Plan a clear retreat path
_--- -_._--""_- Direction of Fail
45 ° _
M0
FELLING LARGE TREES
(6 inches in diameter or larger)
The notch method is used to fell large trees.
A notch is cut onthe side of the tree in the de-
sired direction of fall. After a felling cut is
made on the opposite side of tree, the tree
will tend to fall into the notch.
NOTE: If the tree has large buttress
roots, remove them before making the
notch. If using saw to remove buttress
roots, keep saw chain from contacting
ground to prevent dulling of the chain.
NOTCH CUT AND FELLING THE
TREE
• Make notch cut by cutting the top of the
notch first. Cut through 1/3of the diameter
ofthe tree. Next complate the notch by cut-
ting the bottom of the notch. See illuatra-
ben. Once the notch is cut remove the
notch of wood from the tree.
Final (felling) cut here. 2 in-
ches above center of notch.
Pirsfeut\
Notch _. - 2"
s.ono
• After removing the wood from the notch,
make the felling cut on the opposite side of
the notch.This is done by makinga cutabout
two inches higher than the center of the
notch. This will leave enough uncut wood
between the felling cut and the notchto form
a hinge. This hinge will help prevent thebee
fromfalling in the wrong direction.
Hinge holds tree on stump and helps
control fall
Opening
of felling
7
Closing of
notch
NOTE: Before felling cut is complete, use
wedges to open the cut if necessaLryto
controlthe directionof fall. Toavoid kickback
and chain damage, use wood or plastic
wedges, but never steel or iron wedges.
• Be alert to signs that the tree is ready to
fall: cracking sounds, widening of the fell-
ing cut, or movement in the upper
branches.
• As tree starts to fall, stop saw, put it down,
and get away quickly on your planned re-
treat path.
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