CAUTION:
People felling trees or cutting of branches must be
specially trained. High risk of injuries!
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When cutting of branches, the chain saw should be
supported on the trunk. Do not use the end of the bar for
cutting (risk of kickback).
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Be aware of branches under tension. Do not cut free
branches from below.
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Never perform detensioning cuts while standing on the
trunk.
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Before cutting down a tree ensure that
a) only those people are within the working area which
are actually involved in cutting down the tree.
b) every worker involved can withdraw without stumbling
(the people should withdraw backwards in a diagonal
line, i. e. at a degree of 45°).
c) the bottom part of the trunk is free from foreign
objects, underbrush and branches. Make sure to have
a safe footing (risk of stumbling).
d) the next working place is at least 2 1/2 tree lengths
away (Fig. 18). Before cutting down the tree check the
direction of fall and make sure that there are neither
people nor objects within a distance of 2 1/2 tree
lengths.
(1) = cutting down area
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Judging the tree:
Direction of hanging ‑ loose or dry branches ‑ height of the
tree ‑ natural overhang ‑ is the tree rotten?
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Take into account the direction and speed of the wind. If
strong gusts are occurring, do not do any felling.
Cutting the roots:
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Start with the strongest root. First do the vertical and then
the horizontal cut.
Notching the trunk (Fig. 19, A):
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The notch determines the direction of fall and guides the
tree. The trunk is notched perpendicular to the direction of
fall and penetrates 1/3 ‑1/5 of the trunk diameter. Perform
the cut near the ground.
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When correcting the cut, always do so over the whole
width of the notch.
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Cut down the tree (Fig. 20, B) above the bottom edge
of the notch (D). The cut must be exactly horizontal. The
distance between both cuts must be approx. 1/10 of the
trunk diameter.
The material between both cuts (C) serves as a hinge.
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Never cut it through, otherwise the tree will fall without any
control. Insert felling wedges in time.
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Secure the cut only with wedges made of plastic or
aluminium. Do not use iron wedges. If the saw hits an iron
wedge the chain can be seriously damaged or torn.
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When cutting down a tree always stay sidewards of the
falling tree.
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When withdrawing after having performed the cut, be alert
for falling branches.
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When working on sloping ground the user of the chain
saw must stay above or sidewards of the trunk to be cut
or the tree already cut down.
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Be alert for trunks which may roll towards you.
3-8. Transport and storage
When changing your location during work switch off
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the chain saw and actuate the chain brake in order to
prevent an inadvertent start of the chain.
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Never carry or transport the chain saw with the chain
running.
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When the saw is hot, do not cover it (with a tarp,
blanket, newspaper or the like).
Let the saw cool down before putting it in a storage
case or vehicle. Saws with catalytic converter take