Craftsman 172.34120 Operator's Manual page 14

OPERATION cont.
GENERAL CUTTING cont.
FELLING TREES (See Fig. 17)
Always wear hard hat to protect head against falling branches.
The chain saw can only be used to fell trees smaller in diameter than the length of the
guide bar.
1. Secure work area (See 1, Fig. 17). Ensure no persons or animals are in the vicinity
of the falling tree. Never attempt to free a jammed saw with the motor running.
Use wooden wedges to free chain and guide bar.
When cutting and felling operations are being performed by two or more persons,
at the same time, the felling operations should be separated from the cutting operation by
a distance of at least twice the height of the tree being felled. Trees should not be felled in
a manner that would endanger any person, strike any utility line or cause any property
damage. If the tree does make contact with any utility line, the company should be
notified immediately.
The chain saw operator should keep on the uphill side of the terrain as the tree is likely to
roll or slide downhill after it is felled.
2. An escape path (See 2, Fig. 17) should be planned and cleared as necessary before cuts
are started. The escape path should extend back and diagonally to the rear of the expected
line of fall.
3. Before felling is started (See 3, Fig. 17), consider the natural lean of the tree,
the location of larger branches and the wind direction to judge which way the tree will fall.
Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails staples, and wire from the tree.
Notching undercut: Make the notch (x-w)
1/3 the diameter of the tree, perpendicular
to the direction of falls as make the lower
horizontal notching cut first. This will help to
avoid pinching either the saw chain or the
X
guide bar when the second notch is being
made.
W
Felling back cut: Make the felling back cut (Y)
at least 50 mm (2-Inches) higher than the
horizontal notching cut. Keep the felling back
cut parallel to the horizontal notching cut.
Make the felling back cut so enough wood is left to act as a hinge. The hinge wood keeps
the tree from twisting and falling in the wrong direction. Do not cut through the hinge.
As the felling gets close to the hinge the tree should begin to fall. If there is any chance
that the tree may not fall in desired direction or it may rock back and bind the saw chain,
stop cutting before the felling back cut is complete and use wedges of wood, plastic,
or aluminum to open the cut and drop the tree along the desired line of fall.
When the tree begins to fall remove the chain saw from the cutting, stop the motor,
put the chain saw down, and then use the retreat path planned. Be alert for overhead limbs
falling and watch your footing.
To complete the felling operation, drive a wedge (Z) into the horizontal cut.
BEWARE of falling branches when the tree starts to move.
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OPERATION cont.
GENERAL CUTTING cont.
LIMBING A TREE (See Fig. 18)
Limbing is removing the branches from
a fallen tree. When limbing leave larger
lower limbs to support the log off the
ground.
Remove the small limbs in one cut as
illustrated. Branches under tension
should be cut from the bottom up to
avoid binding the chain saw.
BUCKING A LOG (See Fig. 19)
Bucking is cutting a log into lengths.
It is important to make sure your footing
is firm and your weight is evenly
distributed on both feet. When possible,
the log should be raised and supported
by the use of limbs, logs or chocks.
Follow the simple directions for easy
cutting.
Fig. 17
When the log is supported along its
3
entire as illustrated, it is cut from the
top (overbuck).
50mm
1 1
Z
Y
When the log is supported
on one end, as illustrated,
50mm
cut 1/3 the diameter from
1
the underside (underbuck).
2 2
Then make the finished cut
by overbucking to meet the
(See Fig. 20)
first cut.
Fig. 18
Fig. 19
Fig. 20
2
1
1/3
2/3
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