Echo ECCS-58V Original Instructions Manual page 31

Push and pull
The reaction force is always opposite to the direction the
chain is moving. Thus, the operator must be ready to
control the tendency for the product to pull away (forward
motion) when cutting on the bottom edge of the bar and the
push backwards (towards the operator) when cutting along
the top edge.
Saw jammed in the cut
Stop the chainsaw and make it safe. Do not try to force the
chain and bar out of the cut as this is likely to break the
chain, which may swing back and strike the operator. This
situation normally occurs because the wood is incorrectly
supported which forces the cut to close under compression,
thereby pinching the blade. If adjusting the support does
not release the bar and chain, use wooden wedges or a
lever to open the cut and release the saw. Never try to start
the chainsaw when the guide bar is already in a cut or kerf.
Personal protective equipment
Good quality personal protective equipment, as used
by professionals, will help reduce the risk of injury to
the operator. The following items should be used when
operating the product:
Safety helmet
■ should comply with EN 397 and be CE marked
Hearing protection
■ should comply with EN 352-1 and be CE marked
Eye and face protection
■ should be CE marked and comply with EN 166 (for
safety glasses) or EN 1731 (for mesh visors)
Gloves
■ should comply with EN381-7 and be CE marked
Leg protection (chaps)
■ should comply with EN381-5, be CE marked and
provide all-round protection
Chainsaw safety boots
■ should comply with EN ISO 20345:2004 and be marked
with a shield depicting a chain saw to show compliance
with EN 381-3. (Occasional users may use steel toe-
cap safety boots with protective gaiters which conform
to EN 381-9 if the ground is even and there is little risk
of tripping or catching on undergrowth)
Chainsaw jackets for upper body protection
■ should comply with EN 381-11 and be CE marked
INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING THE PROPER TECH-
NIQUES FOR BASIC FELLING, LIMBING, AND CROSS-
CUTTING
Understanding the forces within the wood
When you understand the directional pressures and
stresses inside the wood you can reduce the "pinches" or
at least expect them during your cutting. Tension in the
wood means the fi bers are being pulled apart and if you
cut in this area, the "kerf" or cut will tend to open as the
saw goes through. If a log is being supported on a saw
horse and the end is hanging unsupported over the end,
tension is created on the upper surface due to the weight
of the overhanging log stretching the fi bers. Likewise, the
underside of the log will be in compression and the fi bers
are being pushed together. If a cut is made in this area, the
kerf will have the tendency to close up during the cut. This
would pinch the blade.
Felling a tree
See fi g. 1 - 6.
When bucking and felling operations are being performed
by two or more persons at the same time, the felling
operations should be separated from the bucking 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 notifi ed immediately.
The chainsaw operator should keep on the uphill side of
the terrain as the tree is likely to roll or slide downhill after
it is felled.
An escape path 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.
Before felling starts, 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.
Do not attempt to fell trees which are rotten or have been
damaged by wind, fi re, lightning, etc. This is extremely
dangerous and should only be completed by professional
tree surgeons.
1. Notching undercut
See fig. 1 - 6.
Make the notch 1/3 the diameter of the tree,
perpendicular to the direction of the fall. Make the
lower horizontal notching cut first. This will help to avoid
pinching either the saw chain or the guide bar when the
second notch is being made.
2. Felling-back cut
See fig. 1 - 6.
Make the felling-back cut at least 50 mm/2 in. 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 the 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 aluminium
to open the cut and drop the tree along the desired line
of fall.
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31
English