Cutting Logs Under Tension; Felling - Stihl MSA 300.0 Instruction Manual

English
8.5

Cutting Logs Under Tension

1
2
WARNING
￭ There is an increased danger of pinching the chain saw
when cutting logs under tension. The tension in wood can
also release suddenly and with great force, propelling the
log, limb or chain saw into the saw operator, causing injury
or loss of control.
￭ To reduce the risk of severe or fatal personal injury from
reactive forces, including kickback, or loss of control when
cutting wood under tension:
– Always start with a relieving cut (1) at the
compression side of the log, and then make a
bucking cut (2) at the tension side.
– If a pinch occurs that traps the bar/chain, switch off
the motor, activate the chain brake, remove the
battery and remove the saw from the log, exercising
caution that the limb does not suddenly snap or
release.
￭ Working in areas where logs, limbs and roots are tangled
is extremely dangerous.
– Drag the logs, limbs and other material to be cut into
a clear area before cutting. Pull out exposed and
cleared logs first. Do not cut where the tip of the bar
may come into contact with other logs, limbs or leafy
material.
28
8 Proper Techniques for Basic Bucking, Limbing, Pruning and Felling
8.6
8.6.1
Felling is cutting down a tree. Before felling a tree, carefully
consider all of the conditions that may affect the direction of
fall.
2
WARNING
1
￭ This chain saw is not designed for felling large trees, and
using it to cut large trees could result in an inability to
control the fall of the tree or limb, and can lead to serious
or fatal personal injury.
￭ Before starting the felling operation, make sure the saw
you are using has sufficient size, power and run time to
complete the felling operation efficiently and without re-
charging. Alternatively, have multiple charged batteries
available for use, select a more powerful chain saw, select
a more powerful battery, or consult a reputable tree
removal professional.
￭ 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
￭ 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.
￭ Never attempt to cut a large diameter tree with a chain
saw that lacks sufficient size, power or run-time to
complete the task efficiently.

Felling

Felling Conditions
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.
0458-009-8601-A