Stihl MSA 300.0 Instruction Manual page 31

8 Proper Techniques for Basic Bucking, Limbing, Pruning and Felling
￭ Trees that are split, decayed or rotted inside, or that are
leaning or otherwise under tension, are more likely to snap
or split while being cut, causing serious or fatal injury to
the operator or bystanders.
– Always observe and be aware of the general
condition of the tree.
– Inexperienced users should never attempt to cut
such trees.
– Also look for broken or dead branches which could
vibrate loose and fall on the operator during the
felling operation. Certain types of trees are more
susceptible to this condition, such as Douglas firs.
You should check with a reputable tree service if you
have questions about the stability of the trees you
will be cutting.
– When felling on a slope, the operator should stand
on the uphill side if possible.
When felling:
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► Maintain a distance of at least 2 1/2 tree lengths from the
nearest person or structure.
► Take extra precautions in the vicinity of roads, railways
and power lines. Inform the police, utility company or
railway authority before beginning to cut.
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8.6.2 Escape Path
Before making your first cut, prepare an escape path:
► First clear limbs and brush from the area around the base
of the tree. Remove vegetation from the lower portion of
the tree with an axe.
► Next, establish at least two clear paths of escape (B) and
remove any obstacles such as brush, small trees and
other vegetation. These paths should lead away from the
planned direction of the tree's fall (A) at a 45° angle from
the expected fall line. Place all tools and equipment a safe
distance away from the tree, but not on the escape paths.
8.6.3 Conventional Notch
For a conventional notch:
C
► The felling notch determines the direction of the tree's fall.
Make the felling notch perpendicular to the line of fall you
have determined, close to the ground.
English
C
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