Operation-Clear Cut Harvesting; Felling; Felling Process - waratah HTH624C Operator's Manual

Felling

The felling stage in clearfell influences the whole operation.
The felling direction and stem presentation for extraction
requires careful attention in order to reduce breakage
and to be able to present a well delimbed stem for quick
extraction or further processing.
To reduce breakage and provide a larger working radius it
is preferable to fall trees against standing trees to cushion

Felling Process

The direction of fall is determined by the position of the
harvester head on the tree. The tree should fall in a direct
line with the tilt bracket.
Position the harvester head on the tree as low as possible
while gaining the correct felling angle. This requires that
the harvester head to be fully opened (delimb knives and
feed roller arms fully open and the harvester head in the
tilt up position). Close the delimb knives and feed roller
arms once the selected tree is positioned in the opening.
A slight amount of pressure is then applied to the tree to
ensure the saw chain will not jam as the tree is being cut
and also assist with tree direction.
When the saw chain is activated both delimb and feed arm
circuits will operate at their highest setting to ensure the
tree does not move within the harvester head while cutting
is taking place. A visual indication of the cutting taking
place is the stream of chips leaving the saw chain box area.
Keep the saw chain activated until the tree can be felt to
move vertically. Stop the saw chain , which automatically
retracts, and apply force to the tree in the direction of fall.
When felling, tree control is reduced if the harvester head
is at full reach. Optimum felling is achieved using the
harvester head as close as possible to approximately
3/4 of maximum reach. During these maneuvers the
base unit should remain firm at all times. Should the
base unit become un-stable a reduction in reach will need
to be applied immediately. Ensure the tracks are on a
firm footing at all times, avoiding locating one or both
tracks on stumps which could allow the carrier to move
unexpectedly during maneuvers.
Operation—Clear Cut Harvesting
the fall and reduce the amount of undergrowth around the
base of trees to be felled. This is achieved by falling the
tree just off center to a standing tree preventing the falling
tree becoming "hung up".
It is preferred that an operator have manual falling
experience. This allows a better understanding of felling
techniques.
Positioning of the base unit will determine the working
envelope. Higher production is achieved through
maximum ground coverage with minimal track movement.
This also reduces environmental impact.
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