Craftsman 358.351580 Operator's Manual page 9

naturalconditions thatcan cause
the
tree to fall in a particular direction, such
conditions include:
• The wind direction and speed.
• The lean of the tree. The lean of a
tree might not be apparent due to un-
even or sloping terraiB. Use a plumb
or level to determine the direction of
tree lean.
• Weight and branches on one side.
• Surrounding trees and obstacles.
Look for decay and rot. If the trunk is
rotted, it can snap and fall toward the
operator.
Make sure there is enough room for the
tree to fall. Maintain a distance of 2-1/2
tree lengths from the nearest person or
other objects. Engine noise can drown
out a warning call.
Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails,
staples, and wire from the tree where
cuts are to be made.
Plan a clear retreat path
.... ( ]--,,,=-_- Direction of Fall
FELLING LARGE TREES
(6 inches in diameter or larger)
The notch method is used to fell large
trees. A notchis cut on the side of the
tree in the desired directionof fall. After
a felling cut is made on the opposite
side of tree, the tree should fall in the
direction of the notch.
NOTE: If the tree has large buttress
roots,_move them before making the
notch.
NOTCH CUT AND FELt.ING TREE
• Make notch cut by cutting the top of
the notch first. Cut through 1/3 of the
diameter of the tree. Next complete
the notch by cutting the bottom. See
illustration. Once the notch is cut re-
move the wedge of wood from the
tree.
• After removing the wood, make the
felling cut on the opposite side of the
notch. This is done by making a cut
abouttwo inches higher than the can-
ter..e._the notch. This will leave
enough uncut wood between the fell-
ing cut and the notch to form a hinge.
This hinge will help prevent the tree
from falling in the wrong direction.
Rrst cut | Rnal cut here
Notch, _ _'.': r
Hinge holds tree on stump and helps
controlfell
Opening
of telling
Closingof
notch
NOTE: Before felling cut is complete,
use wedges to open the cut when
necessary to control the direction of fall.
To avoid kickback and chain damage,
use wood or'plastic wedges, but never
steel or iron wedges.
• Be alert of signs that the tree is ready
to fall: cracking sounds, widening of
the felling cut, or movement in the up-
per branches.
• As tree starts to fall, stop sew, put it
down, and get away quickly on your
planned retreat path.
• Be extremely cautious with partially
fallen trees that may be poody sup-
ported. When a tree doesn't fall com-
pletely, set the saw aside and pull
down the tree with a cable winch,
block and tackle, or tractor. Do not
use your saw to cut down a partially
fallen tree.
CUTTING A FALLEN TREE
(BUCKING)
Bucking is the term used for cutting a
fallen tree to the desired log size.
WARNING: Do not stand on the log
being cut. Any portion can roll causing
loss of footing and control. Do not stand
downhill of the log being cut.
IMPORTANT POINTS
• Cut only one log at a time.
• CUt shattered wood very carefully;
sharp pieces of wood could be flung
toward operator.
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