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•
Release the throttle trigger as soon as
the cut is completed,
allowing
the en-
gine to idle.
If you run the saw at full
throttle without a cutting load, unneces-
sary wear can occur to the chain, bar,
and engine.
It is recommended
that
the engine
not be operated
for lon-
ger than 30 seconds at full throttle.
•
To avoid losing control when cut is com-
plete, do not put pressure on saw at end
of cut.
• Stop the engine before setting
the saw
down after cutting.
TREE
FELLING
TECHNIQUES
_WARNING:
Check for broken or
dead branches which can fall while cutting
causing serious in ury. Do not cut near build-
ings or electrical wires if you do not know the
direction of tree fall, nor cut at night since you
will not be ale to see well, nor during
bad
weather such as rain, snow, or strong winds.
etc. If the tree makes contact with any utility
line, the utility company should
be notified
immediately.
• Carefully plan your sawing operation in ad-
vance.
• Clear the work area. You need a clear area
ell around the tree so you can have secure
footing.
• The chain saw operator should keep on
the uphill side of the terrain as the tree is
likely to roll or slide downhill after it is felled.
• Study the natural conditions that can cause
the tree to fall in a pedicular direction.
Natural conditions that can cause a tree to
fall in a particular direction
include:
• The wind direction
and speed.
• The lean of the tree.
The lean of e tree
might not be apparent
due to uneven or
sloping terrain. Use e plumb or level to de-
termine 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.
Check for broken or dead branches which
can fall on you while cutting.
Make sure there is enough room for the tree
to fall.
Maintain e distance
of 2-1/2 tree
lengths from the nearest person or other ob-
jects. Engine noise can drown out a warning
call.
Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, sta-
ples, and wire from the tree where cuts are to
be made.
Plan a clear retreat path to the rear and diag-
onal to the line of fall.
_, _
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 notch is cut on the side of the tree in the de-
sired direction
of fall.
After a felling cut is
made on the opposite
side of tree, the tree
will tend to fall into the notch.
NOTE:
If the tree has large buttress
roots, remove them before making the
notch.
If using saw to remove buttress
roots, keep saw chain from contacting
ground to prevent dulling of the chain.
NOTCH
CUT AND
FELLING
THE
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 cut-
ting the bottom of the notch. See illustra-
tion. Once the notch
is cut remove the
notch of wood from the tree.
Final (felling) cut here_ 2 in-
ches above center of notch.
12"
First oot ,,,, -" >'-
Notch
-_
i,"
'_inge
• After removing the wood from the notch,
make the felling cut on the opposite side of
the notch. This is done by making a cut about
two inches higher than the center of the
notch. This will leave enough uncut wood
between the felling cut and the notch to form
a hinge. This hinge will help prevent the tree
from falling in the wrong direction.
Hinge holds tree on stump and helps
control fall
Opening
of felling
Closing of
notch
NOTE:
Before felling cut is complete,
use
wedges
to open
the cut if 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 to signs that the tree is ready to
fall: cracking sounds, widening
of the fell-
ing
cut,
or
movement
in
the
upper
branches.
• As tree starts to fall, stop saw, put it down,
and get away quickly on your planned re-
treat path.
11
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