Husqvarna 316 Operator's Manual page 30

DIRECTION
OF FALL
NOTCH
FELLING LEVER (2)
WEDGE (1)
Basic Working Techniques
FELLING BACK
CUT
HINGE
28
Basic Rules for Felling Trees
Normally, felling consists of two main cutting
operations - notching and the felling cut.
Felling Back Cut
Make the felling back cut at least 2 inches (5 cm)
higher than the bottom of the notch, as illustrated and
keep it parallel to the horizontal bottom of the notch.
Make the back cut, leaving enough wood to act as a
hinge. The hinge wood keeps the tree from twisting and
falling in the wrong direction.
Do not cut through the hinge.
As the felling cut gets close to the hinge, the tree should
begin to fall. If there is any chance that the tree may not
fall in the right direction, or it may rock back and bind the
saw chain, stop cutting before the felling cut is complete
and insert wedges of wood, plastic or aluminum to open
the cut and drop the tree along the desired line of fall.
Ensure that no one is present within the range of the
falling tree before you push it over.
When the tree begins to fall, remove the chain saw from
the cut, stop the motor, put the chain saw down and
move along the path of retreat. Be alert for overhead
limbs falling and watch your footing.
Felling Cut - Trunk Diameter Less than
Guide Bar Length
Saw with a pulling chain (bottom of guide bar).
Felling Cut - Trunk Diameter Greater than
Guide Bar Length
CAUTION!
Watch out for kickbacks. Do not use the upper quadrant
of the guide bar tip.
1. Make a bore cut behind and above the notch.
2. Even this cut parallel to notch, using pushing chain.
(top side of the bar). Leave sufficient hinge.
3. Continue felling back cut around trunk using pulling
chain (underside of guide bar)
- Insert a wedge (1) or felling lever (2) if you have
misjudged the line of the fall. Ensure that no one
is within the range of the falling tree before
you push it over.