• Always stand to the side of the falling tree, never behind it.
• When the tree begins to fall, remove the chainsaw, switch the chainsaw off,
call a warning of “Timber!”, and retreat through the cleared escape route.
Beware of falling limbs as you retreat.
• When the tree falls, watch the crown. Wait for the crown to stop moving.
Do
NOT
continue to work under branches which have got stuck and possibly
support the weight of the crown.
SHARPENING THE CHAIN
When the cleanness of cut deteriorates, it is recommended that the chain be
replaced.
However, it is possible to sharpen the existing chain if done carefully.
To sharpen the chain refer to below and proceed as follows:
• Disconnect from the mains supply
• Always wear protective gloves.
• Ensure the chain is correctly tensioned.
• Engage the chain brake to lock the chain on the bar.
• Use a round file whose diameter is 1.1 times the cutting tooth depth.
• File at an angle perpendicular to the bar, and 38° to the direction of travel (A).
• File each tooth from in towards out only.
• Sharpen each tooth equally by using the same number of strokes.
• Check the safety depth gauge height every 5th chain sharpening.
• If the depth gauges are also trimmed it is essential that the original profile be
restored.
• Use a depth gauge-measuring instrument to check the height of the depth
gauge. Depth gauge measuring jigs are available from most reputable tool
merchants.
FELLING TREES
To fell a tree, observe all the safety regulations and proceed as follows:
The chainsaw may be used to fell only trees with trunks which are smaller in
diameter than the length of the guide bar. If the saw chain gets jammed, release
it using a wooden wedge. Do not try to lever the saw out of the cut. When felling
on a slope, always stand uphill of the tree.
Check the tree for signs of damage or decay before felling. Decayed trees can
split during felling and dead or loose branches could free themselves through the
vibrations of the sawing action. Felling trees is dangerous and requires practice. If
you are a beginner or inexperienced using chainsaws seek professional training.
First determine the likely direction of fall using the following criteria:
• The intended direction of fall
• The wind direction and wind speed
• The natural lean of the tree
• Slope of the ground
• Any surrounding tree or building which may obstruct, deflect or cause the
falling tree to change direction.
• Any other factors, such as uneven branch configuration which could cause the
tree to be heavier on one side than the other.
Once the direction of fall is determined, clear two escape routes. These should be
in the opposite direction to the planned direction of fall and approximately at
45° to the position of the undercut. Ensure that tools and equipment do not
block the escape routes at any time.
Further precautions to be taken when felling trees:
• Take extra care when felling in the vicinity of power lines, railway lines and
roads. If the tree felling is too dangerous to perform due to these hazards,
do
NOT
proceed with the felling and seek professional advice from a qualified
arborist.
• Always ensure a work area of 2½ tree lengths is clear of people around the
tree.
• Trees with large buttress roots may require the buttress root to be cut before
felling. To do this cut vertically into the buttress root and then horizontally
until the buttress root becomes loose and can be removed.
Felling:
• The chainsaw must be running before it comes into contact with the wood.
Switch on the chainsaw. Saw a notch (remove a 45° wedge of trunk) up to ¼
of the depth of the trunk into a low part of the tree trunk in the direction of
the fall and then remove the loose piece.
• Make a horizontal cut on the side opposite to the notch; ensuring
approximately a tenth of the diameter of the trunk is not sawn, forming a
hinge which will allow the tree to fall in a controlled manner.
Do NOT
cut all
the way through the hinge as this could de-stabilise the falling tree.
• A wedge may need to be driven into the horizontal cut to aid the felling of the
tree.
6
A
