MAINTE
Notching Undercut
Make the notch 1/3 the diameter of the tree,
perpendicular to the direction of falls as illustrated
in Figure I. Make the lower horizontal notching cut
first. This will help to avoid pinching either the saw
chain or the guide bar when the second notch is
being made.
Felling Back Cut
Make the felling back cut at least 2 inches higher
than the horizontal notching cut as illustrated in
Figure I. Keep the felling back cut parallel to the
horizontal notching cut. Make the felling back cut
so enough wood is left 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 gets close to the hinge, the tree
should begin to fall. If there is any chance that the
tree may not fall in desired direction or it may rock
back and bind the saw chain, stop cutting before
the felling back cut is complete and use wedges
of wood, plastic or aluminium to open the cut and
drop the tree along the desired line of fall.
When the tree begins to fall remove the chainsaw
from the cut, stop the motor, put the chainsaw down,
then use the retreat path planned. Be alert for
overhead limbs falling and watch your footing.
Direction of Fall
2"
2"
Felling Back Cut
Hinge
Notch
Figure I: Undercutting
Limbing a Tree
Limbing is removing the branches from a fallen tree. When limbing leave larger lower limbs
to support the log off the ground. Remove the small limbs in one cut as illustrated in Figure J.
Branches under tension should be cut from the bottom up to avoid binding the chainsaw.
Limb Cut
Keep work off ground leave support limbs until log is cut
Figure J: Tree Limbing
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