21
Operating the Chainsaw
Chainsaw Model CS1400-091
FELLING A TREE
CAUTION: A tree is likely to roll or
slide downhill after it is felled. Plan and
clear a retreat path before cuts are
started. The retreat path should extend
back and diagonally to the rear of the
expected line of fall (Fig. 26).
Felling is cutting down a tree
• Before felling is started, consider the natural
lean of the tree, the location of larger
branches and the wind direction to judge
which way the tree will fall
• Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples
and wire from the tree where felling cuts are
to be made
• When bucking and felling operations are being
performed by two or more persons at the
same time, separate the felling operation from
the bucking operation by a distance of at least
twice the height of the tree being felled
• Trees should not be felled in a manner that
would endanger any person, strike any utility
line or cause any property damage If the tree
contacts any utility line, immediately leave
the area and notify the utility company
• Use the metal spikes on the front of the saw
to support the saw on the wood Set metal
spiked bumper into the wood and use as a
leverage point to increase stability when
cutting large diameter wood
Notching Undercut
• First, make the notch 1/3 the diameter of the
tree perpendicular to the direction of fall
Make the lower horizontal notching undercut
first (1) This will help to avoid pinching of
either the saw chain or the guide bar when the
second cut (2) is being made (Fig 27)
Felling Back Cut
• Second, make the felling back cut at least
2 in (50 mm) higher than the horizontal
notching undercut (Fig 28) Keep the
felling back cut parallel to the horizontal
notching undercut
• 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 cut gets close to the hinge, the
tree should begin to fall
RETREAT PATH OPTIONS
DIRECTION
OF FALL
RETREAT
RETREAT
FIG. 26
45°
NOTCHING UNDERCUT
DIRECTION
OF FALL
NOTCH
(1)
(2)
FIG. 27
FELLING BACK CUT
FELLING
BACK CUT
HINGE
DIRECTION
OF FALL
NOTCH
2 IN
(50 MM)
2 IN
(50 MM)
FIG. 28
