20
Operation
Felling a tree (continued)
to avoid pinching either the saw chain or the guide bar when the second notch is
being made.
Felling back cut (See Fig. M)
Make the felling back cut at least 50mm higher than the horizontal notching cut, as
illustrated in Figure M. 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. Hinged 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 the 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 tool down, then use the retreat path planned. Be alert for overhead limbs falling
and watch your footing.
Limbing a tree (See Fig. N )
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 N. Branches under tension should be cut from the bottom up to
avoid binding the chainsaw.
L
M
N
