Reset the gripping teeth at a low point when sawing thicker
logs by pulling the chain saw slightly backwards until the
gripping teeth release and reposition at lower level to
continue sawing.
Do not remove the saw completely from the wood.
Do not force the chain while cutting, let the chain do the
work, using the gripping teeth to apply minimal leverage
pressure.
Do not operate the chain saw with arms fully extended or
attempt to saw areas which are difficult to reach, or on a
ladder.
Never use the chain saw above shoulder height (Fig. 16)
Fig. 16
Sawing is optimized when the chain speed remains steady during cutting.
Beware when reaching the end of the cut. The weight of the saw may change unexpectedly as it cuts free from
the wood. Accidents can occur to the legs and feet. Always remove the saw from a wood cut while the saw is
running.
5.2.1- Felling a tree
Felling demands great experience.
Both, felling and limbing should be carried out by trained persons only.
1) General Guidelines for Felling Trees
- When bucking and felling operations are being performed by two or more persons at the same time, the
felling operations should be separated 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 does contact any utility line, the company should be notified immediately.
- The chainsaw operator should keep on the uphill side of the terrain as the tree is likely to roll or slide
downhill after it is felled.
- An escape path should be planned and cleared as necessary before cuts are started.
The escape path should extend back and diagonally to the rear of the expected line of fall (Fig. 17).
- 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.
- In felling trees, there must not be any other persons or animals.
- The safety distance from the tree being felled is minimally 2 ½ the length of the tree.
Never cut with the nose of the guide bar. Danger of kickback.
The direction of fall is controlled by the notching cut.
Felling can start only under the condition that escape way form the
felling tree is provided, see Fig 17: (a) tree felling direction; (b) Danger
zone; (c) Escape route.
Fig. 17
2) Felling
1. Decide the felling direction considering the wind, lean of the
tree, location of heavy branches, ease of completing the task
after felling and other factors.
2. While clearing the area around the tree, arrange a good
foothold and retreat path (Fig. 18).
3. Make a notch cut one-third of the way into the tree on the
felling side (Fig. 18).
Fig. 18
4. Make a felling cut from the opposite side of the notch and at a level slightly higher than the bottom of the
notch (Fig. 18)
