16
OPERATION
Before felling is started, consider the force and
direction of the wind, the lean and balance of the
tree, and the location of large limbs. These things
influence the direction in which the tree will fall.
Do not try to fell a tree along a line different from
its natural line of fall.
The chain saw operator should keep on the uphill
side of the terrain as the tree is likely to roll or
slide downhill after it is felled.
Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples,
and wire from the tree where felling cuts are to
be made.
Notched Undercut.
Cut a notch about 1/3
the diameter of the tree, perpendicular to the
direction of fall. Make the cuts of the notch so
they intersect at a right angle to the line of fall.
This notch should be cleaned out to leave a
straight line. To keep the weight of the wood off
the saw, always make the lower cut of the notch
before the upper cut.
See Figure 13.
Felling Backcut.
The backcut is always made
level and horizontal, and at a minimum of 2 in.
above the horizontal cut of the notch.
See Figures
13 - 14.
Never cut through to the notch. Always leave a
band of wood between the notch and backcut
(approximately 2 in. or 1/10 the diameter of the
tree). This is called “hinge” or “hingewood.” It
controls the fall of the tree and prevents slipping
or twisting or shoot-back of the tree off the stump.
See Figures 13 - 14.
On large diameter trees, stop the back cut before
it is deep enough for the tree to either fall or settle
back on the stump. Then insert soft wooden or
plastic wedges into the cut so they do not touch
the chain. The wedges can be driven in, little by
little, to help jack the tree over.
See Figure 15.
As tree starts to fall, stop the chain saw and put
it down immediately. Retreat along the cleared
path, but watch the action in case something falls
your way. Be alert for overhead limbs or branches
that may fall and watch your footing.
WARNING:
Never cut through to the notch when making a
backcut. The hinge controls the fall of the tree,
this is the section of wood between the notch and
backcut.
NOTCH
BACK CUT
Fig. 15
Fig. 14
KICKBACK
Fig. 16
HINGE
WEDGE
Fig. 17