Chain Saw
WG303E
5
above shoulder height.
This helps
prevent unintended tip contact and
enables better control of the chain saw in
unexpected situations.
•
Only use replacement bars and
chains specified by the manufacturer.
Incorrect replacement bars and chains may
cause chain breakage and/or kickback.
•
follow the manufacturer’s sharpening
and maintenance instructions for the
saw chain.
Decreasing the depth gauge
height can lead to increased kickback
INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING THE
PROPER TECHNIqUES fOR BASIC
fEllING, lIMBING, AND CROSS-
CUTTING
1. fEllING A TREE
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 make contact with
any utility line, the company should be notified
immediately.
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.
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 as illustrated in Figure 1.
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.
2. NOTCHING UNDERCUT
Make the notch 1/3 the diameter of the
tree, perpendicular to the direction of falls
as illustrated in Figure 2. Make the lower
horizontal notching cut first. This will help to
avoid pinching either the saw chin or the guide
bar when the second notch is being made.
3. fEllING BACk CUT
Make the felling back cut at least 50 mm higher
than the horizontal notching cut as illustrated
in Figure 2. 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 chain
saw from the cut, stop the motor, put the chain
saw down, then use the retreat path planned.
Be alert for overhead limbs falling and watch
your footing.
4. 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 3. Branches under tension
should be cut from the bottom up to avoid
binding the chain saw.
5. BUCkING A lOG
Bucking is cutting a log into lengths. It is
important to make sure your footing is firm
and your weight is evenly distributed on both
feet. When possible, the log should be raised
and supported by the use of limbs, logs or
chocks. Follow the simple directions for easy
cutting.
When the log is supported along its entire
length as illustrated in Figure 4, it is cut from
the top (overbuck).
When the log is supported on one end, as
illustrated in Figure 5, cut 1/3 the diameter
from the underside (underbuck). Then make
the finished cut by overbucking to meet the
