OPERATING
Keep the unit running the entire time you are cutting, maintain
a steady speed.
Allow the chain to cut for you; exert only light downward
pressure. If you force the cut, damage to the bar, chain, or
unit can result.
Do not put pressure on the saw at the end of the cut.
When felling a tree, keep everyone a safe distance from the
cutting area. During felling operations, the safe distance
should be at least twice the height of the largest trees in the
felling area. If the tree makes contact with any utility line, the
utility company should be notified immediately.
Always cut with both feet on solid ground to prevent being
pulled off balance.
Do not cut above chest height, as a saw held higher is difficult
to control against kickback forces.
FELLING A TREE
When bucking and felling operations are being performed by
two or more persons, at the same time, the felling operation
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 utility
company should be notified immediately.
WARNING:
Check the tree for damaged or dead branches
that could fall and hit you during felling.
Before any cuts are started, pick your escape route (or routes
in case the intended route is blocked); clear the immediate
area around the tree and make sure there are no obstructions
in your planned path of retreat. A clear path of safe retreat is
approximately 135 degrees from planned line of fall. The
retreat path should extend back and diagonally to the rear of
the expected line of fall.
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 diameter of
the tree, perpendicular to the direction of the 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.
WARNING:
Do not fell trees during periods of high wind or
heavy precipitation. Wait to do your cutting until the hazard
has ended.
WARNING:
Do not cut down trees having an extreme lean or
large trees that have rotten limbs, loose bark, or hollow
trunks. Have these trees pushed or dragged down with heavy
equipment, then cut them up.
FELLING BACK
-
CUT
The back
-
cut is always made level and horizontal, and at a
minimum of 2 inches (5cm) above the horizontal cut of the
notch.
Never cut through to the notch. Always leave a band of wood
between the notch and back
-
cut (approximately 2 inches
(5cm) or 1/10 the diameter of the tree). This is called “hinge”
or “hinge wood.” It controls the fall of the tree and prevents
slipping or twisting or shoot
-
back of the tree off the stump.
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
.
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