WORKING TECHNIQUES
26 – English
Limbing
When limbing thick branches you should use the same
approach as for cutting.
Cut difficult branches piece by piece.
Cutting
If you have a pile of logs, each log you attempt to cut
should be removed from the pile, placed on a saw horse
or runners and cut individually.
Remove the cut pieces from the cutting area. By leaving
them in the cutting area, you increase the risk for
inadvertently getting a kickback, as well as increasing the
risk of losing your balance while working.
The log is lying on the ground
. There is little risk of the
chain jamming or the object splitting. However there is a
risk that the chain will touch the ground when you finish
the cut.
Cut all the way through the log from above. Avoid letting
the chain touch the ground as you finish the cut. Maintain
full throttle but be prepared for what might happen.
If it is possible (can you turn the log?) stop cutting about
2/3 of the way through the log.
Turn the log and finish the cut from the opposite side.
The log is supported at one end.
There is a high risk
that it will split.
Start by cutting from below (about 1/3 of the way through).
Finish by cutting from above so that the two cuts meet.
The log is supported at both ends.
There is a high risk
that the chain will jam.
Start by cutting from above (about 1/3 of the way through).
Finish by cutting from below so that the two cuts meet.
Tree felling technique
Safe distance
The safe distance between a tree that is to be felled and
anyone else working nearby is at least 2 1/2 tree lengths.
Make sure that no-one else is in this ”risk zone” before or
during felling.
Felling direction
The aim is to fell the tree in a position where you can limb
and cross-cut the log as easily as possible. You want it to
fall in a location where you can stand and move about
safely.
Once you have decided which way you want the tree to fall
you must judge which way the tree would fall naturally.
Several factors affect this:
•
Lean of the tree
•
Bend
•
Wind direction
!
WARNING! Never attempt to cut logs
while they are in a pile or when a couple
of logs are lying together. Such
procedures drastically increase the risk
of kickback which can result in a serious
or fatal injury.
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IMPORTANT! It takes a lot of experience to fell a tree.
Inexperienced users of chain saws should not fell trees.
Do not attempt any task that you feel unsure of!
