OPERATING
Proper Cutting Stance
Weight should be balanced with both feet on solid ground.
Keep left arm with elbow locked in a “straight arm” position to
withstand any kickback force.
Your body should always be to the left of the chain line.
Basic Cutting Procedure
Small trees up to 6-7inches in diameter are usually cut in
a single cut. Large trees require notch cuts. Notch cuts
determine the direction the tree will fall.
WARNING:
If the tree starts to fall in the wrong direction, or if
the saw gets caught or hung up during the fall, leave the saw
and save yourself.
WARNING:
Periodically glance at the top of the tree during
the back-cut to assure the tree is going to fall in the desired
direction.
Practice cutting a few small logs using the following technique
to get the “feel” of using the saw before you begin a major
sawing operation.
Take the proper stance in front of the wood with the saw off.
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.
7
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.
Squeeze the trigger and let the chain accelerate to full speed
before entering the cut.
Hold the saw firmly with both hands. Always keep your left
hand on the front handle and your right hand on the rear
handle so that your body is to the left of the chain line.
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.
WARNING:
Check the tree for damaged or dead branches
that could fall and hit you during felling.
WARNING:
Do not cut trees near electrical wires or buildings.
