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a small incision below the branch first, before
working from top to bottom, to prevent it from
breaking off.
7.2 Basic cutting technique
Heavy branches break off easily while sawing
and tear away long strips of bark from the trunk,
which permanently damages the tree.
The following cutting technique can significantly
reduce this risk:
1. Saw about 10 cm of the branch from the trunk,
at the bottom of the branch (see Fig. A20).
2. Make another cut of about 15 cm from the top
of the trunk.
Saw until the branch breaks off. The risk of a
damage to the bark at the trunk does not exist
anymore (see Fig. A21).
3. Finally, remove the remaining branch stump
(see Fig. A22), with a clean cut from above along
the trunk.
In order to minimize the damage to the tree, we
also recommend sealing the area of the cut with
tree wax.
7.3 Dangers due to reactive forces
Reactive forces occur while operating the saw
chain. The forces applied to the wood act against
the operator. They occur when the running chain
comes in contact with a solid object such as a
branch or is trapped. These forces can lead to
loss of control and injuries. Understanding the
formation of these forces can help you to avoid
the moment of shock and loss of control.
This saw is designed in such a way that the
blowback effects are not as noticeable as with
conventional chainsaws.
Nevertheless, always keep a firm grip and a good
footing to keep control of the tool in case of
doubt.
The most common effects are:
• Blowback,
• Recoil,
• Retraction.
Blowback
The blowback can occur when the running saw
chain at the upper quarter of the guide rail hits
on a solid object or is jammed.
The cutting force of the chain exerts a rotational
force on the saw in the opposite direction to
the chain’s movement. This leads to an upward
movement of the guide rail.
Avoid blowback
The best protection is to avoid situations that
lead to blowbacks.
1. Always keep an eye on the position of the
upper guide rail.
2. Never let this place come in contact with an
object. Do not cut anything with it. Be particularly
careful near wire fences and while cutting small,
hard branches, into which the chain can easily
jam.
3. Cut only one branch at a time.
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