16
BASIC LOGGING OR CROSSCUTTING
The first time user should practice logging using a saw
horse or similar device which is stable and securely
supports the log Fig.A. Select a suitable manageable
size log
and locate it securely onto the saw horse. Ensure that
there is sufficient overhang to allow the cut to be made
without any part of the chainsaw making contact with
the saw horse Fig.A. Adopt a stable body position with
the left arm almost straight, ensuring that no part of
your body extends beyond an imaginary straight line
drawn through the centre of the guide bar Fig.B. Press
the spiked bumper on the chainsaw against the log
Fig.C1. Only now should the chainsaw be switched on.
Warning! Do not start the chainsaw with the chain in
contact with the timber. Start the cut by increasing the
upwards pressure on the rear handle causing a pivoting
action against the spiked bumper Fig.C2. If the cut
cannot be completed in one pass, reduce the
downwards pressure on the front and apply downwards
pressure on the rear handle to reposition the spiked
bumper lower down on the log Fig.C3. These actions will
result in a rocking action allowing the cut to be
completed in a number of stages. Always keep the
spiked bumper in contact with the log.
If logging is to be carried out on the ground the log to be
cut should be supported on another log Fig.D. If the
ground is sloping the operator should stand uphill of the
piece being cut off.
REMOVING BRANChES FROM STANDING TIMBER
Only remove branches that are accessible at shoulder
height or below. If the tree is not to be felled the branch
to be removed should be cut off as close to the tree
trunk as is safely possible. To ensure that the branch
falls away cleanly without swinging downwards,
causing possible injury to the operator, the branch
should be first undercut by approximately one third of
its diameter Fig.E1. The cut is then completed with a top
cut Fig.E2.
REMOVING BRANChES FROM FELLED TIMBER
Start removing the branches from the base of the tree
trunk, adopt a stable stance with both feet firmly on the
ground. Keep the tree trunk between yourself and the
branch being removed. If the tree is on a slope work
from the uphill side of the trunk. Do not walk or stand on
the tree trunk, it could roll causing injury. Cut the
branches as close to the trunk as possible, supporting
the guide bar against tree trunk and the body of the
chainsaw against your right leg. Using the forward
moving part of the chain pull the saw across the trunk
removing the branch. When removing branches next to
you, support the guide bar against tree trunk and the
body of the chainsaw against your right leg. Using the
backward moving part of the chain, pull the saw across
the trunk removing the branch.
FELLING SAPLINGS
Saplings and taller slender trees are very flexible and
are prone to catching the cutting chain which could
whip the sapling towards you and could pull you off
balance. Saplings should be felled as close to the
ground as possible taking care that the saw chain does
not come into contact with the ground.
GENERAL TREE FELLING
This manual only covers basic tree felling techniques.
For more advanced felling techniques the user should
obtain formal practical training.
RISK ASSESSMENT
Before attempting to fell any tree a risk assessment
must be carried out in order to identify all the risks
involved in felling the chosen tree. The risk assessment
should include the following:
Are there any power lines, buildings, walls or fences,
that could be damaged when the tree is felled?
Are there other trees that would prevent the chosen
tree to be felled from falling safely without hanging up?
Is the chosen tree leaning, if it is extra care will be
needed when felling to ensure that the tree fall’s where
you want it to?
Can you drop the tree safely where you want it to?
Make sure that the tree has a clear area in which to fall.
Is the area around the trunk of the tree clear of brush
wood and other obstructions that would prevent a solid
footing and an unobstructed all round view of the
cutting area?
Check the wind strength and direction to see if this will
affect how the tree will fall
The tree should be checked for dead branches, hanging
branches and rot in the trunk.
Check that your safety escape routes are clear. There
should be at least two safety escape route’s Fig.F.
FIG.F
ThE FELLING CUTS
Felling a tree requires at least two different cuts, the
face cut and a back cut. The face cut consists of two
cuts which removes a wedge of timber (typically this is
at an angle of between 45° to 90°) from the trunk and
partially determines the initial direction of fall Fig.G. The
wedge cut should be no deeper than 1/3rd of the
diameter of the tree trunk. There are numerous ways in
which to cut this wedge, the inexperienced user should
concentrate on the basic 60° to 70° face cut with a flat
bottom.
Ref.
Description
F.1
45° Safety escape route
F.2
45° Safety escape route
F.3
Danger areas
F.4
Line of fall
