Helpline No. UK 0151 649 1500 / IRE 189 094 6244
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General cutting instructions
Important:
Felling trees is prohibited
without the necessary training!
Felling
Felling is the term for cutting down a tree.
Small trees up to 6-7 inches (15-18cm) in
diameter are usually cut in a single cut.
Larger trees require notch cuts. Notch cuts
determine the direction the tree will fall.
Warning:
A retreat path (A) should be
planned and cleared as necessary before cuts
are started. The retreat path should extend back
and diagonally to the rear of the expected line
of fall, as illustrated in Fig. 20.
Warning:
If felling a tree on sloping ground,
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.
Note:
Direction of fall (B) is controlled by the
notching cut. Before any cuts are made,
consider the location of larger branches and
natural lean of the tree to determine the way the
tree will fall (Fig. 20).
Warning:
Do not cut down a tree during
high or changing winds or if there is a danger to
property. Consult a tree professional. Do not cut
down a tree if there is a danger of striking utility
wires; notify the utility company before making
any cuts.
General guidelines for felling trees (Fig. 21)
Normally felling consists of 2 main cutting
operations, notching (C) and making the felling
cut (D). Start making the upper notch cut (C) on
the side of the tree facing the felling direction (E).
Be sure you don’t make the lower cut too deep
into the trunk. The notch (C) should be deep
enough to create a hinge (F) of sufficient width
and strength. The notch should be wide enough
to direct the fall of the tree for as long as
possible.
Warning:
Never walk in front of a tree that
has been notched. Make the felling cut (D) from
the other side of the tree and 1.5-2.0 inches (3-5
cm) above the edge of the notch (C). Never
saw completely through the trunk. Always leave
a hinge. The hinge guides the tree. If the trunk is
completely cut through, control over the felling
direction is lost.
Insert a wedge or felling lever in the cut well
before the tree becomes unstable and starts to
move. This will prevent the guidebar from
binding in the felling cut if you have misjudged
the falling direction. Make sure no bystanders
have entered the range of the falling tree before
you push it over.
Warning:
Before making the final cut, always
recheck the area for bystanders, animals or
obstacles.
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