14
7.
Let the chain do the work; exert only light downward
pressure. If you force the cut, damage to the bar, chain, or
unit can result.
8.
Do not put the pressure on the saw at the end of the cut.
9.
Always cut with both feet on solid ground to prevent
falling.
10.
Do not cut above chest height since it is difficult to
control kickback forces with a saw held high.
Cutting Techniques
Before felling or delimbing for the first time, practice sawing
logs on the ground or on trestles, so that you can get familiar
with the machine and the most suitable sawing techniques.
When felling a tree, keep everyone a safe distance from the
cutting area. The safest distance should be at least twice the
height of the largest trees in the felling area.
m
WARNING!
Always hold the machine with both hands
when sawing.
m
WARNING!
Stop the motor immediately if the chain
stops during sawing. Beware of kickback, which can occur if
the bar contacts an obstacle.
•
Felling a tree
I)
When bucking and felling are performed by two or more
people 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 any manner that could endanger a person,
strike a utility line, or cause property damage. If the tree
does make contact with a utility line, the utility company
should be notified immediately.
m
WARNING!
Check the tree for damaged or dead
branches that could fall off and hit you during the felling
process.
II)
The chain saw operator should stay on the uphill side of
the terrain, as the tree is likely to roll or slide downhill after
it is felled.
III)
Plan an escape path and clear the appropriate area before
starting to work. The escape path should extend back
and diagonally to the rear of the expected line of fall as
illustrated (Fig. 16).
IV)
Before starting to fell, consider the natural lean of the tree,
the location of larger branches, and the wind direction to
help you judge the direction in which the tree will fall.
m
WARNING!
Do not fell trees during periods of high wind
or heavy precipitation. Wait for favorable conditions to do your
cutting.
m
WARNING!
Do not cut down trees that have 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, and then cut.
V)
Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples, and wire
from the tree to be cut.
•
Notching undercut
Make the notch 1/3 the diameter of the tree, perpendicular to
the direction of the fall as illustrated (Fig. 17).
Make the lower horizontal notching cut first.
This will help to avoid pinching either the saw chain or the
guide bar when the second notch is made.
•
Felling back cut
I)
Make the felling back cut at least 2 in. (50 mm) higher than
the horizontal notching cut as illustrated (Fig. 18). Keep
the felling back cut parallel to the horizontal notching cut.
Strategically position the felling back cut so that enough
wood is left to act as a hinge. The hinge wood keeps the
tree from twisting and falling in the wrong direction. Do not
cut through the hinge.
II)
As the felling gets close to the hinge, the tree should begin
to fall. If there is any chance that the tree may not fall in
the desired direction or it may rock back and bind the saw
chain, stop cutting before the felling back cut is complete
and use wedges of wood, plastic, or aluminium to open
the cut and drop the tree along the desired line of fall.
III)
When the tree begins to fall, remove the chain saw from
the cut, stop the motor, put the chain saw down, then
use the retreat path planned. Stay alert for falling limbs
overhead and watch your footing.
Fig. 16
50 mm (2 inch)
50 mm (2 inch)
Fig. 17
