Craftsman 316350840 manual Operating Instructions, Felling

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

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. 12.

CAUTION: 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 loca- tion of larger branches and natural lean of the tree to determine the way the tree will fall.

B

A

Fig. 12

WARNING: Never walk in front of a tree that has been

notched. When felling, keep at least 2 tree lengths away from your fellow workers.

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)

(13 9).

Hinge

Fig. 13

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.

WARNING: Before making the final cut, always recheck

the area for bystanders, animals or obstacles.

Insert a wedge or felling lever in the cut well before the tree becomes unstable and starts to move. This will pre- vent 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.

Felling Cut:

1.Use wooden or plastic wedges (G) to prevent binding the bar or chain (H) in the cut. Wedges also control felling (Fig. 14).

2.When diameter of wood being cut is greater than the bar length, make 2 cuts as shown (Fig. 15).

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 strik- ing utility wires; notify the utility company before making any cuts.

Normally felling consists of 2 main cutting operations, notching (C) and making the felling cut (D) (Fig. 13).

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 (Fig. 13).

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
(Fig. 13).	13

WARNING: As the felling cut gets close to the

hinge, the tree should begin to fall. When tree begins to fall, remove saw from cut, stop engine, put chain saw down, and leave area along retreat path (Fig. 12).

GH

Fig. 14