Echo ECS-2000 manual Felling Procedure, Limbing a Tree

OPERATING CHAIN SAW

Continued

Felling Procedure

Felling Notch

A properly placed felling notch will determine direction tree will fall. Place felling notch on side of tree in direction you want tree to fall (see Figure 13). Follow directions below to create a felling notch.

1.Make lower notch cut as close to ground as possible. Hold saw so guide bar is horizontal. Cut 1/3 the diameter of tree trunk (see Figure 13). Note: Always make this horizontal lower notch cut first. If you make this cut second, tree can pinch chain or guide bar.

2.Start upper notch cut the same distance above first cut as first cut is deep.

Example: If lower notch cut is 20 centimeters deep, start

upper notch cut 20 centimeters above it. Cut downward at 45° angle. The upper notch cut should meet end of lower notch cut (see Figure 13).

3.Remove tree trunk wedge created by notching cuts.

Felling Cut

1.Make felling cut five centimeters higher than lower notch cut and on opposite side of tree (see Figure 13). Keep felling cut parallel to lower notch cut.

2.Cut towards notch.

4.When tree begins to fall, quickly

•remove saw from felling cut

•release trigger to turn saw off

•put saw down

•exit area using retreat path

!WARNING

Be alert for falling overhead limbs. Watch your footing while exiting area.

LIMBING A TREE

!WARNING

Avoid kickback. Kickback can result in severe injury or death. See Kickback, page 3 to avoid risk of kickback.

!WARNING

When cutting limb that is under tension, use extreme caution. Be alert for wood springing back. When wood tension is released, limb could spring back and strike operator causing severe injury or death.

!WARNING

Do not cut all the way through tree. Leave about five centimeters of tree diameter uncut directly behind felling notch (see Figure 13). This uncut portion acts as a hinge. The hinge helps keep tree from twisting and falling in wrong direction.

		Direction of Fall
3rd Cut -		Hinge
Felling Cut		2nd Cut -
		Upper
	5 cm	Notch Cut
5 cm		1st Cut -
		Lower
		Notch Cut

!CAUTION

Seek professional help if facing conditions beyond your ability.

Limbing is removing branches from a fallen tree. Make sure your footing is firm. Keep feet apart. Divide your weight evenly on both feet. Do not remove larger limbs under tree that support log off ground. Remove each limb with one cut (see Figure 14). Clear cut limbs from work area often. This will help maintain a safe work area.

Make sure you start your cut where limb will not pinch saw during cutting. To avoid pinching, start cut on freely hanging limbs from above limb. Start cut on limbs under tension from under limb. If pinch occurs, turn saw off, lift limb, and remove saw.

Figure 13 - Felling A Tree

3. As felling cut nears hinge, tree should begin to fall. Note: If needed, drive wedges into felling cut to control direction of fall. If tree settles back and pinches chain, drive wedges into felling cut to remove saw. Only use wedges made of wood, plastic, or aluminum. Never use wedge made of steel. This

could cause kickback and damage to chain. Figure 14 - Limbing A Tree

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