Section 9
Cutting Techniques (Felling, Limbing Bucking)
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Always follow the safety precautions. The chain saw must only be used for cutting wood. It is forbidden to cut other types of material. Vibrations and kickback vary with different materials; the safety requirements and regulations would not be respected. Do not use the chain saw as a lever for
lifting, moving or splitting objects. Do not lock it over fixed stands. Do not attach to this product any form of
When using the chain saw for the first time, make several cuts in a small trunk in order to become familiar with the saw in action. Always use full throttle when cutting with the saw, regardless of the size of the timber. Never push down on the saw when cutting. The weight of the saw alone enables it to cut properly with minimum effort.
Never cut in high wind, bad weather, when visibility is poor or in very high or low temperatures. Always check the tree for dead branches which could fall during the felling operation.
TREE FELLING
Study the tree and surrounding area before starting to cut. Clear the work area before beginning to cut. Prepare the widest possible path of retreat for when the tree falls (Fig. 29). Cut off any branches at the bottom of the trunk up to a height of about 2 meters. Make a 45 degree notch on the face of the tree, in the direction it will fall. The depth of the notch should never exceed 1/4 of the diameter of the trunk (1 - Fig. 30). About 10 cm (4”) higher up the trunk make a cut down towards the first cut, in order to extract a wedge. This is the mouth of the hinge, and is the direction in which the tree will fall (2 - Fig. 30).
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