Clearing branches/Line of retreat
Remove any branches from around the base of the tree which may interfere with your work. It is safest to work from the top down and to keep the tree trunk between you and the running chain. Never cut branches above shoulder height. Clear undergrowth around the tree and identify your line of retreat or escape, taking note of any obstructions (stones, branches, holes, etc.). Your line of retreat should be at an angle, around 135° behind the direction of fall.
Planned Direction of fall
Danger zone
Retreat Retreat
Danger zone
E N G L I S H
Felling
Three cuts are made to fell a tree. The «TOP NOTCH CUT» and the «BOTTOM» or «HORIZONTAL NOTCH CUT» form the «NOTCH», which determines the direction in which the tree will fall. The final cut is the «FELLING CUT», which allows the tree to topple over.
Notch
To form the NOTCH, start with the TOP NOTCH CUT. Using the bottom of the guide bar (pulling chain), make a 45° downward angled cut at right angles to the intended direction of fall.
Next do the BOTTOM NOTCH CUT, ensuring that it meets the bottom of the
TOP NOTCH CUT precisely.
Notch depth should be around 1/4 of the diameter of the tree and the angle should be around 45°.
The line defined by the inside angle of the notch must be precisely horizontal and at a precise right angle to the direction of fall.
Felling cut
The felling cut is done from the opposite side of the tree and must also be horizontal. Stand with the tree to your left and cut with the bottom of the guide bar (pulling chain).
Place the FELLING CUT approximately
BOTTOM NOTCH CUT.
Cut at full motor speed, feeding the saw slowly into the tree. Watch out for tree movement opposite to the intended direction of fall. Insert a WEDGE or FELLING BAR in the FELLING CUT as soon as the depth of the cut permits.
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