FELLING OPERATIONS
CAUTION!
Felling a tree is a job which calls for experience. Do not attempt to fell trees if you are inexperienced. DO NOT CARRY OUT ANY OPERATIONS FOR WHICH YOU DO NOT FEEL QUALIFIED!
CAUTION!
Beginning chain saw operators should gain experience cutting logs on a sawhorse or similar arrangement.
CAUTION!
We advise operators without sufficient experience against felling trees with trunk diameters exceeding their guide bar length.
E N G L I S H
Danger zone
A danger zone surrounds the tree to a distance of 2 1/2 times the height of the tree. See to it that no one is standing within this zone while you are felling the tree.
Felling direction
When felling a tree, one always aims to place it where neither objects nor difficult terrain will hamper limbing and cutting. Unobstructed movement and secure footing are essential.
It is also important to avoid lodging the tree against another tree. A lodged tree is extremely dangerous.
After determining where you want the tree to fall, you must also consider the likely unaided direction of fall.
This is affected by the straightness and lean of the tree, wind direction, concentration of branches and any snow that may weigh the tree down.
After assessing all these factors, you may find you have no choice but to fell the tree in its natural direction of fall because your preferred direction of fall is likely to fail.
Another important factor affecting your personal safety, though it has no bearing on the direction of fall, is the presence of any dead branches which could fall while you are felling the tree.
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
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