Husqvarna 338XPT EPA III Working Techniques, Felling direction, WARNING! During critical felling

WORKING TECHNIQUES

Felling direction

The aim is to fell the tree in a position where you can limb and cross-cut the log as easily as possible. You want it to fall in a location where you can stand and move about safely. The main thing to avoid is that the falling tree top should get jammed in another tree. Taking down a ”jammed” tree top is very dangerous (see point 4 in this section).

Once you have decided which way you want the top of the tree to fall you must assess which way the top of the tree would fall naturally.

Several factors affect this:

•Lean of the tree

•Bend

•Wind direction

•Arrangement of branches

•Weight of snow

You may find you are forced to let the tree-top fall in its natural direction because it is impossible or dangerous to try to make it fall in the direction you first intended.

Another very important factor, which does not affect the felling direction but does affect your safety, is to make sure the tree has no damaged or dead branches that might break off and hit you during felling.

WARNING! During critical felling

! operations, hearing protectors should be

lifted immediately when sawing is completed so that sounds and warning signals can be heard.

Topping a tree

Topping a tree is done using three cuts. First you make the directional cuts, which consist of the top cut and the bottom cut, then you finish with the felling cut. By placing these cuts correctly you can control the felling direction very accurately.

Directional cuts

To make the directional cuts you begin with the top cut.Try to take your position in the tree on the right side and cut on the pull stroke.

Next make the bottom cut so that it finishes exactly at the end of the top cut.

The directional cuts should run 1/4 of the diameter through the trunk and the angle between the top cut and bottom cut should be 45°.

The line where the two cuts meet is called the directional cut line. This line should be perfectly horizontal and at right angles (90°) to the chosen felling direction.

Felling cut

The felling cut is made from the opposite side of the tree and it must be perfectly horizontal. Try to take a correct position so you are able to cut on the pull stroke.

Make the felling cut about 1.5-2 inches (3-5 cm) above the bottom directional cut.

Use full throttle and bring the bar and chain slowly into the tree. Make sure the tree does not start to move in the opposite direction to your intended felling direction. Drive

26 – English