Husqvarna 545, 550XPG manual Clearing the trunk and preparing your retreat, Felling cut, Your saw

WORKING TECHNIQUES

there is high accident risk. See instructions under the heading Freeing a tree that has fallen badly.

IMPORTANT! During critical felling operations, hearing protectors should be lifted immediately when sawing is completed so that sounds and warning signals can be heard.

Clearing the trunk and preparing your retreat

Delimb the stem up to shoulder height. It is safer to work from the top down and to have the tree between you and the saw.

Remove any undergrowth from the base of the tree and check the area for obstacles (stones, branches, holes, etc.) so that you have a clear path of retreat when the tree starts to fall. Your path of retreat should be roughly 135 degrees away from the intended felling direction.

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further forward in the terrain, where you would like the tree to fall (2). Stand on the right-hand side of the tree, behind the saw, and cut with a pull stroke.

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

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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. Stand on the left side of the tree and cut on the pull stroke.

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

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1Danger zone

2Retreat path

3Felling direction

Felling

!	WARNING! Unless you have special
	training we advise you not to fell trees
	with a diameter larger than the bar length
	of your saw!

Felling 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 cut you begin with the top cut. Aim using to the saw’s felling direction mark (1) toward a goal

Set the spike bumper (if one is fitted) just behind the felling hinge. Use full throttle and advance the chain/bar slowly into the tree. Make sure the tree does not start to move in the opposite direction to your intended felling direction.

Drive a wedge or breaking bar into the cut as soon as it is deep enough.

26 – English