Husqvarna T435 manual Freeing a tree that has fallen badly, Felling cut, Working Techniques

WORKING TECHNIQUES

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

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-top does not start to move in the opposite direction to your intended felling direction.

Finish the felling cut parallel with the directional cut line so that the distance between them is at least 1/10 of the trunk diameter. The uncut section of the trunk is called the felling hinge.

The felling hinge controls the direction that the tree falls in.

All control over the felling direction is lost if the felling hinge is too narrow or non-existent, or if the directional cuts and felling cut are badly placed.

We recommend that you use a bar that is longer than the diameter of the tree, so that you can make the felling cut and directional cuts with single cutting strokes. See the Technical data section to find out which lengths of bar are recommended for your saw.

There are methods for felling trees with a diameter larger than the bar length. However these methods involve a much greater risk that the kickback zone of the bar will come into contact with the tree.

WARNING! Unless you have special

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

Freeing a tree that has fallen badly

Cutting trees and branches that are in tension

Preparations:

Work out which side is in tension and where the point of maximum tension is (i.e. where it would break if it was bent even more).

Decide which is the safest way to release the tension and whether you are able to do it safely. In complicated situations the only safe method is to put aside your chain saw and use a winch.

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