7
- Be careful when cutting splintery wood. Cut pieces of wood
may be pulled along (risk of injuries).
- When cutting with the upper edge of the guide bar, the chain
saw may be pushed in the direction of the user if the chain
gets clamped. For this reason use the lower edge of the bar
whenever possible. The chain saw will then be pushed away
from you (15).
- If the timber is under tension (16), fi rst cut the pressure side
(A). Then the crosscut can be performed on the tension side
(B). Thus clamping of the guide bar can be avoided.
CAUTION:
People felling trees or cutting of branches must be specially
trained. High risk of injuries!
- When cutting of branches, the chain saw should be supported
on the trunk. Do not use the end of the bar for cutting (risk of
kickback).
- Be aware of branches under tension. Do not cut free branches
from below.
- Never perform detensioning cuts while standing on the trunk.
- Before cutting down a tree ensure that
a) only those people are within the working area which are
actually involved in cutting down the tree.
b) every worker involved can withdraw without stumbling (the
people should withdraw backwards in a diagonal line, i. e.
at a degree of 45°).
c) the bottom part of the trunk is free from foreign objects,
underbrush and branches. Make sure to have a safe footing
(risk of stumbling).
d) the next working place is at least 2 1/2 tree lengths away
(17). Before cutting down the tree check the direction of fall
and make sure that there are neither people nor objects
within a distance of 2 1/2 tree lengths.
- Judging the tree:
Direction of hanging - loose or dry branches - height of the tree
- natural overhang - is the tree rotten?
- Take into account the direction and speed of the wind. If strong
gusts are occurring, do not do any felling. Avoid sawdust (pay
attention to the direction the wind is blowing)!
- Cutting the roots:
Start with the strongest root. First do the vertical and then the
horizontal cut.
- Notching the trunk (18, A):
The notch determines the direction of fall and guides the tree.
The trunk is notched perpendicular to the direction of fall and
penetrates 1/3 -1/5 of the trunk diameter. Perform the cut near
the ground.
- When correcting the cut, always do so over the whole width of
the notch.
- Cut down the tree (19, B) above the bottom edge of the notch
(D). The cut must be exactly horizontal. The distance between
both cuts must be approx. 1/10 of the trunk diameter.
- The material between both cuts (C) serves as a hinge. Never
cut it through, otherwise the tree will fall without any control.
Insert felling wedges in time.
- Secure the cut only with wedges made of plastic or aluminium.
Do not use iron wedges. If the saw hits an iron wedge the chain
can be seriously damaged or torn.
- When cutting down a tree always stay sidewards of the falling
tree.
- When withdrawing after having performed the cut, be alert for
falling branches.
- When working on sloping ground the user of the chain saw
must stay above or sidewards of the trunk to be cut or the tree
already cut down.
- Be alert for trunks which may roll towards you.
16
17
18
19
45°
2 1/2
= cutting down area
45°
BAB
15