SKeep the chain out of dirt and sand. Even a small amount of dirt will quickly dull a chain and thus increase the possibility of
kickback.
SPractice cutting a few small logs using the following technique to get the “feel” of using your saw before you begin a major sawing operation.
S Accelerate engine to full speed be- fore entering cut by squeezing the throttle trigger.
S Begin cutting with the saw frame against the log.
S Keep the engine at full speed the en- tire time you are cutting.
S Allow the chain to cut for you. Exert only light downward pressure. If you force the cut, damage to the bar, chain, or engine can result.
S Release the throttle trigger as soon as the cut is completed, allowing the engine to idle. If you run the saw at full throttle without a cutting load, un- necessary wear can occur to the chain, bar, and engine.
S To avoid losing control when cut is complete, do not put pressure on saw at end of cut.
S Stop the engine before setting the saw down after cutting.
TREE FELLING TECHNIQUES
Carefully plan your sawing operation in ad- vance. Clear the work area. You need a clear area all around the tree so you can have secure footing. Study the natural condi- tions that can cause the tree to fall in a partic- ular direction.
Natural conditions that can cause a tree to fall in a particular direction include:
SThe wind direction and speed.
SThe lean of the tree. The lean of a tree
might not be apparent due to uneven or sloping terrain. Use a plumb or level to determine the direction of tree lean.
SWeighted and branches on one side. S Surrounding trees and obstacles.
Look for decay and rot. If the trunk is rotted, it can snap and fall toward the operator. Check for broken or dead branches which can fall on you while cutting.
Make sure there is enough room for the tree to fall. Maintain a distance of
Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, sta- ples, and wire from the tree where cuts are to be made.
Plan a clear retreat path to the rear and diag- onal to the line of fall.
Plan a clear retreat path
Direction of Fall
45_
WARNING: Do not cut near build- ings or electrical wires if you do not know the direction of tree fall, at night since you will not be able to see well, or during bad weather such as rain, snow, or strong winds. etc.
FELLING LARGE TREES
(6 inches in diameter or larger)
The notch method is used to fell large trees. A notch is cut on the side of the tree in the de- sired direction of fall. After a felling cut is made on the opposite side of tree, the tree will tend to fall into the notch.
NOTE: If the tree has large buttress roots, remove them before making the notch.
NOTCH CUT AND FELLING THE TREE
SMake notch cut first by cutting the top of the notch first. Cut through 1/3 of the diameter of the tree. Next complete the notch by cutting at a slant. Once the notch is cut remove the notch of wood from the tree.
Final cut here. 2 inches above center of notch
First cut
Notch
Second cut
SAfter removing the cutout of wood make the felling cut on the opposite side of the notch. This is done by making a cut about two inches higher than the bottom of the notch. This will leave enough uncut wood between the felling cut and the notch to form a hinge. This hinge will help prevent the tree from falling in the wrong direction.
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