11
SRelease the throttle t rigger as soon as
the cut is completed, allowing the en-
gine to idle. If you run the saw at full
throttle without a cutt ing load, unneces-
sary wear can occur to the chain, bar
and engine.
SToavoid losing control whencut iscom-
plete, do not put pressure on saw at end
of cut.
SStopthe engine before setting the sawdown.
TREE FELLING TECHNIQUES
WARNING:Check for broken ordead
branches which can fall while cutting causing
serious injury. Do not cut near buildings or
electrical wiresif you do not know the direction
of treefal l, at night since you will not be able to
see well, or during bad weather such asrain,
snow,or strong winds, etc. If tree makes con-
tact with any utility line, the utility company
should be notified immedi ately.
SCarefully plan your sawing operation in ad-
vance.
SClearthe work area. You need a clear area
allaround the tree so you can have secure
footing.
SThe chain saw operator should keep on
the uphill side of the terrain as the tree is
likely to roll or slide downhill after it is felled.
SStudy the natural conditions that can cause
the tree to fall in a particular 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 de-
termine the direction of tree lean.
SWeight and branches on one side.
SSurrounding trees and obstacles.
Look for decay and rot.If the t runkis rotted, i t
can snap and fall toward the operator.
Makesure there is enough room for the tree to
fall. Maintain a distance of 2-1/2 tree lengths
from the nearest person or other objects.E n-
gine noise can drown out a warning call.
Removedirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples,
and wire from the tree where cuts are to be
made.
Plan a clear retreat path to the rear and diago-
nal to the line of fall.
Direction of Fall
45_
Plan a clear retreat path
FELLING LARGE TREES
(6 inches in diameter or larger)
The notch method is used to fell large trees.
Anotch 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 intothe notch.
NOTE:If the tree has large buttress roots,
removet hem before making the notch. If us-
ing saw to remove buttress roots, keep saw
chain from contacting ground t o prevent dull-
ing of the chain.
NOTCH CUT AND FELLING THE
TREE
SMake notch cut by cutting the top of the
notch first. Cut through 1/3 of the diameter
ofthe tree. Nextc omplete the notch bycut-
ting the bottom of the notch. See illustra-
tion. Once the notch is cut remove the
notch of wood from the tree.
Notch
First cut
Second cut
Final cut here 2 inches
above center of notch.
SAfter removing the wood from the notc h,
makethe felling cut on the opposite side of
the notch. This is done by making a cut
about two inches higher than the center of
the notch. This will leave enough uncut
woodbetween the felling cut and the notch
toform a hinge. This hinge will hel p prevent
the tree fromfalling in the wrong direction.
Opening
of felling
cut
Closing of
notch
Hinge holds tree on stump and helps
control fall
NOTE:Before felling cut is complete, use
wedges to open the cut if necessary to
control the direction of fall. Toavoi d kickback
and chain damage, use wood or plastic
wedges, but never steel or iron wedges.
SBe alert to signs that the tree is ready to
fall: cracking sounds, widening of the fell-
ing cut, or movement in the upper
branches.
SAst reestarts to fall, stop saw, put it down,
and get away quickly on your planned re-
treat path.
SDO NOT cut down a partially fa llen tree
withy our saw. B e extremely cautious with
partially fallen trees that may be poorly
supported. When a tree doesn’t fall com-
pletely,set t he sawasi de and pull down the
tree with a cable winch, block and tackle,
or tractor.