11
SAllow 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.
SReleasethe throttle trigger as s oon as
the cut is completed, allowing the en-
gine to idle. If you run the saw at full
throttle without a cutting load, unnec-
essary wear can occur to the chain,
bar,and engine.
STo avoid losing control when cut is
complete,do not put pres sure on saw
at endof c ut.
SStop the engine before setting the saw
down after cutting.

TREE FELLINGTECHNIQUES

WARNING: Chec k for broken or
dead branches which can fall while c utting
causingserious injury. Do not cut near build-
ingsor elec trical wires if you do not know the
directionof tree fall, nor cut at night since you
will not be ale to see well, nor during bad
weathersuch as rain, snow, or s trong winds,
etc. If the tr ee makes contact with any utility
line, the utility company should be notified
immediately.
SCarefullyplan your sawing operation in ad-
vance.
SClearthe work area. You need a c lear 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
likelyto roll or slide downhill after it is felled.
SStudy the naturalc onditionsthat c an cause
the tree to fall in a particular direction.
Natural conditions that can cause a tree to
fall in a particular direction include:
SThew ind direction and speed.
SThe lean of the tree. The lean of a tree
might not be apparent due to uneven or
slopingterrain. Usea plumb or level to de-
termine the direction of tree lean.
SWeightand branc hes on one side.
SSurrounding trees and obstacles.
Look for decay and rot. Ifthe 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 2-1/2 tree lengths
from the nearest person or other objec ts. En-
gine noise can drown out a warning call.
Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, s ta-
ples,and wire from the tree w here cuts are to
bemade.
Plana clear r etreat path to the rear and diag-
onalt o the line of fall.
Direction of Fall
45_
Plana clear retreat path

FELLINGLARGE TREES

(6 inches in diameter or larger)
Thenotc hmethod is used to f ell large trees.
Anotch is c ut on the side of the tree in the de-
sired direction of fall. Aftera felling c ut is
made on the opposite side of tree, the tree
will tend to fall into the notch.
NOTE: Ifthe tr ee has large buttress roots,
removethem before making the notc h. If us-
ingsaw to remove buttr ess roots, keep saw
chainfrom contact ing ground to prevent dull-
ingof the c hain.

NOTCH CUT AND FELLING THE

TREE

SMake notch cut by cutting the top of the
notchfi rst. Cut through 1/3 of the diameter
ofthe tree. Next complete the notch by cut-
ting the bottom of the notch. See illustra-
tion. Once the notch is cut remove the
notch of wood from the tree.
Notch
Firstcut
Second cut
Final (felling) cut here. 2 in-
ches above center of notch.
Hinge
SAfter removing the wood from the notch,
makethe felling cut on the opposite side of
the notch. This is done by making a cut
abouttwo inc hes higher than the center of
the notch. This will leave enough uncut
woodbetween the felling cut and the notch
to form a hinge. This hinge will help pre-
ventthe tree from falling in the w rong direc-
tion.
Opening
of felling
cut
Closingof
notch
Hinge holdstree on stump and helps
control fall
NOTE: Before felling cut is complete, use
wedges to open the cut if necess ary to
controlthe direction of fall. Toavoidkic kback
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.