Poulan ES400 Cutting Methods, Operating Tips, Tree Felling Techniques, Notch CUT and Felling Tree

CUTTING METHODS

OPERATING TIPS

S Check chain tension before first use and after 1 minute of operation. See CHECK CHAIN TENSION in the MAINTE- NANCE section.

SCut wood only. Do not cut metal, plas- tics, masonry, non-wood building mate-

rials, etc.

S Stop the saw if the chain strikes a for- eign object. Inspect the saw and repair parts as necessary.

S Keep the chain out of dirt and sand. Even a small amount of dirt will quickly dull a chain and increase the possibility of kickback.

S Practice cutting a few small logs using the following steps. This will help you get the “feel” of using your saw before you begin a major sawing operation.

SSqueeze trigger switch and allow unit to reach full speed before cutting.

S Begin cutting with the saw frame against the log.

SKeep the motor at full speed the en- tire time you are cutting.

S Release the trigger switch as soon as the cut is completed, allowing the motor to stop.

S Keep the cord away from the cutting area. Position cord so it will not be caught on branches and the like dur- ing cutting.

S To avoid losing control when cut is complete, do not put pressure on saw at end of cut.

SStop motor before setting saw down.

TREE FELLING TECHNIQUES

WARNING: Check for broken or dead branches which can fall while cut- ting causing serious injury. Do not cut near buildings or electrical wires if you do not know the direction of tree fall, nor cut at night since you will not be able to see well, nor during bad weather such as rain, snow, or strong winds, etc. If the tree does make contact with any utility line, the utility company should be noti- fied immediately.

SCarefully plan your sawing operation in

advance.

S Clear the work area. You need a clear area all around the tree so you can have secure footing.

S The chain saw operator should keep on the uphill side of the terrain as the tree is likely to roll or slide downhill af- ter it is felled.

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S Study the natural conditions that can cause the tree to fall in a particular direc- tion, such as:

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.

SWeight and branches on one side. S Surrounding trees and obstacles.

SLook for decay and rot. If the trunk is rotted, it can snap and fall toward the

operator.

S Make sure there is enough room for the tree to fall. Maintain a distance of 2-1/2tree lengths from the nearest per- son or other objects. Noise can drown out a warning call.

SRemove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples, and wire from the tree where cuts are to be made.

Plan a clear retreat path

Direction of Fall

45_

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 desired direction of fall. After a felling cut is made on the opposite side of tree, the tree will tend to fall in the direction of the notch.

NOTE: If tree has large buttress roots, remove them before making the notch. If using saw to remove buttress roots, keep saw chain from contacting ground to prevent dulling of the chain.

NOTCH CUT AND FELLING TREE

SMake notch cut by cutting the top of the notch first. Cut through 1/3 of the diameter of the tree. Next complete the notch by cutting the bottom. See illustra- tion. Once the notch is cut, remove the wedge of wood from tree.

First cut	Final cut here
Notch
Second cut	Hinge