OPERATION
WARNING:
Check the tree for damaged or dead branches that could fall and hit you during felling.
WARNING:
Periodically glance at the top of the tree during the backcut to assure the tree is going to fall in the desired direction.
WARNING:
If the tree starts to fall in the wrong direction, or if the saw gets caught or hung up during the fall, leave the saw and save yourself!
Felling a tree - When bucking and felling opera- tions are being performed by two or more per- sons, at the same time, the felling operation should be separated from the bucking operation by a distance of at least twice the height of the tree being felled. Trees should not be felled in a manner that would endanger any person, strike any utility line or cause any property damage. If the tree does make contact with any utility line, the utility company should be notified immediately.
Before any cuts are started, pick your escape route (or routes in case the intended route is blocked); clear the immediate area around the tree and make sure there are no obstructions in your planned path of retreat. Clear path of safe retreat approximately 135° from planned line of fall. The retreat path should extend back and diagonally to the rear of the expected line of fall. See Figure 13.
Before felling is started, consider the force and direction of the wind, the lean and balance of the tree, and the location of large limbs. These things influence the direction in which the tree will fall. Do not try to fell a tree along a line dif- ferent from its natural line of fall.
The 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.
Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples, and wire from the tree where felling cuts are to be made.
Notched Undercut. Cut a notch about 1/3 the diameter of the tree, perpendicular to the direc- tion of fall. Make the cuts of the notch so they intersect at a right angle to the line of fall. This notch should be cleaned out to leave a straight line. To keep the weight of the wood off the saw, always make the lower cut of the notch before the upper cut. See Figure 14.
Felling Backcut. The backcut is always made level and horizontal, and at a minimum of 2 in. above the horizontal cut of the notch. See Fig- ures 14 - 15.
Never cut through to the notch. Always leave a band of wood between the notch and backcut (approximately 2 in. or 1/10 the diameter of the tree). This is called “hinge” or “hingewood.” It controls the fall of the tree and prevents slip- ping or twisting or
On large diameter trees, stop the back cut before it is deep enough for the tree to either fall or settle back on the stump. Then insert soft wooden or plastic wedges into the cut so they do not touch the chain. The wedges can be driven in, little by little, to help jack the tree over. See Figure 16.
NOTE: When bucking or felling with a wedge, it may be necessary to remove the
As tree starts to fall, stop the chain saw and put it down immediately. Retreat along the cleared path, but watch the action in case something falls your way. Be alert for overhead limbs or branches that may fall and watch your footing.
WARNING:
Never cut through to the notch when making a backcut. The hinge controls the fall of the tree, this is the section of wood between the notch and backcut.
13 - English
