limb could spring back and strike
operator causing severe injury or death.
When sawing logs supported on both ends,
start the cut from above(Y) about 1/3 of the
diameter into the log and then finish the cut
(Z) from below, in order to avoid contact of
the chain saw with the ground. When sawing
logs supported on only one end, start the cut
from below (Y) about 1/3 of the diameter into
the log and finish the cut from above (Z) in
order to avoid log splitting or jamming of the
chain saw.
FELLING tREES (See Fig. M)
Always wear hard hat to protect head
against falling branches.
the chain saw can only be used to fell
trees smaller in diameter than the length
of the chain bar.
Secure work area. Ensure no persons
or animals are in the vicinity of the
falling tree.
Never attempt to free a jammed saw
with the motor running. use wooden
wedges to free chain and chain bar.
When cutting and felling operations are
being performed by two or more persons,
at the same time, the felling operations
16
16
should be separated from the cutting
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 company should be notified
immediately.
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.
An escape path should be planned and
cleared as necessary before cuts are
started. The escape path should extend
back and diagonally to the rear of the
expected line of fall.
Before felling is started, consider the
natural lean of the tree, the location of
larger branches and the wind direction to
judge which way the tree will fall.
Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails
Electric chain saw
staples, and wire from the tree.
Notching undercut: Make the notch (x-w)1/3
the diameter of the tree, perpendicular to the
direction of falls as make the lower horizontal
notching cut first. This will help to avoid
pinching either the saw chain or the guide bar
when the second notch is being made.
wARNING: Do not cut all the way
through tree. Leave about two
inches of tree diameter uncut directly
behind felling notch (See Figure M). this
uncut portion acts as a hinge(y). the
hinge helps keep tree from twisting and
falling in wrong direction.
As the felling gets close to the hinge the tree
should begin to fall. If there is any chance
that the tree may not fall in desired direction
or it may rock back and bind the saw chain,
stop cutting before the felling back cut is
complete and use wedges of wood, plastic, or
aluminum to open the cut and drop the tree
along the desired line of fall.
When the tree begins to fall remove the chain
saw from the cutting, stop the motor, put the
chain saw down, and then use the retreat path
planned. Be alert for overhead limbs falling
and watch your footing.
To complete the felling operation, drive a
wedge (Z) into the horizontal cut.
LIMBING A tREE (See Fig. N)
limbing is removing the branches from a
fallen tree. When limbing leave larger lower
limbs to support the log off the ground.
Remove the small limbs in one cut as
illustrated. Branches under tension should be
cut from the bottom up to avoid binding the
chain saw.
BuCKING A LOG (See Fig. O)
Bucking is cutting a log into lengths. It is
important to make sure your footing is firm
and your weight is evenly distributed on both
feet. When possible, the log should be raised
and supported by the use of limbs, logs or
chocks. Follow the simple directions for easy
cutting.
When the log is supported along its entire as
illustrated, it is cut from the top (overbuck).
When the log is supported on one end,
En