Felling A Tree; Felling Back-Cut - EarthWise CS30116 Manual Del Operador

FELLING A TREE

When bucking and felling operations are being performed by two
or more persons, 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.
WARNING: Check the tree for damaged or dead branches that could
fall and hit you during felling.
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. A clear path of safe retreat is approximately 135 degrees
from planned line of fall. The retreat path should extend back and
diagonally to the rear of the expected line of fall.
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 different 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 diameter of the
tree, perpendicular to the direction of the 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.
OPERATING
WARNING: Do not fell trees during periods of high wind or heavy
precipitation. Wait to do your cutting until the hazard has ended.
WARNING: Do not cut down trees having an extreme lean or large
trees that have rotten limbs, loose bark, or hollow trunks. Have these
trees pushed or dragged down with heavy equipment, then cut them
up.

FELLING BACK-CUT

The back-cut is always made level and horizontal, and at a minimum
of 2 inches (5cm) above the horizontal cut of the notch.
Never cut through to the notch. Always leave a band of wood
between the notch and back-cut (approximately 2 inches (5cm) or
1/10 the diameter of the tree). This is called ―hinge‖ or ―hinge wood.‖
It controls the fall of the tree and prevents slipping or twisting or
shoot-back of the tree off the stump.
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.
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