ENGLISH
Felling (fig. H - J)
Inexperienced users should not attempt to fell trees. The
user may suffer injury or damage to property as a result of
failure to control the direction of fall, the tree may splinter or
damaged / dead branches may fall during cutting.
The safe distance between a tree to be felled and
bystanders, buildings and other objects is at least 2 1/2 times
the height of the tree. Any bystander, building or object
within this distance is at risk from being struck by the tree
when felled.
Before attempting to fell a tree:
Make sure that there are no local by-laws or regulations
that would prohibit or control the felling of the tree.
Consider all conditions that may affect the direction of
fall, including:
The intended direction of fall.
The natural lean of the tree.
Any unusual heavy limb structure or decay.
Surrounding trees and obstacles including overhead
lines and underground drains.
The wind speed and direction.
Pre-plan a safe exit from falling trees or branches. Make sure
that the exit route is clear of obstacles that would prevent or
hinder movement. Remember wet grass and freshly cut bark
is slippery.
Do not attempt to fell trees where the tree diameter is greater
than the cutting length of the chainsaw.
A direction notch is cut to determine the direction of fall.
A horizontal cut is made to a depth of between 1/5th and 1/
3rd of the diameter of the tree, perpendicular to the line of fall
at the base of the tree (fig. H). The second cut is made from
above to intersect with the first and make a notch of about
45°.
Make a single horizontal felling cut from the other side 1-2
inches above the centre of the direction notch. (fig. I). Do not
cut through to the direction notch, you could lose control of
the direction of fall.
Drive a wedge or wedges into the felling cut to open it and
drop the tree (fig. J).
Pruning trees
Make sure that there are no local by-laws or regulations that
would prohibit or control the pruning of the tree limbs.
Pruning should only be undertaken by experienced users
there is an increased risk of the saw chain pinching and kick
back.
Before pruning consideration should be given to conditions
affecting the direction of fall including:
The length and weight of the branch to be cut.
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Any unusual heavy limb structure or decay.
Surrounding trees and obstacles including overhead.
The wind speed and direction.
The branch being intertwined with other branches.
The operator should consider access to the tree limb and
the direction of fall. The tree branch is liable to swing towards
the tree trunk. In addition to the user bystanders, objects and
property below the branch will be at risk.
To avoid splintering, the first cut is made in an upward
direction to a maximum depth of one third the diameter of the
branch. The second cut is made downwards to meet the first.
Logging (fig. K, L & M)
How you should cut depends on how the log is supported.
Use a saw horse whenever possible. Always start a cut with
the saw chain (5) running and the spiked bumper (17) in
contact with the wood (fig. K). To complete the cut use a
pivoting action of the spiked bumper against the wood.
When supported along its whole length:
Make a downward cut, but avoid cutting the earth as this
will blunt your saw chain quickly.
When supported at both ends:
First, cut one third down to avoid splintering and
second, cut again to meet the first cut,
When supported at one end:
First cut one third up to avoid splintering and second, cut
down to prevent splintering.
When on a slope (fig. L):
Always stand on the uphill side.
When using a saw horse (fig. M):
This is strongly recommended whenever possible.
Position the log in a stable position. Always cut on the
outside of the saw horse arms. Use clamps or straps to
secure the workpiece.
When attempting to cut a log on the ground secure the
workpiece using chocks or wedges. The user or a bystander
should not steady the log by sitting or standing on it. Ensure
the saw chain does not contact the ground.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures a long effective life for the
tool. We recommend you make the following checks on a
regular basis.
Oil level
The level in the reservoir should not be allowed to fall below
a quarter full.