◾
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 that there
are no obstructions in your planned
paths of retreat. Clear a path of safe
retreat approximately 135° from the
planned line of fall. The retreat path
should extend back and diagonally
to the rear of the expected line of
fall. See Fig. 17.
◾
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, staples, and wire from the tree where
felling cuts are to be made.
Notching undercut
Make the notch 1/3 the diameter of the
tree, perpendicular to the direction of fall,
as illustrated in Fig. 18. Make the lower
horizontal notching cut first. This will help
to avoid pinching of either the saw chain
or the guide bar when the second notch is
being made.
Felling Back Cut
1. Make the felling back cut at least 2 inches (50.8 mm) higher than the horizontal
notching cut (see Fig. 18). Keep the felling back cut parallel to the horizontal
notching cut. Make the felling back cut so that enough wood is left to act as
a hinge. The hinge wood keeps the tree from twisting and falling in the wrong
direction. Do not cut through the hinge.
2. As the felling cut gets close to the hinge, the tree should begin to fall. If there is
any chance that the tree may not fall in the 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.
32
56V LITHIUM-ION CORDLESS CHAIN SAW — CS1800/CS1800-FC
Felling Direction
17
Dangerous Zone
Safety
Retreat Path
45°
Dangerous Zone
18
Direction of fall
Notch
Safety
Retreat Path
Notching Undercut
2 in.
(50.8 mm)
Felling back
cut
2 in.
(50.8 mm)
Hinge