Braking function controlTREE FELLING TECHNIQUES
CAUTION:Thechainbrakemustbe
checked several times daily. The engineWARNING:Check for broken or
must berunning when performing this proce-dead branches which can fall while cutting
dure. This is the only instance when the sawcausing serious injury. Do not cut near build-
should be placed on the ground with the en-ings or electrical wires if you do not know the
gine running.direction of tree fall, nor cut at night since you
will not be ale to see well, nor during bad
Place the saw on firm ground. Grip the rear
handle with yourright hand and the front han-weather such as rain, snow, or strong winds,
etc. If the tree makes contact with any utility
dle with your left hand. Apply full throttle by
fully depressing the throttle trigger. Activateline, the utility company should be notified im-
mediately.
the chain brake by turning your left wristS Carefully plan your sawing operation inad-
against the hand guard without releasing
your grip around the front handle. The chainvance.
S Clear the work area. You need a clear area
should stop immediately.all around the tree so you can have secure
Inertia activating function controlfooting.
S The chain saw operator should keep on
WARNING:Whenperformingthethe uphill side of the terrain as the tree is
following procedure, the engine must belikely toroll or slide downhill after it isfelled.
turned off.S Study the natural conditions that can cause
Grip the rear handle with your right hand andthe tree to fall in a particular direction.
the front handle with your left hand. Hold theNatural conditions that can cause a tree to
chain saw approximately 14? (35 cm) abovefall in a particular direction include:
a stump or other wooden surface. ReleaseS The wind direction and speed.
your grip on the front handle and use theS The lean of the tree. The lean of a tree
weight of the saw to let the top of the guidemight not be apparent due to uneven or
bar fall forward and contact the stump.sloping terrain. Use a plumb or level to de-
When the tip of the bar hits the stump, thetermine the direction of tree lean.
brake should activate.S Weight and branches on one side.
S Surrounding trees and obstacles.
Look for decay and rot. If the trunk is rotted,
CUTTING METHODSit can snap and fall toward the operator.
Check for broken or dead branches which
IMPORTANT POINTScan fall on you while cutting.
S Check chain tension before first use and af-Make sure there is enough room for the tree to
ter 1 minute of operation. See CHAIN TEN-fall. Maintain a distance of2-1/2 tree lengths
SION in the ASSEMBLY section.
from the nearest person or other objects. En-
S Cut wood only. Do not cut metal, plastics,gine noise can drown out a warning call.
masonry, non-wood building materials, etc.
S Stop the sawif the chain strikesa foreignob-Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, sta-
ject. Inspect the saw and repair or replaceples, and wire from the tree where cuts areto
parts as necessary.be made.
S Keep the chain out of dirt and sand. Even aPlan a clear retreat path to the rear and diag-
small amount of dirt will quickly dull a chainonal to the line of fall.
and thus increase the possibility of kickback.
S Practice cutting a few small logs using thePlan a clear retreat path
following techniques to get the ?feel? of using
your saw before you begin a major sawing
operation.
S Squeeze the throttle trigger and allowthe
engine to reach full speed before cutting.Direction of Fall
S Begin cutting with the saw frame against
the log.45_
S Keep the engine at full speed the entire
time you are cutting.
S Allow the chain to cut for you. Exert only
light downward pressure. If you force theFELLING LARGE TREES
cut, damage to the bar, chain, or engine(6 inches in diameter or larger)
can result.The notch method is used to fell large trees.
S Releasethethrottletriggerassoon asthe
cut is completed, allowing the engine toA notch is cut on the side of the tree in the de-
sired direction of fall. After a felling cut is
idle. If you run the sawat full throttle with-made on the opposite side of tree, the tree
out a cutting load, unnecessary wearcan
will tend to fall into the notch.
occur to the chain, bar, and engine.
S Toavoid losing control when cut iscom-NOTE:Ifthetreehaslargebuttressroots,
plete, donot put pressure onsaw at endremove them before making the notch. If us-
of cut.ing saw to remove buttress roots, keep saw
S Stop the engine before setting the sawdownchain from contacting ground to prevent dull-
after cutting.ing of the chain.
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ACEC
