OPERATION Tree Felling Unusual Hazardous Tree Felling Conditions Do not fell trees during periods of high wind or heavy precipi- tation. Wait to do your cutting until the hazard has ended. 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. 3. Cut a notch ( C ) about 1/3 the diameter of the trunk in the side of the tree. 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. 4. The backcut is always made level and horizontal, and at a minimum of 2 inches (5 cm) above the horizontal cut of the notch ( D ). 5. Never cut through to the notch. Always leave a band of wood between the notch and back cut (approximately 2 inches (5 cm) or 1/10 the diameter of the tree). This is called "hinge" ( E ) or “hingewood.” It controls the fall of the tree and prevents slipping or twisting or shoot-back of the tree off the stump. 6. On large diameter trees, stop the back cut ( F ) before it is deep enough for the tree to either fall or settle back on the stump.
Then insert soft wooden or plastic wedges ( G ) 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. NOTE: When bucking or felling with a wedge, it may be necessary to remove the Safe-T-Tip® anti-kickback device to allow the bar to be drawn through the cut. After the cut is complete, the tip should be replaced immediately. 7. As tree starts to fall, stop the engine and put saw down immediately. Retreat along cleared path, but watch the action in case something falls your way. WARNING Do not cut trees that have an extreme lean or hollow trunks.
Proper notching and back cutting cannot be performed on trees with extreme lean or hollow trunks. Have these trees dragged down with heavy equipment prior to cutting. WARNING Do not cut trees near electrical wires or buildings. WARNING Check the tree for damaged or dead branches that could fall and hit you during felling. WARNING Periodically glance at the top of the tree during the backcut to assure the tree is going to fall in the desired direction. WARNING Never cut through to the notch when making a backcut. The hinge controls the fall of the tree, this is the section of wood between the notch and backcut.
WARNING If the tree starts to fall in the wrong direction, or if the saw gets caught or hung up during the fall, leave the saw and save yourself! E 1. 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. Clear path of safe retreat ( A ) 45° from planned line of fall ( B ). 2. 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.
2" (5 cm) or 1/10 DIA D F E C 2" (5 cm) B B A G 16 English