Operation Manual

Using the chainsaw
ENGLISH 16 - 38 -.
Removing branches:
Do not cut through free-hanging branches from
underneath.
Do not remove branches while standing on the trunk.
Remove any obstructing branches before you start
sawing.
If you change your standing point, remember that the
guide bar must always be on the side of the trunk
facing away from your body.
Always keep an eye on tree and branch movement –
plan ahead and proceed with care!
When removing branches on thick hardwood trees,
follow the correct procedure described below to
prevent the chainsaw from becoming pinched:
1. Remove any obstructing
branches.
2. Cut off any branches
which are creating tension.
3. Cut off the main branch
(note which side is the
compression side and which the tension side).
If it is important that the wood does not tear, make a
relieving cut.
Start this cut on the
compression side
c, then
finish the cut from the
tension side
d.
The remainder of the
branch which is left
standing is now no longer
under tension and can be
cut off close to the trunk
e.
Felling:
Felling trees is dangerous and requires training.
If you are a novice then you must not fell any
trees. You can attend a training course to learn how
to fell trees.
Before felling a tree, make sure that:
• No persons other than those involved in the felling
of the tree are in the felling area.
• Everybody involved in the felling has an
unobstructed path of escape. The path of escape
should be opposite to the planned direction of the
fall of the tree at an angle of around 45°.
• The nearest working area should be at least 2½
tree lengths away.
Before felling a tree you need to carefully check the
direction of fall and make sure that no persons,
animals or objects are within 2½ tree lengths.
Then consider the general condition of the tree:
Hanging direction – loose or dry branches – height of
the tree – natural overhang – is the tree diseased?
You also need to take into account the wind speed
and wind direction. Do not fell a tree under heavy,
gusting winds.
The foot of the trunk must be free of all foreign
objects, roots, undergrowth and branches.
Ensure that you have a secure footing and remove
any objects which could cause you to trip.
Cutting into the buttress roots:
Start with the largest
buttress root first.
Make a vertical cut into the
root
c, followed by a
horizontal cut
d.
Never cut into diseased trunks before felling them.
Note: Leave the buttress root intact as a wedge on
the side opposite the direction of fall.
Fig. 14