Operation Manual

Using the chainsaw - Removing branches, - Felling

ENGLISH 30

7.3 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

#, then finish the cut from the

tension side

• The remainder of the branch which is left standing is now no longer

under tension and can be cut off close to the trunk

& .

7.4 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.