Operation Manual

Using the chainsaw - Felling

ENGLISH 31

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

#, followed by a horizontal cut $.

• Never cut into diseased trunks before felling them.

Leave the buttress root intact as a wedge on the side opposite the

direction of fall.

Make the felling notch and perform the felling cut:

The felling notch determines the direction in which the tree falls and helps to control the fall. It is made

perpendicular to the fall direction with a cut through 1/5 - 1/3 of the trunk diameter. The cut should

preferably be made close to the ground.

# Start with the upper cut (roof of the felling notch).

$ Then make the lower cut (bottom of the felling

notch). The lower cut should meet the upper cut

precisely.

Check the direction of fall.

If the felling notch needs to be corrected, always re-

cut it across the full width. In exceptional cases it is

also possible to slope the lower cut upwards to obtain

a more open felling notch. If the tree is situated on a

slope this gives longer control over the fall.

& Call out a warning before positioning the chainsaw

for the felling cut. The felling cut is made higher

than the bottom of the felling notch

$. This cut must

be exactly horizontal. In front of the felling notch

around 1/10 of the trunk diameter needs to be left as

a hinge

( The hinge must not be cut through, as this could result in loss of control over the fall of the tree.

• Wedges need to be positioned in good time. The felling cut must only be secured with plastic or

aluminium wedges, and steel wedges must never be used.

• During felling, always keep to the side of the tree.

• When working on a slope, the operator of the saw should stand above or to the side of the trunk or

tree being worked on.

• When the tree falls call out another warning, stand back, observe the crown of the tree and watch

out for falling branches.

• Wait for the crown to swing out.

• Do not continue work under branches or trees which have become caught.