User Manual

22
OPERATION
Felling a Tree (continued)
Notching Undercut
Make the notch (Fig. 19 B) 1/3 the diameter of the tree, perpendicular to the direction of falls
(Fig. 29). Make the lower horizontal notching cut first. This will help to avoid pinching either
the saw chain or the guide bar when the second notch is being made.
Felling Back Cut
Make the felling back cut(Fig. 29 A) at least 50mm higher than the horizontal notching cut.
Keep the felling back cut parallel to the horizontal notching cut. Make the felling back cut so
enough wood is left to act as a hinge. The hinge (Fig. 29 C) wood keeps the tree from twisting
and falling in the wrong direction. Do not cut through the hinge.
As the felling gets close to the hinge, the tree should begin to fall. If there is any chance that
the tree may not fall in desired direction or it may rock back and bind the saw chain, stop
cutting before the felling back cut is complete and use wedges of wood, plastic or
aluminium to open the cut and drop the tree along the desired line of fall.
Limbing and Pruning
When the tree begins to fall remove the product from the cut, stop the motor, put the
product down, then use the retreat path planned. Be alert for overhead limbs falling and
watch your footing.
Limbing is removing the branches from a fallen tree. When limbing leave larger lower limbs to
support the log off the ground. Remove the small limbs in one cut (Fig. 30). Branches under
tension should be cut from the bottom up to avoid binding the product.