4. If the log is supported at one end there is a high risk
that it will split.
a) Start by cutting from below (about 1/3 of the way
through).
b) Finish by cutting from above so that the two cuts
meet.
5. If the log is supported at both ends there is a high
risk that the saw chain will jam.
a) Start by cutting from above (about 1/3 of the way
through).
b) Finish by cutting from below so that the two cuts
meet.
The tree felling technique
WARNING: It takes a lot of experience to fell
a tree. Inexperienced users of chainsaws
should not fell trees. Do not attempt any task
that you feel unsure of!
20
Safe distance
The safe distance between a tree that is to be felled and
anyone else working nearby is at least 2 1/2 tree
lengths.
Make sure that no one else is in this "risk zone" before
or during felling.
Felling direction
The aim is to fell the tree in a position where you can
limb and cross-cut the log as easily as possible. You
want it to fall in a location where you can stand and
move about safely.
Once you have decided which way you want the tree to
fall you must judge which way the tree would fall
naturally. Several factors affect this:
•
Lean of the tree
•
Bend
•
Wind direction
•
Arrangement of branches
•
Weight of snow
•
Obstacles within the reach of the tree: for example,
other trees, power lines, roads and buildings.
•
Look for signs of damage and rot in the stem, this
makes it more probably that the tree will break and
start to fall before you expect it to.
You may find you are forced to let the tree fall in its
natural direction because it is impossible or dangerous
to try to make it fall in the direction you first intended.
Another very important factor, which does not affect the
felling direction but does affect your safety, is to make
sure the tree has no damaged or dead branches that
might break off and hit you during felling.
The main point to avoid is letting the tree fall onto
another tree. It is very dangerous to remove a trapped
tree and there is high accident risk. See instructions
320 - 007 - 06.12.2017