SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
2 The log is supported at one end. There is a high risk that it will split.
3 Tree felling technique
It takes a lot of experience to fell a tree. Inexperienced users of chain saws should not fell trees. NEVER ATTEMPT A TASK YOU ARE UNSURE OF. The safe distance between a tree that is to be felled and anyone else working nearby is at least 21/2 tree lengths. Make sure that no-one else is in this �risk zone� before or during felling.
A Start by cutting from below (about 1/3 of the way through).
A Safe distance
B Finish by cutting from above so that the two cuts meet.
3 The log is supported at both ends. There is a high risk that the chain will jam.
B Felling direction
The aim is to fell the tree in the best possible position for subsequent limbing and cross-cutting. You want it to fall on ground where you can move about safely. The main point to avoid is letting the tree fall onto another tree. It can be both difficult and dangerous to remove a tree in such a position (see point 4 in this section). 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
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.
Limbing
When limbing thick branches you should use the same approach as for cutting. Cut difficult branches piece by piece.
1
2 3
Wind direction Arrangement of branches Weight of snow
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. During critical felling operations, hearing protectors should be lifted immediately when sawing is completed so that sounds and warning signals can be heard.
