Makita EA3501F, Instruction Manual

7

B

A

B

15

16

17

18

19

45

o

45

o

2 

1

/

2

= cutting down area

-  Be careful when cutting splintery wood. Cut pieces of wood 

may be pulled along (risk of injuries).

-  When cutting with the upper edge of the guide bar, the chain 

saw may be pushed in the direction of the user if the chain 

gets clamped. For this reason use the lower edge of the bar 

whenever possible. The chain saw will then be pushed away 

from you (15).

‑  If the timber is under tension (16), first cut the pressure side 

(A). Then the crosscut can be performed on the tension side 

(B). Thus clamping of the guide bar can be avoided.

-  At the end of the cut the weight of the chain saw will cause it 

to swing through, since it is no longer held by the cut. Hold it 

firmly to control this. 

CAUTION:

  People felling trees or cutting of branches must be 

specially trained. High risk of injuries!

-  When cutting of branches, the chain saw should be 

supported on the trunk. Do not use the end of the bar for 

cutting (risk of kickback).

-  Be aware of branches under tension. Do not cut free 

branches from below.

-  Never perform detensioning cuts while standing on the trunk.
- 

Before cutting down a tree ensure that

a)  only those people are within the working area which are 

actually involved in cutting down the tree.

b)  every worker involved can withdraw without stumbling 

(the people should withdraw backwards in a diagonal 

line, i. e. at a degree of 45°). 

c)  the bottom part of the trunk is free from foreign objects, 

underbrush and branches. Make sure to have a safe 

footing (risk of stumbling).

d)  the next working place is at least 2 1/2 tree lengths away 

(17). Before cutting down the tree check the direction 

of fall and make sure that there are neither people nor 

objects within a distance of 2 1/2 tree lengths.

-  Judging the tree:

  Direction of hanging - loose or dry branches - height of the 

tree - natural overhang - is the tree rotten? 

-  Take into account the direction and speed of the wind. If 

strong gusts are occurring, do not do any felling.

-  Cutting the roots: 

  Start with the strongest root. First do the vertical and then the 

horizontal cut.

-  Notching the trunk 

(18, A): 

  The notch determines the direction of fall and guides the 

tree. The trunk is notched perpendicular to the direction of 

fall and penetrates 1/3 -1/5 of the trunk diameter. Perform the 

cut near the ground. 

 -  When correcting the cut, always do so over the whole width 

of the notch. 

- 

Cut down

 the tree (19, B) above the bottom edge of the 

notch (D). The cut must be exactly horizontal. The distance 

between both cuts must be approx. 1/10 of the trunk 

diameter. 

- The 

material between both cuts

 (C) serves as a hinge. 

Never cut it through, otherwise the tree will fall without any 

control. Insert felling wedges in time.

-  Secure the cut only with wedges made of plastic or 

aluminium. Do not use iron wedges. If the saw hits an iron 

wedge the chain can be seriously damaged or torn.

-  When cutting down a tree always stay sidewards of the 

falling tree.

-  When withdrawing after having performed the cut, be alert 

for falling branches.

-  When working on sloping ground the user of the chain saw 

must stay above or sidewards of the trunk to be cut or the 

tree already cut down. 

-  Be alert for trunks which may roll towards you.