OPERATION
22
• Consider the force and direction of the wind, the lean and balance of the tree, and the
location of large limbs. These things influence the direction in which the tree will fall. Do not try
to fell a tree along a line different from its natural line of fall.
• Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples, and wire from the tree where felling cuts are
to be made.
•
Notched Undercut.
Cut a notch about 1/3 the diameter of the trunk in the side of the tree.
Make the notch cuts so they intersect at a right angle to the line of fall. This notch should be
cleaned out to leave a straight line. To keep the weight of the wood off the saw, always make
the lower cut of the notch before the upper cut.
•
Felling Backcut.
As the felling cut gets close to the hinge, the tree should begin to fall. If
there is any chance the tree may not fall in the desired direction or it may rock back and bind
the saw chain, stop cutting before the felling cut is complete, and use wedges of wood, plastic
or aluminum to open the cut and drop the tree along its desired line of fall. Make the backcut
level and horizontal, at least 2" (5 cm) above the horizontal cut of the notch.
NOTE:
Never cut through to the notch. Always leave a band of wood between the notch and
back cut (approximately 2" (5 cm) or 1/10 the diameter of the tree). This is called “hinge” or
“hingewood.” It controls the fall of the tree, and prevents slipping or twisting or shootback of
the tree off the stump.
• On large diameter trees, stop the back cut before it is deep enough for the tree to either fall
or settle back on the stump. Then insert soft wooden or plastic wedges into the cut so they do
not touch the chain. Drive wedges in, little by little, to help jack the tree over.
• As tree starts to fall, stop the chainsaw and put it down immediately. Retreat along the
cleared path, but watch the action in case something falls your way.
WARNING:
Never cut through to the notch when making a back cut. The hinge controls the fall of the
tree. This is the section of wood between the notch and backcut.
HINGE
2" (5 cm) OR 1/10 DIA
NOTCH -
APPROX. 1/3
DIAMETER OF
TRUNK
BACK CUT
2" (5 cm)
HINGE
BACK CUT
Fig. 13
Summary of Contents for 054-5703-0
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