WARNING: Do not fell trees with a diameter
that is more than two times larger than the
guide bar length. For this, you must have
special training.
The felling hinge
The most important procedure during tree felling is to
make the correct felling hinge. With a correct felling
hinge, you control the felling direction and make sure
that the felling procedure is safe.
The thickness of the felling hinge must be equal and a
minimum of 10% of the tree diameter.
WARNING: If the felling hinge is incorrect or
too thin, you have no control of the felling
direction.
(Fig. 76)
To make the directional cuts
1. Make the directional cuts ¼ of the diameter of the
tree. Make a 45°-70° angle between the top
directional cut and bottom directional cut. (Fig. 77)
a) Make the top directional cut. Align the felling
direction mark (1) of the product with the felling
direction of the tree (2). Stay behind the product
and keep the tree on your left side. Cut with a
pull stroke.
b) Make the bottom directional cut. Make sure that
the end of the bottom directional cut is at the
same point as the end of the top directional cut.
(Fig. 78)
2. Make sure that the bottom directional cut is
horizontal and at a 90° angle to the felling direction.
To use the safe corner method
The felling cut must be made slightly above the
directional cut.
(Fig. 79)
WARNING: Be careful when you cut with the
guide bar tip. Start to cut with the lower
section of the guide bar tip as you make a
bore cut into the trunk.
(Fig. 80)
1. If the usable cutting length is longer than the tree
diameter, do these steps (a-d).
a) Make a bore cut straight into the trunk to
complete the felling hinge width. (Fig. 81)
b) Cut on the pull stroke until ⅓ of the trunk is left.
c) Pull the guide bar 5-10 cm/2-4 in rearward.
d) Cut through the remaining of the trunk to
complete a safe corner that is 5-10 cm/2-4 in
wide. (Fig. 82)
1270 - 002 - 30.06.2020
2. If the usable cutting length is shorter than the tree
diameter, do these steps (a-d).
a) Make a bore cut straight into the trunk. The bore
cut must extend 3/5 of the tree diameter.
b) Cut on the pull stroke through the remaining
trunk. (Fig. 83)
c) Cut straight into the trunk from the other side of
the tree to complete the felling hinge.
d) Cut on the push stroke, until ⅓ of the trunk is left,
to complete the safe corner. (Fig. 84)
3. Put a wedge in the kerf straight from behind. (Fig.
85)
4. Cut off the corner to make the tree fall.
Note: If the tree does not fall, hit the wedge until it
does.
5. When the tree starts to fall, use the path of retreat to
move away from the tree. Move a minimum of 5
m/15 ft away from the tree.
To free a trapped tree
WARNING: It is very dangerous to remove a
trapped tree and there is a high accident
risk. Keep out of the risk zone and do not try
to fell a trapped tree.
(Fig. 86)
The safest procedure is to use one of the following
winches:
•
Tractor-mounted
(Fig. 87)
•
Portable
(Fig. 88)
To cut trees and branches that are in tension
1. Figure out which side of the tree or branch that is in
tension.
2. Figure out where the point of maximum tension is.
(Fig. 89)
3. Examine which is the safest procedure to release the
tension.
Note: In some situations the only safe procedure is
to use a winch and not your product.
4. Keep a position where the tree or branch can not hit
you when the tension is released. (Fig. 90)
5. Make one or more cuts of sufficient depth necessary
to decrease the tension. Cut at or near the point of
maximum tension. Make the tree or branch break at
the point of maximum tension. (Fig. 91)
WARNING: Do not cut straight through a
tree or branch that is in tension.
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