• 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. 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: The notch (A) 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 above the bottom edge of the notch (D). The cut must be
exactly horizontal (B). The distance between both cuts (C) must be approx. 1/10
of the trunk diameter.
• The material between both cuts 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.
cutting down area
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