Making the Dropping Cut
Make the dropping cut at least 50
mm higher than the horizontal
notching cut.
Make the dropping cut parallel to
the horizontal notching cut. Make
the dropping cut so enough wood
is left to act as a hinge. The hinge
wood keeps the tree from falling in
the wrong direction. Do not cut
through the hinge. As the dropping
cut gets close to the hinge the tree
should start falling.
If there is any change in the desired falling direction or the tree may
rock back and jam the saw chain, stop cutting before the dropping
cut is complete and use wedges of wood, plastic or aluminium to
open the cut and drop the tree along the desired line of fall.
When the tree begins to fall, remove the chain saw from the cut,
stop the motor, put down the chain saw and use the planned
escape path to retreat. Make sure not to stumble and be alert to
overhead falling limbs.
Limbing Logs
Limbing is removing branches from a fallen tree.
First check which way the
limb is bent. Then make a
shallow cut into the com-
pressed side (1. step) to
prevent the limb from being
torn.
Then cut through from the
tensed side (2. step).
ATTENTION! Be alert for spring back of a cut limbs so that you will
not be stuck when the tension of the wood fibres is released.
Preparation and Use
18
1.
2.