POWXG1023 EN
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Warning: do not cut down a tree during high or changing winds or if there is
a danger to property. Consult a tree professional. Do not cut down a tree if
there is a danger of striking utility wires; notify the utility company before
making any cuts.
General guidelines for felling trees: (Fig 11B)
Normally felling consists of 2 main cutting operations, notching (C) and making the felling cut
(D). Start making the upper notch cut (C) on the side of the tree facing the felling direction (E).
Be sure you don t make the lower cut too deep into the trunk.
The notch (C) should be deep enough to create a hinge (F) of sufficient width and strength.
The notch should be wide enough to direct the fall of the tree for as long as possible.
WARNING: Never walk in front of a tree that has been notched. Make the
felling cut (D) from the other side of the tree and 1.5 - 2.0 inches (3-5 cm)
above the edge of the notch (C) (Fig. 11b)
Never saw completely through the trunk. Always leave a hinge. The hinge guides the tree. If
the trunk is completely cut through, control over the felling direction is lost.
Insert a wedge or felling lever in the cut well before the tree becomes unstable and starts to
move. This will prevent the guide bar from binding in the felling cut if you have misjudged the
falling direction. Make sure no bystanders have entered the range of the falling tree before you
push it over.
Warning: before making the final cut, always recheck the area for
bystanders, animals or obstacles.
Felling cut:
▪ Use wooden or plastic wedges (A) to prevent binding the bar or chain (B) in the cut.
Wedges also control felling (Fig. 11c).
▪ When diameter of wood being cut is greater than the bar length, make 2 cuts as shown
(Fig. 11d).
WARNING: As the felling cut gets close to the hinge, the tree should begin
to fall. When tree begins to fall, remove saw from cut, stop engine, put
chain saw down, and leave area along retreat path (Fig. 11a).
10.8.2 Limbing
▪ Limbing a tree is the process of removing the branches from a fallen tree. Do not remove
supporting limbs until after the log is bucked (cut) into lengths (Fig. 12).
▪ Branches under tension should be cut from the bottom up to avoid binding the chain saw
WARNING: Never cut tree limbs while standing on tree trunk.
10.8.3 Bucking
Bucking is cutting a fallen log into lengths. Make sure you have a good footing and stand uphill
of the log when cutting on sloping ground. If possible, the log should be supported so that the
end to be cut off is not resting on the ground. If the log is supported at both ends and you must
cut in the middle, make a downward cut halfway through the log and then make the undercut.
