MasterCraft 100524-01 - Manuel (Page 8)

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OPERATING CHAIN SAW
Continued
Figure 10 - Limbing A Tree
Limbing is removing branches from a fallen tree. Make sure
your footing is firm. Keep feet apart. Divide your weight
evenly on both feet. Do not remove larger limbs under tree that
support log off ground. Remove each limb with one cut (see
Figure 10). Clear cut limbs from work area often. This will
help maintain a safe work area.
Make sure you start your cut where limb will not pinch saw during
cutting. To avoid pinching, start cut on freely hanging limbs from
above limb. Start cut on limbs under tension from under limb. If
pinch occurs, turn saw off, lift limb, and remove saw.
Felling Procedure
Felling Notch
A properly placed felling notch will determine direction tree
will fall. Place felling notch on side of tree in direction you
want tree to fall (see Figure 9). Follow directions below to
create a felling notch.
1. Make lower notch cut as close to ground as possible. Hold
saw so guide bar is horizontal. Cut 1/3 the diameter of tree
trunk (see Figure 9).
Note: Always make this horizontal
lower notch cut first. If you make this cut second, tree can
pinch chain or guide bar.
2. Start upper notch cut the same distance above first cut as
first cut is deep.
Example: If lower notch cut is 20 centimeters deep (eight
inches), start upper notch cut 20 centimeters (eight inches)
above it. Cut downward at 45° angle. The upper notch cut
should meet end of lower notch cut (see Figure 9).
3. Remove tree trunk wedge created by notching cuts.
Felling Cut
1. Make felling cut five centimeters (two inches) higher than
lower notch cut and on opposite side of tree (see Figure
9). Keep felling cut parallel to lower notch cut.
2. Cut towards notch.
4. When tree begins to fall, quickly
• remove saw from felling cut
• release trigger to turn saw off
• put saw down
• exit area using retreat path
!
WARNING ICON G 001
WARNING
Be alert for falling overhead limbs. Watch your
footing while exiting area.
LIMBING A TREE
!
WARNING ICON G 001
WARNING
Do not cut all the way through tree. Leave about
five centimeters (two inches) of tree diameter
uncut directly behind felling notch (see Figure 9).
This uncut portion acts as a hinge. The hinge
helps keep tree from twisting and falling in wrong
direction.
Figure 9 - Felling A Tree
3. As felling cut nears hinge, tree should begin to fall. Note: If
needed, drive wedges into felling cut to control direction of
fall. If tree settles back and pinches chain, drive wedges
into felling cut to remove saw. Only use wedges made of
wood, plastic, or aluminum. Never use wedge made of
steel. This could cause kickback and damage to chain.
Hinge
3rd Cut -
Felling Cut
2nd Cut -
Upper
Notch Cut
1st Cut -
Lower
Notch Cut
!
WARNING ICON G 001
WARNING
Avoid kickback. Kickback can result in severe
injury or death. See
Kickback, page 3 to avoid
risk of kickback.
!
WARNING ICON G 001
WARNING
When cutting limb that is under tension, use
extreme caution. Be alert for wood springing
back. When wood tension is released, limb could
spring back and strike operator causing severe
injury or death.
!
WARNING ICON G 001
CAUTION
Seek professional help if facing conditions
beyond your ability.
Direction of Fall
5 cm
(2 inches)
5 cm
(2 inches)