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WORKING TECHNIQUES
English – 17
5451676-47 Rev. 4 2008-08-08
Cutting with the bottom edge of the bar, i.e. from the top
of the object downwards, is known as cutting on the pull
stroke. In this case the chain saw pulls itself towards the
tree and the front edge of the chain saw body rests
naturally on the trunk when cutting. Cutting on the pull
stroke gives the operator better control over the chain
saw and the position of the kickback zone.
9 Follow the instructions on sharpening and maintaining
your bar and chain. When you replace the bar and chain
use only combinations that are recommended by us.
See instructions under the headings Cutting equipment
and Technical data.
Basic cutting technique
General
• Always use full throttle when cutting!
• Reduce the speed to idle after every cut (running the
engine for too long at full throttle without any load, i.e.
without any resistance from the chain during cutting,
can lead to serious engine damage).
• Cutting from above = Cutting on the pull stroke.
• Cutting from below = Cutting on the push stroke.
Cutting on the push stroke increases the risk of kickback.
See instructions under the heading How to avoid kickback.
Terms
Cutting = General term for cutting through wood.
Limbing = Cutting branches off a felled tree.
Splitting = When the object you are cutting breaks off
before the cut is complete.
There are five important factors you should consider
before making a cut:
1 Make sure the cutting equipment will not jam in the cut.
2 Make sure the object you are cutting will not split.
3 Make sure the chain will not strike the ground or any
other object during or after cutting.
4 Is there a risk of kickback?
5 Do the conditions and surrounding terrain affect how
safely you can stand and move about?
Two factors decide whether the chain will jam or the object
that you are cutting will split: the first is how the object is
supported before and after cutting, and the second is
whether it is in tension.
In most cases you can avoid these problems by cutting in
two stages; from the top and from the bottom. You need to
support the object so that it will not trap the chain or split
during cutting.
The following instructions describe how to handle the
commonest situations you are likely to encounter when
using a chain saw.
Limbing
When limbing thick branches you should use the same
approach as for cutting.
Cut difficult branches piece by piece.
Cutting
If you have a pile of logs, each log you attempt to cut should
be removed from the pile, placed on a saw horse or
runners and cut individually.
Remove the cut pieces from the cutting area. By leaving
them in the cutting area, you increase the risk for
inadvertently getting a kickback, as well as increasing the
risk of losing your balance while working.
The log is lying on the ground. There is little risk of the
chain jamming or the object splitting. However there is a
risk that the chain will touch the ground when you finish the
cut.
Cut all the way through the log from above. Avoid letting the
chain touch the ground as you finish the cut. Maintain full
throttle but be prepared for what might happen.
(37)
If it is possible (can you turn the log?) stop cutting about 2/
3 of the way through the log.
Turn the log and finish the cut from the opposite side.
The log is supported at one end. There is a high risk that
it will split.
Start by cutting from below (about 1/3 of the way through).
Finish by cutting from above so that the two cuts meet.
The log is supported at both ends. There is a high risk
that the chain will jam.
Start by cutting from above (about 1/3 of the way through).
Finish by cutting from below so that the two cuts meet.
Tree felling technique
Safe distance
The safe distance between a tree that is to be felled and
anyone else working nearby is at least 2 1/2 tree lengths.
Make sure that no-one else is in this ”risk zone” before or
during felling.
(38)
Felling direction
The aim is to fell the tree in a position where you can limb
and cross-cut the log as easily as possible. You want it to
fall in a location where you can stand and move about
safely.
!
WARNING! Never use a chain saw by
holding it with one hand. A chain saw is
not safely controlled with one hand.
Always have a secure, firm grip around
the handles with both hands.
IMPORTANT! If the chain jams in the cut: stop the
engine! Don’t try to pull the chain saw free. If you do
you may be injured by the chain when the chain saw
suddenly breaks free. Use a lever to open up the cut
and free the chain saw.
!
WARNING! Never attempt to cut logs
while they are in a pile or when a couple
of logs are lying together. Such
procedures drastically increase the risk
of kickback which can result in a serious
or fatal injury.
IMPORTANT! It takes a lot of experience to fell a tree.
Inexperienced users of chain saws should not fell trees.
Do not attempt any task that you feel unsure of!