Dolmar ES-153 A User Manual

Page 15

LIMB CUT
Keep work off ground

Leave support limbs until log is cut

Cut from top (overbuck)
avoid cutting earth

Felling a tree

When bucking and felling operations are being performed by two

or more persons, at the same time, the felling operation should

be separated from the bucking operation by a distance of at

least twice the height of the tree being felled. Trees should not

be felled in a manner that would endanger any person, strike

any utility line or cause any property damage. If the tree does

make contact with any utility line, the utility company should be

notified immediately.
The chain saw operator should keep on the uphill side of the

terrain as the tree is likely to roll or slide downhill after it is

felled.
A retreat path should be planned and cleared as necessary

before cuts are started. The retreat path should extend back and

diagonally to the rear of the expected line of fall as shown in Fig.

A. The next working place is at least 2 tree lengths away.
Before felling is started, consider the natural lean of the tree,

the location of larger branches and the wind direction to judge

which way the tree will fall. Remove dirt, stones, loose bark,

nails, staples, and wire from the tree where felling cuts are to

be made.

Notching undercut

Make the notch 1/3 the diameter of the tree, perpendicular to

the direction of fall as shown in Fig.B. Make the lower horizontal

notching cut first. This will help to avoid pinching of either the

saw chain or the guide bar when the second notch is being

made.

Felling back cut

Make the felling back cut at least 2 inches (50.8 mm) higher

than the horizontal notching cut as shown in Fig. B. Keep the

felling back cut parallel to the horizontal notching cut. Make the

felling back cut so enough wood is teft to act as a hinge. The

hinge wood keeps the tree from twisting and falling in the wrong

direction. Do not cut through the hinge.

As the felling cut gets close to the hinge the tree should begin

to fall. If there is any chance that the tree may not fall in the

desired direction or it may rock back and bind the saw chain,

stop cutting before the felling back cut is complete and use

wedges of wood, plastic or aluminum 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 the

chain saw down, then use the retreat path planned. Be alert for

overhead limbs falling and watch your footing.

Limbing a tree

Limbing is removing the branches from a fallen tree. When

limbing, leave larger lower limbs to support the log off the

ground. Remove the small limbs in one cut as shown in Fig. C.

Branches under tension should be cut from the bottom up to

avoid binding the chain saw.

= felling operation

2 tree lengths

Retreat

2 inches

Notch

Hinge

Direction

of fall

Felling back cut

This manual is related to the following products:

ES-163 A ES-173 A