142425262728Begin the felling cut slighty higher than the felling notchand on the opposite side of the tree (fig. 22). Then cuthorizontally through towards the felling notch. Apply thechain saw with its spikes directly behind the uncut portionof wood and cut toward the notch (fig. 23).Leave approximately 1/10 of the tree diameter uncut!This is the hinge (fig. 23). Do not cut through the hingebecause you could lose control of the direction of thefall. Drive wedges into the felling cut where necessaryto control the direction of the fall. Wedges should be ofwood, light alloy or plastic - never of steel, which cancause kickback and damage to the chain.Always keep to the side of the falling tree. When thetree starts to fall, shut off the engine, withdraw thebar and walk away on the pre-planned escape path.Watch out for falling limbs.WARNING!Be extremely careful with partially fallen trees whichare poorly supported.When the tree hangs or for some other reason doesnot fall completely, set the saw aside and pull the treedown with a cable winch, block and tackle or tractor.If you try to cut it down with your saw, you may beinjured.Sectioning MethodWARNING!Felling a tree that has a diameter greater than the lengthof the guide bar requires use of either the sectioningor plunge-cut method. These methods are extremelydangerous because they involve the use of the noseof the guide bar and can result in kickback.Only properly trained professionals should attemptthese techniques.For the sectioning method (fig. 24) make the first cut withthe guide bar fanning in toward the hinge. Then, using thebumper spike as a pivot, reposition the saw for the nextcut. Avoid repositioning the saw more than necessary.When repositioning for the next cut, keep the guide barfully engaged in the kerf to keep the felling cut straight. Ifthe saw begins to pinch, insert a wedge to open the cut.On the last cut, do not cut the hinge.Plunge-Cut MethodTimber having a diameter more than twice the length ofthe guide bar reauires the use of the plunge-cut methodbefore making the felling cut.First, cut a large, wide notch. Make a plunge cut in thecenter of the notch.The plunge cut is made with the guide bar nose. Beginthe plunge cut by applying the lower portion of the guidebar nose to the tree at an angle (fig. 25). Cut until depthof the kerf is about the same as the width of the guidebar (fig. 26). Next, align the saw in the direction in whichthe recess is to be cut. With the saw at full throttle, insertthe guide bar in the trunk (fig. 27).Enlarge the plunge cut as shown in illustration (fig. 28).