Poulan 220LE User Manual - Page 10

S Keep the chain out of dirt and sand. Even a small amount of dirt will quickly dull a chain and thus increase the possibility of kickback. S Practice cutting a few small logs using the following techniques to get the "feel" of using your saw before you begin a major sawing operation. S Squeeze the throttle trigger and allow the engine to reach full speed before cutting. S Begin cutting with the saw frame against the log. S Keep the engine at full speed the entire time you are cutting. S Allow the chain to cut for you. Exert only light downward pressure. If you force the cut, damage to the bar, chain, or engine can result. S Release the throttle trigger as soon as the cut is completed, allowing the engine to idle. If you run the saw at full throttle without a cutting load, unnecessary wear can occur to the chain, bar, and engine. It is recommended that the engine not be operated for longer than 30 seconds at full throttle. S To avoid losing control when cut is complete, do not put pressure on saw at end of cut. S Stop the engine before setting the saw down after cutting. TREE FELLING TECHNIQUES WARNING: Check for broken or dead branches which can fall while cutting causing serious injury. Do not cut near buildings or electrical wires if you do not know the direction of tree fall, nor cut at night since you will not be ale to see well, nor during bad weather such as rain, snow, or strong winds, etc. S Carefully plan your sawing operation in ad- vance. S Clear the work area. You need a clear area all around the tree so you can have secure footing. S Study the natural conditions that can cause the tree to fall in a particular direction. Natural conditions that can cause a tree to fall in a particular direction include: S The wind direction and speed. S The lean of the tree. The lean of a tree might not be apparent due to uneven or sloping terrain. Use a plumb or level to determine the direction of tree lean. S Weight and branches on one side. S Surrounding trees and obstacles. Look for decay and ro.t If the trunk is rotted, it can snap and fall toward the operator. Check for broken or dead branches which can fall on you while cutting. Make sure there is enough room for the tree to fall. Maintain a distance of 2-1/2 tree lengths from the nearest person or other objects. Engine noise can drown out a warning call. Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples, and wire from the tree where cuts are to be made. Plan a clear retreat path to the rear and diagonal to the line of fall. Plan a clear retreat path Direction of Fall 45_ FELLING LARGE TREES (6 inches in diameter or larger) The notch method is used to fell large trees. A notch is cut on the side of the tree in the desired direction of fall. After a felling cut is made on the opposite side of tree, the tree will tend to fall into the notch. NOTE: If the tree has large buttress roots, remove them before making the notch. NOTCH CUT AND FELLING THE TREE S Make notch cut by cutting the top of the notch first. Cut through 1/3 of the diameter of the tree. Next complete the notch by cutting the bottom of the notch. See illustration. Once the notch is cut remove the notch of wood from the tree. S After removing the cutout of wood, make the felling cut on the opposite side of the notch. This is done by making a cut about two inches higher than the center of the notch. This will leave enough uncut wood between the felling cut and the notch to form a hinge. This hinge will help prevent the tree from falling in the wrong direction. Final (felling) cut here. 2 inches above center of notch. First cut Notch Second cut Hinge 10