Stihl MS 015 Instruction Manual - Page 18

25 Always keep to the side of the falling tree. When the tree starts to fall, cut off the engine, withdraw the bar and walk away on the pre-planned escape path. Watch out for falling limbs. arningl Be extremely careful with partially fallen trees which are poorly supported. When the tree hangs or for some other reason does not fall completely, set the saw aside and pull the tree down with a cable winch, block and tackle or tractor. If you try to cut it down with your saw, you may be injured. Sectioning Method Warning! Felling a tree that has a diameter greater than the length of the guide bar requires use of either the sectioning or plunge-cut method. These methods are extremely dangerous because they involve the use of the nose of the guide bar and can result in kickback. Only properly 16 trained professionals should attempt these techniques. 26 For the sectioning method (ill. 25) make the first cut with the guide bar fanning in toward the hinge. Then, using the bumper spika as a pivot, reposition the saw for the next cut. Avoid repositioning the saw more than necessary. When repositioning for the next cut, keep the guide bar fully engaged in the kerf to keep the felling cut straight. If the saw begins to pinch, insert a wedge to open the cut. On the last cut, do not cut the hinge. Plunge-Cut Method Timber having a diameter more than twice the length of the guide bar requires the use of the plunge-cut method before making the felling cut. First, cut a large, wide notch. Make a plunge cut in the center of the notch. The plunge cut is made with the guide bar nose. Begin the plunge cut by applying the lower portion of the guide bar nose to the tree at an angle (~II. 26). Cut until the depth of the kerf is about the same as the width of the gUide bar