Australia, August 19,2019- When it comes to cutting trees with a chainsaw , preparation is essential. If you are planning the felling of a tree and the forestry equipment to bring, you are not only ready for a safer work session, but the work after the felling of a tree will be greatly simplified. First, ask yourself if there are any significant obstacles in the area, such as overhead lines, roads or buildings. Deploy warning signs if you know that a road crosses the forest area or that many people pass through it daily. From the Australian Timber Trainers Association you can have the best training for these works.
Felling of the tree: check the direction of the fall
Continue by determining the direction of the fall through a careful examination of the tree. What do branches look like and how do they grow? Also consider the direction of the wind. If you are unsure of the natural fall direction of the tree, move away from the tree and check with a plumb bob (see the facts insert for more details). Clear the surroundings of the tree in the planned direction of the fall. Also, clear the space 45 degrees behind the tree in both directions, to provide you with a retreat path.
Prune the trunk
When you have cleared the area, set up your warning signs and decided on the direction of the fall of the tree and your retreat path, you must check that you have enough fuel in the tank for the task at hand. Then, you need to prune the trunk to eliminate all twigs and branches that could hinder you when cutting the slaughter line. The safest way to prune is to work with a pull chain (under the guide bar) from top to bottom. Find out how to safely and effectively chop a tree .
Choose the cutting technique
When the trunk no longer has branches up to shoulder height, the slaughter line should be made. During this operation, two things must be remembered: the hinge must have a uniform thickness with the right dimensions and the corner or the felling lever must be inserted before the tree can pinch the guide bar. The technique to be used to make the cut depends on the size of the tree and the slope, as well as the dimensions of the saw used for felling. We have gathered here information on the different techniques, so that you can find the most suitable method for your conditions. With the Australian Timber Trainers Association you can have the smartest details now.
Check the absence of diseases
If you notice that the wood is discolored and soft or if the lower part of the trunk seems swollen or sick, you must be very careful. This indicates that the tree is rotten and that the wood fibers are less resistant. In this type of situation, shoot the tree in the direction of natural fall and use a winch if in doubt. Decay generally remains higher in the tree, so it may be possible to cut down the tree with a higher strain.
Choose your tools
There are several felling tools from which to choose to fell the tree. The size of the tree determines the type of forest equipment needed. For smaller trees, you do not normally need felling tools. Physical strength is enough, possibly helping you with a long pole . The slaughtering wedge provides a greater slaughter force than the different types of slaughter levers. In extreme cases, you can use a rope and a winch, which is the safest and most powerful way to fell a tree. See the facts insert for more information on the different tools.
About the Company: Towie Timber Training (TTT) provides nationally recognised training, safety and a consultancy service specialising but not confined to the forestry and timber products industry. TTT is a family business based in Mandurah, Western Australia. Bill Towie is the principal of TTT and a Forester with 40 years of experience in Forestry and aligned industries in Western Australia. Bill understands the pressures, difficulties and needs of the industry in Western Australia.