How to Properly Use a Chainsaw When Tree Cutting
Chainsaws can be a very dangerous tool if you or the people around you do not know how to operate one.
Before you pick one up and start hacking away, make you know the proper way to use one.
Protective Equipment
Safety is one of the most important things when it comes to properly using a
chainsaw. You need to wear eye protection, ear protection, strong boots,
long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, gloves, and chainsaw chaps. The chaps are
specifically designed to wear while operating a chainsaw and are a very
important piece of gear.A helmet is also a great piece of gear to have. Specific chainsaw helmets are made with attached flip-up mesh face shields and earmuffs.
Prepare the Tree
Safety does not only pertain to what you wear, but also the area around you.
Check for any objects around the trees you plan to cut such as houses, other
buildings, vehicles, or roads. If you are cutting near a road, place warning
signs so drivers know what are happening.Also look for other trees that may be hit while cutting down the desired tree. One tree falling and hitting another can create a domino effect and take out more than you wanted to.
Choosing a Direction
You must choose the direction in which you want the tree to fall. Sometimes
the best direction for it to fall is the direction it naturally would depend
the slope of the ground, the direction the tree is already leaning, the
direction most of the branches are hanging, or possibly the direction the wind
is blowing.Take into consideration these properties when deciding the direction you want the tree to fall as well as the objects around it listed above.
Limbing Lower Section
To properly use a chainsaw when felling a tree, you must first clear the
lower section of the trunk. To clear any branches that may be in the way of
your working, cut from the top with a downward stroke using the lower edge of
the chainsaw.Use the trunk of the tree as a barrier between you and your saw; do not stand directly behind the saw. Also, never work on anything higher than shoulder height.
Once you are done limbing, clear all the debris you have just cut off the trunk as well as the area around the tree in case you need room to retreat from the falling tree.
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