Production Tree Felling

Production Felling
Through Safety
A Guide to Proper Technique in Tree Felling
MEMIC
P.O. Box 11409
Portland, Maine 04104
1 (888) 887-8867
(207) 791-3300
www.memic.com
Table of Contents
pages
Introduction ............................................................................................... 2
Safety Clothing ......................................................................................... 3
Chainsaw Starting Techniques ................................................................ 4

Chainsaw Maintenance ............................................................................ 5
Carburetor Tune-Up ................................................................................... 6
Saw Chain Filing .................................................................................. 7 - 9
Safety Violations ..................................................................................... 10
Tree Felling
Information Before Felling............................11
The Open Face Notch.................................12
Sight Line...................................................13
The Hinge..................................................14
The Back Cut......................................15 - 23
Segments and Wedging.........................20-22
Side Lean..................................................23
Limbing and Topping ....................................................................... 24 - 25
Small Tree Felling ............................................................................ 26 - 28
Spring Poles ..................................................................................... 29 - 30
Fiber Pull and Slitting ..................................................................... 31 - 32
Score Sheets
COPYRIGHT 1994 MAINE EMPLOYERS' MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY

This information is protected under U.S. copyright laws as an unpublished work, and is confidential and proprietary to Maine Employers' Mutual Insurance Company. You are not to duplicate or copy this document in whole
or in part without the express written permission of the Loss Control Department of Maine Employers' Mutual
Insurance Company. You are not to disclose, display or distribute the information in whole or in part to any member
of the public or to any third party without permission. Maine Employers' Mutual reserves all other rights.
Production Felling Through Safety
Partners for Workplace Safety
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Introduction
MEMIC Safety Services and its parent company, Maine Employers Mutual Insurance Company offers the Production Felling Through Safety - A Workshop for Professional Chain
Saw Users, as a training method to improve safety and production for loggers in Maine.
This workshop is modeled after the Game Of Logging offered by world famous trainers,
Soren Eriksson and Tim Ard. Most loggers who have participated in this workshop find
that the techniques help them accomplish their work with greater efficiency and safety
while in more complete control of their surroundings.
Many students have requested a printed summary of techniques learned in the workshop.
The purpose of this publication is to summarize the Production Felling Through Safety
Workshop in an easy to read format.
The workshop is delivered in four levels. Each level is presented as a full-day, hands-on
workshop with students practicing the techniques. Levels are generally separated from
the next by at least one month so that students have time to practice the techniques on the
job and to work with instructors to reinforce these techniques. The following is a summary
of training included at each level:
Level One
personal protective equipment

the saw tooth
chain saw reactive forces
the hinge
precision felling
chain saw safety features

the bore cut
the open face notch
information before felling
Level Two
reduced down time maintenance
chisel bit chain filing
felling wedges
carburetor adjustment
spring poles
side lean and felling accuracy
Level Three
height measuring
segment calculation
delimbing
precision felling
Level Four
practice of difficult trees and patterns
recap of training
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delimbing
discussion of competition
SAFETY CLOTHING
It is important that chain saw operators wear proper clothing. Clothing should not only
protect, but should also keep loggers warm in the winter and cool in summer. Clothing that
does not restrict movement will make it possible for loggers to accomplish their tasks safely
and with less fatigue.
The following are the items of safety clothing recommended:
1. Hard hat - This needs to be replaced every
two to three years as ultraviolet rays destroy the
plastic. Do not paint or alter hard hats.
2. Eye protection - This should be used whenever hazards from flying particles exist. Face
screens or safety glasses with side shields are
acceptable.
3. Hearing protection - This may be muffs or
plugs. Hearing protection should always be
in place prior to starting the chainsaw.
4. Boots - Steel toed boots with a cut resistant
lining are ideal. Chain saw operators should consider calk soles for non-slip footwear. Some
skidder operators use a padded material such
as conveyor belt cloth on skidder floors and other
surfaces to reduce slipping while wearing calk
boots.
5. Leg protection - Ask for UL listed leg protection. Most leg protection materials are made of
Kevlar, polyester, or Nylon. They should be wrap
around, especially on the lower leg. All leg protective garments should be replaced if they have
been cut with the saw. Keep leg protective garments clean as recommended on the label.
6. Tool belt - This should include wedges, first
aid kit and tools needed to maintain a saw.
7. Axe - Needed to drive wedges. Also useful to
cut the chain out should it become pinched.
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CHAINSAW STARTING TECHNIQUES
The workshop stresses safe chainsaw starting techniques. Any method that uses the
chain brake and ensures that the saw is secure is acceptable. We recommend the
method illustrated below.
Left hand holds front handle on corner to tilt saw.

Rear handle of saw is held between legs with
handle pressing against right leg. Starter cord is
pulled with right hand.
A quick pull starts saw with complete control.
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CHAINSAW MAINTENANCE
In the workshop this is sometimes referred to as reduced down time (RDT). The chain saw
is the major tool which loggers use for felling, limbing and bucking. It is important that it be
in perfect operating condition. During the workshops and visits to logging operations, we
often find that saws are either unsafe to operate or are improperly maintained and tuned
causing saws to be unsafe, run inefficiently and even wear out prematurely.
There are many things that can be done to maintain your saw. If you are unsure how to
make a repair or tune a saw, it is best that it be taken to a dealer. However, if you understand what to look for, you will better know when your saw needs the attention of a trained
professional.
The following is a summary of basic maintenance steps. Some of these need to be completed weekly and others need to be completed daily. Please refer to your owner's manual
for a list of daily and weekly maintenance schedules.
Following is the procedure for RDT:

1. Air filter - This may be referred to as the chain saw
nose. An average human consumes 1,700cc of air per
minute. An operating chain saw with an 85cc engine consumes over 1,000,000cc of air per minute. If the filter is
not clean, the chain saw cannot run efficiently.
*RDT inspections have discovered many air filters
that are mostly or completely blocked. Air filters
should be cleaned with soap and water and should
be dry before putting them back on the saw. Consider having more than one filter so they can be
rotated.
5. Saw chain - Inspect chain for cracks and wear.

6. Bar - Clean the groove. Heat generated along the bar
will cook oil and chips into the rail. This should be removed daily or it will tend to clog the bar making it difficult
for the chain to pass over it and reduce effectiveness of
the oiler. One way to help extend the bar life is to rotate
the chains. An individual might consider owning three
chains which can be rotated on a daily basis. This will
help the chain and bar wear at an even rate.
7. Sprocket - When the sprocket teeth at the end of the
bar become sharp to the touch, they are worn out and
should be replaced.
Do not use cleaning agents on the filter, such as

ether, which will destroy the seals. Do not use mixed
saw gas which will leave an oil residue that will
collect dirt.
2. Screws and bolts - Always check screws, nuts and
bolts; especially after running a few tanks of gas through a
new saw.
8. Clutch, drum and drive sprocket - The chain drive

sprocket is made of case hardened metal. If the fingernail
can catch in the drive straps, the sprocket is probably
worn out. The clutch is a spring clutch which engages at
approximately 3,000 RPM. The drum should be clean.
3. Starter Cord - Inspect starter cord daily. There should

be some free play in the spring when the cord is pulled
out completely. The cord should not be frayed and the
handle should not be broken.
9. Chain catcher - The chain catcher must be in place

to protect the operator from injury and the saw gas
tank from rupture if a chain should break or be thrown
off the bar .
4. Flywheel and pawls - The flywheel often collects debris which can cause it to become unbalanced. The flywheel and pawls can be cleaned with a toothbrush and
an ordinary bathroom cleaner such as 409. While the
cover is off it is a good idea to clean the wires of the
ignition. When these get dirty the vibration of the engine
can cause the wires to break.
10. Throttle lock - The throttle lock prevents accidental

acceleration should something catch the trigger of the saw.
11. Chain brake - The chain brake stops the chain in the
event of kickback. Most new brakes have an inertia function so the brake will engage even if the handle is not hit.
The chain brake must be cleaned daily and can be
checked by running the saw at full speed and activating
the brake. The chain should stop almost instantly.
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CARBURETOR TUNE-UP
A properly running saw is essential to safe and productive tree felling. Everyone who
operates a chain saw should understand how to adjust the carburetor. Even if you choose
not to adjust the carburetor yourself, you should understand when a carburetor is out of
adjustment and needs to be tuned by someone with the proper skills.
Following are the steps for adjusting the carburetor:
1. Clean air filter.

Chain saw operators must understand that
2. Balance high and low speed screws - the fuel mixture accomplishes two additional
Start and warm the saw to operating tem- functions. These functions are cooling of the
perature. Shut the saw off. The high and low motor and lubricating the engine. If the saw
screws are turned completely in clockwise. runs too lean, neither of these functions are
Each screw should then be backed off to the accomplished effectively and the saw will be
left one full turn, or some other amount ac- ruined.
cording to instructions in the owner s
3. Throttle - Ensure that the saw chain is
manual.
not moving when the saw is on idle. If the
Start the saw. At full throttle the high speed chain is moving, turn the throttle screw
screw is turned clockwise to reduce fuel, counter clockwise to slow the chain to a stop.
(clockwise reduces fuel). As the fuel mixture is leaned out, the saw will run faster until 4. Roll-over test - Let the saw idle for 20
it sounds as if it is screaming. At this point seconds then turn the saw to different positurn the high speed screw to the left to allow tions. If the saw stalls, it is getting too much
more fuel until a flutter is heard. This is the fuel which is puddling below the cylinder.
Turn the low speed screw clockwise (reducproper RPM for your saw.
ing the fuel) a little bit and repeat the test.
This can be confirmed with a tachometer; but
a tachometer alone cannot ensure that you 5. Accelerate - If there is hesitation in achave the correct fuel mixture. It is possible celeration, the saw motor is not getting
that air leaks may prevent you from obtain- enough fuel. Turn the low speed screw
ing the proper fuel and air mixture, and you counter clockwise for more fuel and repeat
may need to reduce the RPM to hear the the roll-over test.
flutter. Therefore, the flutter is more important than the tachometer reading.
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SAW CHAIN FILING
Smooth and efficient cutting from the saw requires a properly sharpened chain. Many
chain saw operators tend to reduce the height of the rakers in an attempt to take a bigger
bite.
Although this feels like the saw is grabbing more wood, it is putting a great deal of strain on
the chain, sprocket and drive mechanism. It also reduces cutting speed and increases the
chance of injury to the operator. To properly file a saw, it is important to understand the
function of each of the elements of the saw chain.
The following is a brief description of the functions of the saw chain teeth:
1. Raker (sometimes referred to as a depth gage) - The raker determines the thickness
of the chip. This should be 20 to 30/1000 of an inch depending on whether you are cutting
hard wood or soft wood. A raker depth gage is the best tool to use to get the proper height
of the raker. These can be purchased at local chain saw stores. Another way to determine
if the raker depth is correct is to use a tachometer while running the saw through a log.
RPMs while cutting should be 9,000 to 9,500.
2. Working corner or point - This is the point formed by the intersection of the side and top
plates. This is where the cut begins.
3. Side plate - This cuts off the fiber. The side plate should have approximately a five to ten
degree forward lean. Making this angle too great will cause the tooth to be sucked into the
wood creating a kickback danger. Many chain saw operators have a tendency to create a
hook on the side plate. This is very dangerous and inefficient.
4. Top plate - The top plate angle establishes the width of the saw kerf. The angle causes
the tooth to be pushed to the side. The greater the angle, the more wood needs to be cut.
Todays saws need a top plate angle of 20 to 30 degrees.
5. Chisel angle - This angle, which is beneath the top plate, allows chips to slide underneath the tooth. This angle should be 45 to 55 degrees.
Diagrams on the following page.
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Proper Round Filing

25% above the tooth
Right
Wrong
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Saw Teeth
Point
Raker or Depth Gauge
200 - 300 Top Plate

50-100
Side Plate
450 Chisel Angle
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SAFETY VIOLATIONS
Safety is emphasized when students are scored. Points will be taken deducted for failure
to observe safety procedures.
The following is a list of safety requirements:
1. Chain saw operator must be wearing all personal protective equipment outlined earlier.
2. Chain brake must be activated when starting
the saw.
3. Chain brake must be activated when taking more
than two steps.
4. Chain brake must be activated when holding
the saw with one hand, especially when clearing
brush or reaching over or around the saw.
5. The kickback corner of the bar should never be
used to start a boring cut.
6. When the tree starts to fall, the chain saw operator must begin retreat.
7. Never bore more than half way through a tree
from the bad side. If the operator should inadvertently cut too much fiber off on the bad side, the
tree can set down on the saw and pinch it.
8. Thumb and fingers must completly encircle saw
handles.
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TREE FELLING
Information before felling:

All chain saw operators must obtain information before felling trees. This is important if a
proper felling plan is to be formed and executed.
The following are the five information points prior to felling:

1. Hazards - Hazards may include dead
stubs, widow makers, forked trees, vines,
tied together limbs, wind, snowload and
other hazards common to your area.
Hazards must be identified not only around
the area to be cut, but also around the area
where the tree will fall.
2. Side lean and side weight - It must be
determined which is the good side and bad
side of a tree. A chain saw operator should
always finish the felling cut on the good side
of the tree to avoid getting the saw pinched
and avoid injury to the operator and saw.
The bad side of the tree is always that side
towards which a tree is weighted or leans.
The rare exception is if an overhead hazard
should cause a logger to determine that they
would prefer not to work under that hazard
and choose the other side of the tree as the
good side.
3. Escape route - An escape route should
always be determined and cleared prior to
cutting. It is a good idea to have an alternative escape route.
4. Hinge - A good hinge is essential to controlling the fall of a tree. A rule of thumb for
hinge length is 80% of the diameter of a tree.
Therefore, a 10 inch diameter tree should
have a hinge length of 8 inches. This is just
a general guide and some trees with a heavy
side lean may require a longer hinge and
other trees with odd shaped fluted trunks
may be felled with a shorter hinge.
Hinge thickness should be even over its
entire length. After felling a few trees in
your work area, you can quickly determine the proper hinge thickness for different species of trees. You may find that
some trees with strong fibers, or with fibers that pull easily, need a thinner hinge.
5. Cutting technique - This refers to the
plan of the back cut. This plan should be
established prior to cutting and, if something
starts to go wrong, should be reevaluated
before finishing the fall of the tree.
The back cut should be level with the notch
if the open face notch is used.
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11
The Open Face Notch

The function of the notch is to allow the tree to fall without breaking the hinge prematurely.
Typically most notches today are less than 45 degrees. These small notches close up
before the tree has fallen even half way to the ground. When this happens, stress is put on
the hinge causing fiber pull, splitting of the butt log, or barber chairing.
A proper undercut should be an open face notch with a 90 degree opening. The best
way to form this opening is to make the top cut first. The logger saws in a downward
and slightly inward direction until the width of the notch is approximately 80 percent
of the diameter of the tree. The operator then removes the chainsaw and finishes the
notch by making the second cut in a slightly upward direction.
The first cut is made sloping down and into the tree.
The second cut slopes
slightly upward to meet
first cut exactly.
A good open face

notch is 900 or more .
The advantages of making the top cut first are that the operator can easily establish hinge
width and can also look into the top cut and actually see when the second cut meets. With
practice, a chainsaw operator should be able to have both cuts meet exactly on the first try.
A by-pass of no more than 3/8 inch is acceptable.
If the two cuts do not meet exactly (by-pass) the notch cannot perform its function. As soon
as this by-pass closes, the tree will stop falling while it is still standing almost straight up.
At this point loggers often cut off all or part of the hinge, the hinge breaks by itself, the tree
splits and barber chairs, or splinters pull from the butt log. All of these actions are dangerous and non-productive.
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Sight Line
Many saws have a built-in sight line which can be used to establish falling direction of a
tree. The line is usually a raised ridge of plastic or a decal. In the absence of a sight line,
any seam on the casing which is perpendicular to the bar is acceptable.
The logger stands behind the saw while leaning against the tree and sights over the saw.
When the target is in line with the sight line, the logger begins the first downward cut of the
notch. The resulting face will determine the falling direction of the tree.
The sight line on the saw can be used like a gun sight to determine an exact falling
direction for the tree.
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13
The Hinge
The hinge is the single most important part of the felling cut. It controls the felling direction,
reduces the chance for hang-ups, and can increase productivity. If a proper notch has
been formed, the hinge will control the fall of the tree all the way to the ground.
Hinges should be the same thickness all the way across the stump. If the hinge is faced in
the proper direction, using the site line of the saw, the tree will fall correctly.
Direction of Fall
Open Face Notch
Hinge
Loggers often attempt to swing trees into openings by cutting the hinge off on one side.
Efforts to swing trees into openings often result in hung trees. This is because it is difficult
to guess how much of the hinge should be cut off to swing a tree. It is much more accurate
to aim or sight the tree and have it fall exactly in the intended direction.
It should also be noted that the fibers of the hinge tend to break from the back. As the tree
falls, fibers along the back of the hinge will break first. After the tree reaches a certain point
in its fall, only the fibers at the front of the hinge are left to finish steering the tree. Therefore,
making a hinge thin on one side will not accomplish any steering function.
Cutting off all or any part of the hinge is considered a safety violation. The only time a
hinge can be cut is if the tree becomes hung up. It may become desirable to cut off one side
or all of the hinge so the tree will roll out.
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The Back Cut

The back cut is important because the execution of this cut determines the proper formation of the hinge and releases the tree for falling. Before determining the proper technique
for the back cut, the chain saw operator must determine if the tree has forward or backward
lean. This process is actually number five in the information gathered before felling.
1. Small trees and trees with little or no forward lean - Loggers often cut
small merchantable trees or trees with little or no forward lean that do not need
wedging. The best way to cut these trees is to make the open face notch and cut
straight in from the back. Make sure sufficient hinge is left to control these trees.
Some trees may need a push by hand to get them falling. If the tree is big enough,
a wedge can be inserted behind the saw.
2. The bore cut - Trees with backward or forward lean pose some difficulty and
generally require the formation of a proper hinge prior to completing the back cut.
On these trees it is recommended that the logger use the bore or plunge cut as the
first step in making a back cut.
When attempting a bore cut, it is very important to always use the attack corner
of the chain saw bar. The attack corner is the bottom corner of the bar. Never use
the kickback or top corner as kickback might result. It is also very important for the
teeth to be properly filed as discussed earlier and that the saw be running at maxi
mum RPM.
Reactive Forces
Pushing Chain
Kickback
Attack
Pulling Chain
Notch
Hinge
Bore Cut
Swing in on attack corner,

run saw through tree.
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15
3. Trees with forward lean - Trees with forward lean can easily split, pull
splinters, or barber chair. Therefore, it is important on these trees to use the bore
cut, form the desired hinge thickness, and then complete the back cut leaving a
strap of uncut wood at the back of the tree. This strap of wood and the hinge will
hold the tree in place and prevent it from falling until you are ready to release it.
Tree with Forward Lean

Hinge
Strap
Standing along the escape route, the logger may now cut the last of the strap
about 1/2 to 1 inch below the level of the back cut. The strapping wood will split,
releasing the tree and allow it to fall in the desired direction while the logger is
retreating on the escape route and out of danger.
Sometimes if a tree has very little forward lean, the logger may elect to just cut
straight back out of the tree without leaving a strap.
If the tree diameter is too big for the chain saw bar to reach all the way through, the
tree can be bore cut from both sides. Using the corner of the notch to guide the
start of each bore cut will ensure the cuts are fairly level. It is important to bore cut
from the bad side first reaching no more than half way through the tree. The
logger may then cut back out of the tree on the bad side, move himself to the good
side of the tree and bore cut through to meet the first cut. He then cuts back out on
the good side leaving a strap which can be released from the escape route. With
experience, the bore cuts will meet exactly, or almost exactly, forming a level
precise stump.
Cut #2
Cut #1
Good Side
Cut #3/final cut
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Strap
Bad Side
4. Trees with back lean - Trees with back lean present special problems in
that they may sit back on the saw while making the back cut. We recommend the
use of a wedge on all trees with back lean.
If the tree is small enough for the bar to reach all the way through, the simplest
method is to bore cut the tree from the good side forming a precise hinge. Swing
the tip of the bar towards the rear of the tree leaving a strap of wood to prevent the
tree from sitting back. Insert a wedge between the hinge wood and the strap. Cut
the strap and drive the wedge with an ax. This is illustrated below.
Wedge Cut
Hinge

Strap
Hinge
Wedge
Strap
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17
Hinge
Bad Side
Hinge
Make the second cut 1/2" below first

cut to avoid hitting the wedge.
Wedge
If the tree is too big for the bar to reach all the way through, bore from the bad side
first, remembering not to bore more than half way through the tree. Bring the
saw straight to the back of the tree on the bad side. Insert a wedge in this opening.
The next step is to bore from the good side slightly below the first bore cut and cut
back through the tree about 1/2 inch below the wedge. Hitting the wedge a couple
of times with an ax will split the holding wood and force the tree over. Refer to the
illustrations above. Care must be taken to never saw the supporting wood under
the wedge.
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Another method to use on trees that are bigger than the bar is to first bore half way
through the tree on the bad side, start cutting out towards the back of the tree and
then swing the saw around the tree towards the good side. When the saw is
approximately 1/2 to 2/3 around, insert a wedge behind it and continue cutting toward the good side until the hinge is completely formed. Take the saw out and
drive the wedge until the tree begins to fall. Please refer to the illustrations below.
Cutting Around the Back

Hinge
Good Side
Bad Side
Hinge
Wedge
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5. Segments - Loggers must know if trees with back lean can be successfully
felled using wedges. In the workshop we use the concept of segments. A segment is a square with sides that are equal to the distance measured on the stump of
the tree, from the front of the hinge, to the back of the tree. This distance, measured
in feet, forms the sides of the square for a segment in that tree. To calculate the
total number of segments, divide the total height of the tree by the dimension of
one segment. For example, a tree with a base of 1 foot that is 70 feet tall has 70
segments (70' divided by 1').
We know that lifting the bottom of a segment one inch moves the top of that same
segment one inch over. Therefore, a tree with 70 segments will move 70 inches
with one inch of lift at the stump.
Trees of the same height with narrower diameters will have more segments and
therefore, can be wedged further than a larger diameter tree of the same height.
For example, a tree with a 6 inch base that is 70 feet tall would have 140 segments
(70' divided by 1/2') and a tree that is 1 1/2 feet in diameter and 70 feet tall would
have 46 segments (70' divided by 1.5').
Trees Averaging 70' Tall

Tree Diameter
10"
12"
14"
16"
18"
20"
Approximate back lean that can be

handled using a felling wedge
63"
52"
45"
39"
35"
31"
or
or
or
or
or
or
5.25'
4.33'
3.75'
3.33'
3'
2.5'
or
or
or
or
or
or
3.75'
3'
2.66'
2.5'
2'
1.75'
Trees Averaging 50' Tall

Tree Diameter
10"
12"
14"
16"
18"
20"
20
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45"
36"
32"
28"
25"
22"
RULE OF THUMB:
A simple rule-of-thumb method is to divide the height of the tree by the diameter
breast high (DBH). Therefore, a one inch DBH tree with a height of 70 feet has 70
segments.
Some lifting capacity of the felling wedge is lost because the wedge must first fill the
thickness of the saw kerf before it can begin to lift the tree. The chart on the
precedeing page takes this into account. Notice that smaller diameter trees can be
wedged farther than larger diameter trees of the same height.
}
52 inches of
back lean
Tree Falls
The tree is
70 feet tall
Wedge lifts
tree 1 inch
Notch
1 foot base measured from front of hinge.
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Turning the wedge sideways and moving it closer to the hinge will make the base
of the tree smaller by moving the lifting point closer to the hinge. Therefore, it is
easy to increase the number of segments in a tree. However, this also makes it
harder to drive the wedge as there is more weight on it. Heavy trees may make it
difficult to drive the wedge. Be careful not to place the wedge too close to the hinge
as this may cause the hinge to lift and break. Please refer to the diagram below for
further explanation.
Hinge
Turning the wedge and moving it

closer to the notch decreases the
base and increases the number of
segments.
12"
Hinge
6"
With this knowledge, a logger can make an estimation if a tree can be wedged over
and will know that placing a wedge closer to the hinge will provide more lift.
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6. Side lean - Trees with side lean pose a special problem. In addition to creating
a good and bad side of the tree as discussed earlier, side lean can make it difficult
to place a tree exactly where the logger would like it to go. For example, a tree with
five feet of right side lean will actually land five feet to the right of where the base of
the tree is aimed. This may be enough to cause a tree to hang up or create skidding
problems. Therefore, trees with side lean should actually be aimed in the other
direction.
For example, a tree with five feet of right side lean should be aimed at least five feet
to the left of the intended target. However, it has been observed that the hinge
weakens as the tree falls and at some point the side lean weight of the tree tends to
pull it in that direction. Therefore, a rule of thumb has been developed that says:
"aim the tree an additional 50 percent of the side lean in the opposite direction." For
example, our tree with five feet of right side lean must be aimed seven and a half
feet to the left of the intended target.
Target
Aim
7.5 Feet
5 feet of right side lean
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LIMBING AND TOPPING

As a tree falls, it will often brush other trees and leave broken, live limbs or dead limbs
hanging in surrounding trees. Sometimes falling trees will shoot off the stump and roll
sideways or ahead creating pressures on tree limbs. Loggers should never limb a tree
immediately after felling. It is often a good idea to drop several trees and then refuel the
saw prior to limbing. This will provide ample time for overhead hazards to come down.
Prior to limbing, loggers should evaluate five potential hazards as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Overhead hazards
Spring poles
Butt movement forward or backward (creates back pressure on limbs)
Butt twist (creates sideways pressure on limbs and possibility for log to roll
when limbs are removed)
5. Butt off the ground (creates tension on the tree stem)
Limb Lock:
Back and sideways pressure on limbs can be handled using a limb lock.
If limbs have back pressure on them, they can severely injure a logger when they
are severed from the tree. A good precaution to use in these circumstances is a
limb lock. The purpose of a limb lock is to prevent a limb under pressure from
kicking back and striking the leg or pinching the saw. The first cut is made on either
the top side or bottom side of the limb (top and bottom refer to top and bottom of
the limb as if the tree were standing up). It is preferable to make the first cut on the
side with compression pressure and the second cut on the side with stress.
The cut on the top of the limb is made closer to the trunk of the tree and the cut on
the bottom is made further out on the limb. It is important that the two cuts by-pass
so that all fiber is severed. This will create a step in the limb which will prevent the
limb from kicking back and hitting the logger.
24
SM
Top Lock:
Twisting of trees and butts off the ground creates pressure on the stem that can be
handled with a top lock.
If the stem of the tree is under stress, a top lock can be used to prevent the top from
kicking up and striking the logger. The first cut of a top lock is made on the side of
the tree that is under compression, in the top or bottom of the stem. The second
cut is made on the side of the tree which is under tension. This prevents pinching
the saw. The top cut is always made closer to the top of the tree and the bottom cut
is made closer to the bottom of the tree (the reverse order of the limb lock). Both
cuts must by-pass so that all fiber is severed.
Butt
Top
Keep at least
3 inches between cuts
If there is danger of a tree or portion of a tree rolling on the logger, a tongue and
groove can be used. To make the tongue and groove, the stem of the tree is
bored in the center. Then up and down cuts are made either closer to the top or
butt of the tree, so that each of them by-passes the bore cut, but do not meet. With
all fibers severed, the tongue and groove will prevent the tree from rolling.
Top
Butt
or
Butt
Top
SM
25
SMALL TREE FELLING

Loggers often assume that small trees are not worth the extra effort for directional felling.
However, a small merchantable tree that falls the wrong way, or hangs up, can be very
costly to pull down with a skidder.
Even small, brushy trees that are cleared as part of housekeeping chores around the base
of the tree or for an escape route can, if felled the wrong way, create additional production
problems. For example, a small sapling which is being removed from the base of one tree
can fall into the next tree requiring the logger to cut the tree a second time when doing
housekeeping around that second tree. Therefore, extra seconds taken to directionally fell
a small sapling can save time later.
Directionally felling saplings - It is difficult to put a regular notch in a small
sapling as it is easy to cut right through the tree. Creating a tab by making a
downward cut through the last few years of growth will make an acceptable notch.
A back cut, leaving a hinge, will cause this tree to fall in the direction of the
initial undercut. It is important for the logger to use the sight line on the saw to
make sure this sapling falls in the intended direction.
Fall
Create a tab
Backcut
Hinge
26
SM
Tab
Hinge
Felling small merchantable trees - Small merchantable trees with back lean
can be easily felled using a wedge. The process is as follows:
1. Make an open face notch.
2. Bore through the center of the undercut straight through to the
back of the tree.
3. A second bore cut must be made in the same location but just above
the first. The depth of this second bore cut into the tree will only have to
be through the hinge.
4. Drive a wedge into the tree from the back side and snug the wedge.
5. Using the attack corner of the saw on the bad side, make a cut
about 1/2 inch below the wedge so that a hinge is formed.
Cut just past the wedge: care must be taken not to cut the
supporting wood under the wedge.
6. Repeat the process on the good side.
7. Drive the wedge through the tree. Remaining fiber should
split allowing the tree to fall in the intended direction.
1. Open faced
notch
2. Bore through the center

of the notch
SM
27
3. Clean bore all the way through tree

4. Drive a wedge into tree from backside
undercut
Bore
Wedge
5. Enter on bad side
6. Repeat process on good side
Bad Side
7. Drive the wedge through the tree
28
SM
SPRING POLES
The best way to manage spring poles is to avoid them. However, if a spring pole
must be cut it should be done in a safe manner. The best way is to release the tension
slowly at the maximum point of tension.
To locate the maximum point of tension, imagine extending a vertical line from the base of
the tree and a horizontal from the highest point of the spring pole. From the intersection of
these two lines, imagine a 45 degree angle to the spring pole. It is this point which will
have the maximum amount of tension.
45o angle, point of maximum tension
Base
Spring poles may be cut from underneath or from the top. If you choose to cut a spring pole
from the top, you must stand at 45 degrees to avoid being hit by the spring pole if the
tension is released suddenly. From this position, the chain saw can be used to make a
succession of small cuts at the maximum point of tension until the fibers begin to break by
themselves. This cut must be made with the saw at maximum RPM with a slow rate of feed.
At this time the logger should move away from the tree and let the pressure release itself.
The spring pole can then be cut off.
Cut here with

small cuts
Stand here
SM
29
Spring poles may also be released from underneath. To do this the logger should stand at
45 degrees to the spring pole and use the chain saw to shave wood off the underside of the
spring pole at the maximum point of tension. Do not cut into the spring pole as the compression of the wood will pinch the saw. After enough wood is shaved the fibers will begin
to break by themselves and the logger can stand aside and let the spring pole release its
tension naturally.
Shave here
Stand here
If the point of maximum tension on the spring pole is higher than the shoulders, the spring
pole should be released from the top. The logger can stand under the spring pole, trim any
branches that may be in the way and then release the spring pole by cutting off the top. The
spring pole should fly harmlessly above the logger and not cause injury.
If this point
is higher than
your shoulders...
Stand here
Cut here
30
SM
FIBER PULL AND SPLITTING
Some trees pull fiber from the sides while theyre falling. An easy way to reduce this damage is to make side cuts on either side of the notch immediately after completing the open
face notch. A properly formed hinge will be strong enough to control the tree where it is
intended to go and weak enough to break rather than split the tree when stressed. Cut the
last five to seven years of growth rings as they are the most likely to split.
Other trees slab easily. This means that while they are falling they may split a piece of
wood off the front of the tree. Some other trees may split or pull fibers easily. The easiest
way to reduce these types of damage is to cut the sides of the hinge and bore out the center
of the hinge. This leaves a felling hinge that more closely resembles a door hinge.
Bore Cut
Cut here
Cut here
2+"
2+"
SM
31
The previous technique can also be used for trees that may get hung up on the way down
because of the dense forest. By boring out the center of the hinge and creating approximately a two-inch hinge on each side. The tree can break off one of these hinges and allow
it to roll, finding its own way to the ground.
The same technique of boring through the hinge can also be used on trees which are very
large. By boring through the hinge and sweeping the center of the tree, it allows a short
saw bar to effectively fell large trees.
32
SM
mpb/losscont\edumat\logger\prodfell.pm6/9.96
SM
33
Instructor_____________________
Class Location_________________
Date ________________________
Name
Reactive
Forces
4 points
Information
10 points
Stump
10 points
Game of Logging Level 1
Bore Cut
10 points
Saw Tooth
10 points
Bonus
Safety
violations
5 points
Totals
3/98
Reactive Forces (1 point each)

1. Pushing chain
2. Pulling chain
3. Hazard corner
4. Attack corner
Bore Cut
Measure bar and chain width, add
4 width measured from face of boring station
Deduct 1 point for each 1/8 beyond guide width
Deduct 10 points for cutting out of face
Information (2 points each)

1. Hazards
2. Lean (Side/Side & Forward/Backward)
3. Escape route
4. Hinge size
5. Cutting plan
Stump (2 points each)

1. Notch: 70 degrees or more
2. Bypass: none greater than 3/8
3. Backcut level: within 1- of notch
4. Hinge size: within of stated thickness
5. Fiber pull: less than 3 from log
Saw Tooth (2 points each)

1. Depth gauge: height & angle
2. Working point: no chrome damage
3. Side plate: 0-10 degrees
4. Top plate: 20-30 degrees
5. Chisel angle: 40-50 degrees
Safety Violations (5 points each)

1. Hearing protection before starting saw
2. Eye protection when cutting
3. Brake on while starting saw
4. Brake on while doing work with one hand
5. Brake on while walking with saw
6. Proper starting technique
7. Boring more than way through from bad side
8. Not using escape route
9. Wedging without eye protection
10. Not following cutting plan
11. Changing cutting plan after starting backcut
12. Starting a bore cut with the hazard corner
3/98
Saw
30 pts.
Instructor_____________________
Date ________________________
Name
PPE
10 pts.
Info.
10 pts.
Stump
10 pts.
Target
10 pts.
Height
10 pts.
Bore Cut
30 pts.
Saw Tooth
10 pts.
Carb.
10 pts.
Spring
Pole
10 pts.
Bonus
10 pts.
Safety
Violation
10 pts.
3/98
Totals

1. Hazards
2. Lean (Side/Side & Forward/Backword)
3. Escape route
4. Hinge size
5. Cutting plan
11
8.8
12
9.6
13
10.4
14
11.2
15
12.0
16
12.8
17
13.6
18
14.4
Direct hit (10 points)

1 point off for each foot off
Height

Target
PPE (2 points each)

1. Eye protection
2. Hearing protection
3. Hard hat
4. Leg protection
5. Foot protection
10
8.0
20
16.0
Saw (10 points each)

1. Chainbrake
2. Throttle lock
3. Chain catcher
9
7.2
19
15.2

Notch: 70 degrees or more
Bypass: none greater than 3/8
Backcut level: within 1 of notch
Hinge: within 3/8 of stated thickness
Fiber pull: less than 3 from log
Carburetor (2 points each)

1. Clean air filter
2. Balance settings
3. Start, warm & set idle speed
4. High speed to a flutter
5. Wait 30 sec. test for: 1. Rollover
2. Acceleration
3. No chain movement
Bore Cut
8
6.4
1. Level: within 3/8 of notch corner (10 points)

2. Cut width: (score both sides) lose 1 point for
each 1/8 beyond guide width (20 pts)
Tree Diameter
Hinge Length @ 80%
21
16.8
Saw Tooth (2 points each)
1.Depth gauge: height & angle

Spring Pole
Exact match (10 points)

1 point off for each inch off
23
18.4
24
19.2
25
20.0
26
20.8
27
21.6
28
22.4
29
23.2

2. Eye protection when running saw
22
17.6
3/98
30
24.0
PPE
10 pts.
Saw
50 pts.
Bore Cut
40 pts.
Instructor_____________________
Date ________________________
Name
Stump
10 pts
per tree
Hinge Lgth
10 pts per
tree
Target
10 pts per
tree
Informatio
n
10 pts per
Limbing
Information
10 pts
Limb Locks
10 pts per
tree
Top Locks
10 pts per
tree
3/98
Bonus
Safety
Violatio
n
Totals
PPE (2 points each)

1. Eye protection
2. Hearing protection
3. Hard hat
4. Leg protection
5. Foot protection
Saw (10 points each)

1. Chainbrake
2. Throttle lock
3. Chain catcher
4. Carburation: 1.Max rpm: +/- 500 rpm
2. Rollover
3. Acceleration
4. No chain movement
5. Air filter, if dirty lose all pts.
5. Chain: 1.Depth gauge: height & angle
Bore Cut
8
6.4
9
7.2
10
8.0
11
8.8
12
9.6
1. Level: within 3/8 of notch corner (10 points)

2. Cut width: (score both sides) lose 1 point for
each 1/8 beyond guide width (20 pts)
3. Stop board: lose all points if hit (10 points)
Tree Diameter
Hinge Length @ 80%
13
10.4

1. Hazards
2. Lean (Side/Side & Forward/Backward)
3. Escape route
4. Hinge size
5. Cutting plan
16
12.8
17
13.6
18
14.4
19
15.2
20
16.0

Notch: 70 degrees or more
Bypass: none greater than 3/8
Backcut level: within of notch
Hinge size: within 3/8 of stated thickness
Fiber pull: less than 3 from log
Hinge Length
Must be +/- 1 of estimate
Target
15
12.0

14
11.2
21
16.8
22
17.6
Limbing Information (2 points each)
1. Overhead hazards
2. Spring poles
3. Butt movement forward
4. Butt roll
5. Butt on ground
Limb Locks
Must have 1 on each tree
Top Locks
Must have 1 on each tree
24
19.2
25
20.0
26
20.8
27
21.6
28
22.4
29
23.2
30
24.0

2. Eye protection when cutting
23
18.4
3/98
Saw
40 pts
Informatio
n
Segment
10
Target
10
10
8.0
11
8.8
12
9.6
Target:
Stump:
1. 70 degrees + notch (2 points)
2. No bypass greater than 3/8 (2 points)
3. Backcut within 1-1/2 of notch (2 points)
4. Fiber pull from log less than 3 (2 points)
5. Hinge with of stated thickness (2 points)
15
12.0
16
12.8
17
13.6
18
14.4
19
15.2
Chain/Saw:
1. Raker (chip thickness) (2 points)
2. Working point (2 points)
3. Top plate-saw kerf 20-30 degrees (2 points)
4. Side plate: 5 degrees (2 points)
5. Chisel angle: 45 55 degrees (2 points)
6. Chain Catcher (10 points)
7. Throttle lock (10 points)
8. Chain brake (full speed; hit brake) (10 points)
14
11.2
21
16.8
Limb
Lock
10 pts
22
17.6
Top
Lock
10 pts
23
18.4
24
19.2
Bonus
25
20.0
Violation
10 pts
26
20.8
27
21.6
Violations:
Hearing protection before starting saw
Eye protection when running saw
Brake on when starting saw
Brake on when holding saw with one hand
Proper starting technique
Boring more than way through from the bad side
Limbing Information:
1. Hazards (2 points)
2. Spring poles (2 points)
3. Butt forward movement (2 points)
4. Butt twist (2 points)
5. Butt on ground (2 points0
Segments:
Correct Estimate (10 points)
1 point off for each segment off
Assume single height for all trees
Limbing
Info.
10
20
16.0
Stump
10 points
Production Felling Through Safety - Score Sheet

Level 4
Carb.
10 pts
Date __________________________
Name
9
7.2
13
10.4
Bonus: Can be offered for any issue that needs emphasis (i.e. 10 points for hinge variation less than 1/2)
Carburetor:
1. Idle (no chain movement) (2 points)
2. Rollover test (2 points)
3. Accelerate (2 points)
4. RPM: max for saw +/- 500 rpm (2 points)
5. Air Filter (if dirty lose all points) (2 points)
8
6.4
Information:
1. Hazards (2 points)
2. Lean (2 points Side/Side & Forward/Backward)
3. Escape route (2 points)
4. Hinge thickness (2 points)
5. Cutting plan (2 points)
Tree Diameter
Hinge Length @ 80%
3/98
Totals
28
22.4
29
23.2
30
24.0
Production Felling
Through Safety
A Guide to Proper Technique in Tree Felling
MEMIC
P.O. Box 11409
Portland, Maine 04104
1 (888) 887-8867
(207) 791-3300
www.memic.com

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Production Felling

Safety Clothing ......................................................................................... 3

Chainsaw Starting Techniques ................................................................ 4

COPYRIGHT 1994 MAINE EMPLOYERS' MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY

Production Felling Through Safety

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personal protective equipment

chain saw safety features

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Production Felling Through Safety

Production Felling Through Safety

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CHAINSAW STARTING TECHNIQUES

Left hand holds front handle on corner to tilt saw.

A quick pull starts saw with complete control.

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Production Felling Through Safety

Following is the procedure for RDT:

5. Saw chain - Inspect chain for cracks and wear.

Do not use cleaning agents on the filter, such as

8. Clutch, drum and drive sprocket - The chain drive

3. Starter Cord - Inspect starter cord daily. There should

9. Chain catcher - The chain catcher must be in place

10. Throttle lock - The throttle lock prevents accidental

Production Felling Through Safety

Partners for Workplace Safety

1. Clean air filter.

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Production Felling Through Safety

SAW CHAIN FILING

Diagrams on the following page.

Production Felling Through Safety

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Proper Round Filing

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Production Felling Through Safety

Raker or Depth Gauge

200 - 300 Top Plate

450 Chisel Angle

Production Felling Through Safety

Partners for Workplace Safety

Partners for Workplace Safety

Production Felling Through Safety

Information before felling:

The following are the five information points prior to felling:

Production Felling Through Safety

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The Open Face Notch

A good open face

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Production Felling Through Safety

Production Felling Through Safety

Partners for Workplace Safety

Open Face Notch

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Production Felling Through Safety

The Back Cut

Production Felling Through Safety

Swing in on attack corner,

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