SILVI-CREW LTD.

SPACING SAW TRAINING PROGRAM: MODULE 4

INTRODUCTION TO FELLING TECHNIQUES "OBJECTIVES

This module is designed to instruct the student in the basic tree and brush felling techniques. Blade cutting characteristics, the kick back zone and safety precautions while cutting are examined. Stem size factors which effect methods of cutting are also included as well as organizational techniques for felling.

PREREQUISITES.

Module 1. INTRO TO SPACING SAWS & PERSONAL SAFETY GEAR

Module 2. INTRO TO MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR PROCEDURES

Module 3. GENERAL PREPARATIONS FOR SPACING SAWS "MATERIAL COVERED:

• Blade Cutting Characteristics
• The Kick Back Zone
• Safe Cutting Procedures
• Directional Felling
• Working a Face

STUDENT PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

Each student must discuss personal and general safety considerations and precautions. Students must describe the three general felling directions as effected by the position of the cut on the blade. Each student must also demonstrate fundamental techniques while working a face, felling trees to the left and the right.

RESOURCE MATERIALS.

• FLIP CHART
• OVERHEAD PROJECTOR
• VHS VIDEO AND MONITOR
• SILVI-CREW TRAINING MANUALS
• EQUIPMENT SUPPLIERS TRAINING PAMPHLETS

INTRODUCTION TO FELLING TECHNIQUES

A. BLADE CUTTING CHARACTERISTICS

• 1. The clock face ÞFÞÄ GAÄOH # 9„
• 2. Blade rotation - position of cut initiation
• 3. The pushing/pulling blade sides - 3 and 9 O`clock controllable forces - 12 O`clock?
• 4. Blade speed
• 5. Blade tilt
• 6. Thrust or follow through

B. THE KICK BACK ZONE

• Pushing and Pulling kick back
• Position on the blade
• 12 to 2 O`clock (pushing blade) - safety zone (pulling blade)
• Position on the ground to the left of the operator - uncontrollable direction

C. SAFE CUTTING PROCEDURES

• Always wear all personal safety equipment including gloves.
• Stop your machine if any other person comes within 5 m of you operating.
• Inspect Blade several times daily - Always cut with a correctly filed sharp blade. While cutting always use your arms to steady and guide the cutting action - Avoid lifting the saw up and off of the harness, carrying the weight of the saw in your arms and not on the shoulders - Let the blade do the cut and avoid muscling with your arms - Avoid excessive and unnecessary, tiring movements - Always use the correct spacing saw blades, on in the right direction with a tight blade nut. - Any inspection or cleaning of the blade must be done while the engine is off.

Silvi(c)Crew Ltd.Ä LÄSpacing Saw Training Module 4 , Page 4 of 6 LESSON OUTLINE CUES

During transport the blade should be fitted with a blade cover or be removed. Top blade speed is not always necessary but low speeds lead to trouble. Avoid cutting small stems at the eight o`clock at low speeds. Twigs and stems get caught in the blade/blade guard assembly. When debris gets caught in the blade, try rotating the blade backwards against a cut stump or tree. Remove the saw from the fueling area before starting. Ensure that the saw blade is free to turn before attempting to start the engine. Take care not to plug the muffler with mud when filing or doing repairs. The saw will not start with mud in the muffler.

D. DIRECTIONAL FELLING

1. Factors effecting direction of fall

• Stem displacement
• Blade rotation
• Position on the blade of the cut (starting point, Ex. 3 o`clock)
• Tilt of blade
• Force or thrust applied - follow through
• Other Factors wind slope crown shape adjacent trees
• Concept of stump displacement 2. Possible directions of fall
• Forward to the right - blade angle left - starting position 8-9 o`clock - pulling thrust
• Backward to the right - blade angle left - starting position 3-4 o`clock - pushing thrust
• Backward to the left - blade angle right - starting position 3-4 o`clock - pushing thrust

E. WORKING A FACE

1.FACTORS AFFECTING EASE OF CUTTING

• Good balance - wide stance
• Even distribution of saw weight
• Back and forth sweeping motion rotating at the waist
• Hip thrust cutting action
• Relaxed guiding motion of the arms
• Straight wrists, bent elbows, erect posture
• Accelerate to full throttle prior to commencing cut.
• Maintain smooth steady pace, cutting to the easiest next decision. Follow terrain and other natural boundaries
• Always take care to fell trees into the open areas
• Maintain an organized workface at all times

2. FELLING TREES TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT

• stem displacement, thrust & follow through
• tilt of blade
• position of cut 3 or 9 o`clock
• cut swath equal to what can be reached with sweeping motion