Cutting Down A Tree With A Chainsaw

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Cutting down a tree with a chainsaw is task some people perform without thinking about safety. In my family, the art of falling a tree safely is taught and passed down from grandfather to father to son. Wood from downed trees is our primary source of heat via fireplaces and wood furnaces. Few people comprehend the real dangers involved with cutting down a tree. Every year, thousands of people are hurt in tree falling related accidents. These six steps will provide instruction on how to safely cut down a tree.

First, the chainsaw should be filled with the proper fuel to operate. Most saws need mixed fuel, which is gas mixed with oil. This is necessary due to the manufacturer's design of the engine lubrication system which allows the engine …show more content…

The primer bulbs’ purpose is to create a vacuum to pump gas to the carburetor where it will be mixed with the desired amount of air needed for optimal performance. For this reason, the primer bulb is located in close proximity to the carburetor on the saw and is also connected to the fuel tank. After the bulb is pushed six times the motor should be properly primed. The choke lever, located near the throttle, should be pushed forward to the on position. Start the chainsaw on a flat surface so it is steadied and does not come in contact with the operator’s limbs. Pull on the starter cord until the saw fires. If the saw fires but does not run, the choke lever should be pushed back down to the off position and the starter cord pulled again. When the saw fires and continues to run, it may be picked up and slowly given more throttle to keep it running smoothly. When starting directions are not followed properly, the saw may flood and refuse to run causing operator frustration. Once the saw is started and ready to perform, a tree may be cut …show more content…

The last cut in the tree will be on the opposite side of the wedge. After throttling up the saw again, a cut should be made just above the back point of the wedge. As the saw cuts through the tree, listen for the crackling sounds of the tree as it begins to weaken and lean toward the ground. When the final cut is approximately two inches away from the wedge, the saw should be removed as quickly as possible and the operator should cautiously back away from the tree.

Be very aware of the direction the tree leans as it begins to break at the wedge and fall. It is possible the tree might not fall in the desired direction due to the weight of branches in the top of it or other conditions such as wind. Move swiftly to not be in the fall path of the tree, but also move cautiously with a chainsaw in hand. The father of a fellow classmate was injured by a falling tree and died from those injuries. It is difficult to predict the direction a tree will fall; most chainsaw operators have learned from personal experience. Falling a tree is the most dangerous part of cutting down a

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