For more than 30 years, Arbor Age magazine has been covering new and innovative products, services, technology and research vital to tree care companies, municipal arborists and utility right-of-way maintenance companies
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/48226
SPECIAL FEA Achieve desired results with minimal risk By Cary Shepher d SPECIAL FEATURE Tree Felling Primer T rees are an important part of the ecosystem, but some- times they need to be removed as part of a responsible management plan.When it comes to felling a tree, it is as much art as it is science. Before firing up the chain saw, a plan must be put into place. Pre-operation planning for chain saw safety starts with the right equipment for the job, safety apparel, and emergency preparation. It is imperative to know the answer to the question "what needs to be done if an emergency occurs,'' and develop a plan for specific situations.This will help identify potential hazards beforehand, and create an organized response if an emergency occurs. A first-aid kit on site, cell phone programmed to the nearest emergency care facility, directions and distance to that facility, and local utility contact numbers are a few basic components to a good emergency plan.Whether in the back yard or the back 40, never work alone. Although it is mandatory for professionals, anyone using a chain saw should include personal protective equipment (PPE) as part of their plan.A properly outfitted operator wears protective chaps or pants, eye and ear protection, appropriate footwear, work gloves, and a helmet with visor.The proper protective equipment cannot eliminate the risk of injury completely, but it can reduce the severity of an injury should an accident occur. Before pulling the cord, it is important that users conduct a visual inspection of the saw, looking for any damage or leaks. Here are some core areas that need to be addressed: External—Look for cracks, leaks, lose hardware and modifica- tions to the saw. Check the chain tension so that it does not sag from the underside of the bar, but can still be rotated by a gloved hand. Make sure the muffler is securely attached, and check for a broken or worn starter cord. Fluids — Fill the gas tank with fresh, correctly mixed fuel and the oil reservoir with chain oil. Fuel with an ethanol rating higher than E-10 should not be used. Air—Check and clean the air filter regularly by blowing lightly inside to outside, brushing or tapping lightly, or soaking in water and mild detergent, rinsing and letting it dry for 24 hours. Cooling system — Blow or brush the flywheel fins, cylinder head fins and air intake on the starter cover. Safety features — Check that the chain brake, throttle lock 6 Arbor Age / November/December 2011 www.arborage.com control and stop switch are working and free of damage. Confirm the chain catcher is in place and the anti-vibration system is working properly. Safety features reduce the risk of accidents, but they must be fully operational to work. Bar, chain and sprockets—The chain's cutting teeth need to be properly sharpened and depth gauge setting correct. Inspect for visible cracks and wear in rivets and links.Remove the bar and check for a flat top rail. File burred side rail edges of the bar, which can create drag while cutting. Clean out the bar groove and the chain oil hole that allows movement of oil from the saw to the bar groove. Rotate the bar regularly for equal wear. Check that the bar tip sprocket turns freely and that the teeth are rounded and not pointed. Check the chain drive sprocket and replace it if worn or damaged. Preventative maintenance will help ensure the chain saw is in top operating condition and will help ensure features designed to minimize exposure to potential hazards continue to work properly and increase operator safety. All photos and diagrams courtesy of Husqvarna