MS 261, MS 261 C
English
17
Cutting Techniques
Felling
Felling is cutting down a tree.
Before felling a tree, consider carefully 
all conditions which may affect the 
direction of fall.
Felling Instructions
When felling, maintain a distance of at 
least 2 1/2 tree lengths from the nearest 
person.
When felling in the vicinity of roads, 
railways and power lines, etc., take extra 
precautions. Inform the police, utility 
company or railway authority before 
beginning to cut.
Escape Path
First clear the tree base and work area 
from interfering limbs and brush and 
clean its lower portion with an ax.
Then, establish two paths of escape (B) 
and remove all obstacles. These paths 
should be generally opposite to the 
planned direction of the fall of the tree 
(A) and about at a 45° angle. Place all 
tools and equipment a safe distance 
away from the tree, but not on the 
escape paths.
Warning!
There are a number of factors that may 
affect and change the intended direction 
of fall, e.g. wind direction and speed, 
lean of tree, surrounding trees and 
obstacles, sloping ground, one-sided 
limb structure, wood structure, decay, 
snow load, etc. To reduce the risk of 
severe or fatal injury to yourself or oth-
ers, look for these conditions prior to 
beginning the cut, and be alert for a 
change in direction while the tree is 
falling.
Warning!
Always observe the general condition of 
the tree. Inexperienced users should 
never attempt to cut trees that are 
decayed or rotted inside or that are 
leaning or otherwise under tension. 
There is an increased risk that such 
trees could snap or split while being cut 
and cause serious or fatal injury to the 
operator or bystanders. Also look for 
broken or dead branches which could 
vibrate loose and fall on the operator. 
When felling on a slope, the operator 
should stand on the uphill side if 
possible.
Warning!
The noise of your engine may drown 
any warning call.