MS 311, MS 391
English
9
Felling notch
When making the felling notch, make 
use of the gunning sight on the shroud 
and fan housing to check the planned 
direction of fall.
Position your saw so that the gunning 
sight points in exactly the direction you 
want the tree to fall.
There are several approved methods for 
making the felling notch – observe 
country-specific regulations on felling 
techniques.
The felling notch (C) determines the 
direction of fall.
STIHL recommends the following 
method:
N Make the horizontal cut – check the 
direction of fall with the gunning 
sight.
N Make angle cut at about 45°.
N Check the felling notch and correct it 
if necessary.
Important:
– Felling notch at a right angle to the 
planned direction of fall.
– As close to the ground as possible.
– Cut to a depth of about 1/5 to 1/3 of 
the trunk diameter.
Sapwood cuts
Sapwood cuts in long-fibered softwood 
help prevent sapwood splintering when 
the tree falls. Make cuts at both sides of 
the trunk at same height as bottom of 
felling notch to a depth of about 1/10 of 
trunk diameter. On large diameter trees, 
cut to no more than width of guide bar.
Do not make sapwood cuts if wood is 
diseased.
001BA153 KN
001BA143 KN
C
C
001BA150 KN