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Are you planning to use a chainsaw to cut down a small tree?
The chainsaw is designed to cut wood and has only a low risk of injury, but do you know how to use it to safely cut down a small tree?
This article will teach you how to use a chainsaw correctly and safely, identify the appropriate cutting technique for various types of trees, and provide safety precautions before using a chainsaw.
How to Use a Chainsaw to Cut Down a Small Tree Step By Step
A chainsaw is an extremely powerful tool that can be used for many different tasks. When you’re properly trained, you’ll be able to use this power for tree removal in your yard or other wooded areas.
Step 01: Personal Safety
When using a chainsaw, personal safety is extremely important. You should always wear the following personal protective equipment:
- Leather gloves to prevent injury from splinters and nails
- Steel-toed boots as protection against falling objects such as tree branches
- Eye protection to shield your eyes from wood chips
- Hearing protection to reduce the risk of hearing loss
- Hard hat, preferably one with a face screen, for protection against flying objects such as tree branches or debris
- Respirator if working in an area rich in dust or particles
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Step 02: Inspection of Chainsaws
Inspect your chain saw for any signs of wear or damage before you start to use it. Look for cracks in the saw’s housing, chainsaw bar, loose screws, and loose nuts and bolts. Machinery Fast provides trustworthy professional chainsaws that will meet your needs.
Do not buy a second-hand chainsaw because you don’t know how well it was maintained. In addition, inspect the power cord for breaks and the oil reservoir for cracks.
Step 03: Observe the Surroundings
Before attempting to cut down a tree, check the area for obstacles such as rocks or loose branches. Make sure there are no power lines nearby.
If you are cutting a tree close to your house, the falling objects could cause damage to your home or injury to anyone who may be inside.
Step 04: Prepare to Cut Down the Tree
Make sure your chainsaw has enough gas to run for several minutes before starting it up. If the chainsaw is cold, allow it to run for one minute before you start to cut down the tree.
Make sure your chainsaw has a healthy supply of oil. Pour between 1/2-3/4 pint of oil into your saw’s fresh oil reservoir. Different types of chainsaws use different amounts of oil but this amount is usually sufficient.
Step 05: Plan the Felling Direction
Small trees should be felled so that they fall away from your home or other areas where people may be present. Be sure that the felling cut tree will not impinge on power lines if it falls towards another structure.
A felling wedge is used to direct the tree towards the intended direction. You can also fell the tree by making a felling cut on the opposite side of the intended felling direction.
Step 06: Escape Route
Before you begin to cut down a tree, plan an escape route. Ensure you can safely reach safety without being harmed by the falling cut tree.
Because felling trees often break apart as they fall to the ground. Make sure you plan a second escape route out of the range of any smaller tree sections that may fall first.
Step 07: Cut the Front Face
Hold the chainsaw firmly and make sure your footing is secure. Start in the top left corner of the front face of the tree trunk. Make a downward cut with smooth, continuous strokes until you have created a four-inch deep notch.
Complete the undercut by making several vertical cuts at one-inch intervals into both sides of the notch starting at the bottom of the notch.
Step 08: Cut the Back Face
Then, start a second cut on the back face of the trunk, about one inch below the first cut. This will be a nearly 90-degree downward cut that meets your original cuts.
When this back cut is complete, the tree should fall easily as soon as you begin to saw through it with your chainsaw.
Step 09: The Tree Stump
Once a tree is cut down, the root stump should remain in the ground. This will help to prevent dirt from collecting around the base of the trunk and will also prevent termites from entering your property.
Place several heavy logs or bricks around the perimeter of the stump to keep it upright when you are cutting it with a chainsaw.
Step 10: If Necessary, Cut the Stump
Cut through the stump with your chainsaw, cutting from the center towards the sides to avoid kickback. Start at the top of the stump and cut downwards until you reach a point where there is no resistance against your saw’s blade.
Keep in mind that cutting down small trees is only recommended for use by an experienced, trained person. If you are not very familiar with how to operate a chainsaw, you should not attempt to cut down a tree.
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Different Uses of Chainsaws
The chainsaw is a wood cutting tool that was initially designed to help clear forested areas. Since then, it has become one of the most versatile tools available to homeowners or contractors who are interested in maintaining their own properties.
Typically, a chainsaw is used to cut down trees or to “buck” a large log into smaller sections. This can be done in order to build wood structures such as decks and platforms for the home, fence posts, garden furniture, firewood, and more.
A chainsaw can also be utilized to remove branches from trees that may be growing too close to electrical wires, roads, or other areas where they pose a risk of injury or property damage.
Although it is possible for you to cut down a tree with your own hands and a good axe, many people choose to use the chainsaw because it is safer and more convenient.
How to Choose a Chainsaw for Small Trees?
If you are planning to cut down small trees, a 16-inch or 18-inch saw blade will be sufficient. These blades have 40-60 teeth and are best for cutting light wood. A smaller blade with a 5/8-inch pitch and 18 to 24 teeth is also a good choice.
There are two types of chainsaws to choose from: electric and gas-powered.
Electric Chainsaw
If you live in a rural area far from electrical power lines, an electric chainsaw is your best choice. A reciprocating saw with a blade of 10 to 12 inches would also be helpful for felling small trees.
They are easy to use but they tend to be smaller and less powerful than gasoline-powered saws. If you need a chainsaw for light-duty work, an electric one is a better choice.
Gasoline Chainsaw
If you have access to a power line, a gasoline-powered chainsaw will be your best option for cutting small trees since they are more powerful and versatile than electric saws.
Gasoline models can also be purchased that can run on alternative fuels like propane or kerosene.
Why Do You Use a Chainsaw to Cut Down a Small Tree?
Using a chainsaw to cut down a tree of small height or a leaning tree is quite effective. It is used to cut through the tree quickly and easily and in an efficient manner.
A tree of small size can be cut down in minutes with a chainsaw whereas it may take several hours [or days] to chop the tree down using axes, saws, or other manual tools.
You also don’t have to worry about cutting off branches by accident when using a chainsaw.
Can Chainsaws be Fitted with Shorter Bars?
Yes. Chainsaws can be fitted with shorter bars in certain situations when necessary. For example, you might need to use a chainsaw with a smaller bar when:
- You are trying to cut in an area that is too small and narrow
- Your tree has many low hanging branches
- The tree is too close to other plants or objects
Does a Hand Saw Work Well for Cutting Down a Tree?
A tree of small size can be cut down with a handsaw, but this is very time-consuming and not recommended. You cannot choose felling direction, felling technique, or felling cut with a handsaw.
A felling cut must be made with a chainsaw for the tree to split apart as it falls. To fell a small tree, you should use a handsaw on one side of the trunk and a pruning saw on the opposite side to avoid kickback from the chainsaw blade.
Conclusion
Choosing the right type of chainsaw for your needs is important when cutting small trees. After reading this article, you should have more knowledge about using a chainsaw to cut down small trees and pick out the best chainsaw for small trees.