Husqvarna 420 EL Chainsaws User Manual

Husqvarna 420 EL Chainsaws User Manual

Introduction

Intended use

This chainsaw for forest service is designed for forest work such as felling, limbing and cutting.

Note: National regulations can set limit to the operation of the product.

Product overview

(Fig. 1)

1. Rear handle
2. Power trigger
3. Front handle
4. Front hand guard
5. Guide bar
6. Saw chain
7. Knob
8. Chain tensioning screw
9. Drive sprocket cover
10. Rear hand guard
11. Spiked bumper
12. Oil filler cap
13. Adjusting screw for oil pump
14. Power trigger lockout
15. Chain catcher
16. Oil level indicator
17. Guide bar cover
18. Operator’s manual

Symbols on the product

(Fig. 2) Risk of serious injury or death to the operator or others. Be careful and use the product correctly. Read the operator’s manual carefully and understand the instructions before operation of the product.

(Fig. 3) Use approved protective helmet, hearing protection and eye protection.

(Fig. 4) This product complies with applicable EC Directives.

Product description

Husqvarna 420 EL are chainsaw models with an electric motor.

Work is constantly in progress to increase your safety and efficiency during operation. Speak to your servicing dealer for more information.

(Fig. 5) Noise emission to the environment according to European Directive 2000/14/EC and New South Wales legislation “Protection of the Environment Operations (Noise Control) Regulation 2017”. Noise emission data can be found on the machine label and in the Technical data chapter.

(Fig. 6) Warning! Kickback can occur when the guide bar tip touches an object. This causes the guide bar to be thrown in the direction of the operator. Risk of serious injury or death.

(Fig. 7) Chain brake, engaged (right). Chain brake, disengaged (left).

(Fig. 8) Chain oil.

(Fig. 9) The direction in which the saw chain rotates and length of the guide bar.

(Fig. 10)
Rated voltage, V.

(Fig. 11) Alternate current.

(Fig. 12) Remove plug from the mains socket immediately if the cable is damaged or cut.

(Fig. 13) Risk of electric shock.

(Fig. 14) Do not expose to rain.

(Fig. 15) Double insulation.

(Fig. 16) Environmental mark. The product or package of the product is not domestic waste. Recycle it at an approved disposal location for electrical and electronic equipment.

(Fig. 17) Use the product with two hands.

(Fig. 18) Do not use the product with one hand.

(Fig. 19) The rating plate shows serial number. yy is the production year, ww is the production week.

Note: Other symbols/decals on the product refer to certification requirements for some markets.

Safety

Safety definitions
The definitions below give the level of severity for each signal word.

WARNING: Injury to persons.

CAUTION: Damage to the product.

Note: This information makes the product easier to use.

General power tool safety warnings

WARNING: Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury

Note: Save all warnings and instructions for future reference. The term “power tool” in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or batteryo perated (cordless) power tool.

Work area safety

• Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
• Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
• Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.

Electrical safety

• Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
• Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces, such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
• Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
• Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
• When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
• If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected supply. Use of an GFCI reduces the risk of electric shock.

Personal safety

• Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a power tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.
• Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such as a dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
• Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the OFF-position before connecting to power source and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or energising power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
• Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal injury.
• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
• Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jeweler. Keep your hair and clothing away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jeweler or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
• If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.
• Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use of tools allow you to become complacent and ignore tool safety principles. A careless action can cause severe injury within a fraction of a second.
• The vibration emission during actual use of the power tool can differ from the declared total value depending on the ways in which the tool is used. Operators should identify safety measures to protect themselves that are based on an estimation of exposure in the actual conditions of use (taking account of all parts of the operating cycle such as the times when the tool is switched off and when it is running idle in addition to the trigger).

Power tool use and care

• Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The correct power tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
• Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
• Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or remove the battery pack, if detachable, from the power tool before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
• Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
• Maintain power tools and accessories. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the power tool´s operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
• Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
• Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc. in accordance with these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.
• Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry, clean and free from oil and grease. Slippery handles and grasping surfaces do not allow for safe handling and control of the tool in unexpected situations.

Service

• Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.

General chain saw safety warnings

• Keep all parts of the body away from the saw chain when the chain saw is operating. Before you start the chain saw, make sure the saw chain is not contacting anything. A moment of inattention while operating chain saws may cause entanglement of your clothing or body with the saw chain.
• Always hold the chain saw with your right hand on the rear handle and your left hand on the front handle. Holding the chain saw with a reversed hand configuration increases the risk of personal injury and should never be done.
• Hold the chain saw by insulated gripping surfaces only, because the saw chain may contact hidden wiring or its own cord. Saw chains contacting a ”live” wire may make exposed metal parts of the chain saw ”live” and could give the operator an electric shock.
• Wear eye protection. Further protective equipment for hearing, head, hands, legs and feet is recommended. Adequate protective equipment will reduce personal injury from flying debris or accidental contact with the saw chain.
• Do not operate a chain saw in a tree, on a ladder, from a rooftop, or any unstable support. Operation of a chain saw in this manner could result in serious personal injury.
• Always keep proper footing and operate the chain saw only when standing on fixed, secure and level surface. Slippery or unstable surfaces may cause a loss of balance or control of the chain saw.
• When cutting a limb that is under tension, be alert for spring back. When the tension in the wood fibres is released, the spring loaded limb may strike the operator and/or throw the chain saw out of control.
• Use extreme caution when cutting brush and saplings. The slender material may catch the saw chain and be whipped toward you or pull you off balance.
• Carry the chain saw by the front handle with the chain saw switched off and away from your body. When transporting or storing the chain saw, always fit the guide bar cover. Proper handling of the chain saw will reduce the likelihood of accidental contact with the moving saw chain.
• Follow instructions for lubricating, chain tensioning and changing the bar and chain. Improperly tensioned or lubricated chain may either break or increase the chance for kickback.
• Cut wood only. Do not use chain saw for purposes not intended. For example: do not use chain saw for cutting metal, plastic, masonry or non-wood building materials. Use of the chain saw for operations different than intended could result in a hazardous situation.
• Do not attempt to fell a tree until you have an understanding of the risks and how to avoid them. Serious injury could occur to the operator or bystanders while felling a tree.
• Follow all instructions when clearing jammed material, storing or servicing the chain saw. Make sure the switch is off and the plug is removed. Unexpected actuation of the chain saw while clearing jammed material or servicing may result in serious personal injury

Causes and operator prevention of kickback

Kickback may occur when the nose or tip of the guide bar touches an object, or when the wood closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut. Tip contact in some cases may cause a sudden reverse reaction, kicking the guide bar up and back towards the operator. Pinching the saw chain along the top of the guide bar may push the guide bar rapidly back towards the operator. Either of these reactions may cause you to lose control of the saw which could result in serious personal injury. Do not rely exclusively upon the safety devices built into your saw. As a chain saw user, you should take several steps to keep your cutting jobs free from accident or injury. Kickback is the result of tool misuse and/or incorrect  operating procedures or conditions and can be avoidedby taking proper precautions as given below:

• Maintain a firm grip, with thumbs and fingers encircling the chain saw handles, with both hands on the saw and position your body and arm to allow you to resist kickback forces. Kickback forces can be controlled by the operator, if proper precautions are taken. Do not let go of the chain saw.
• Do not overreach and do not cut above shoulder height. This helps prevent unintended tip contact and enables better control of the chain saw in unexpected situations.
• Only use replacement guide bars and saw chains specified by the manufacturer. Incorrect replacement guide bars and saw chains may cause chain breakage and/or kickback.
• Follow the manufacturer’s sharpening and maintenance instructions for the saw chain. Decreasing the depth gauge height can lead to increased kickback.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

Personal protective equipment

WARNING: Read the warning instructions that follow before you use the product.

(Fig. 20)

• Most chainsaw accidents occur when the saw chain touches the operator. You must use approved personal protective equipment during operation. Personal protective equipment does not give you full protection from injuries but it decreases thedegree of injury if an accident occurs. Speak to your servicing dealer for recommendations about which equipment to use.
• Your clothing must be close-fitting but not limit your movements. Regularly do a check of the condition of the personal protective equipment.
• Use an approved protective helmet.
• Use approved hearing protection. Long-term exposure to noise can result in permanent damage to the hearing.
• Use protective glasses or a face visor to decrease the risk of injury from thrown objects. The product can throw objects, such as wood chips, small pieces of wood and more, at large force. This can result in serious injury, especially to the eyes.
• Use gloves with saw protection.
• Use pants with saw protection.
• Use boots with saw protection, steel toe-cap and non-slip sole.
• Always have a first-aid kit with you.
• Risk of sparks. Keep fire extinguishing tools and a shovel near to prevent forest fires.

Safety devices on the product

WARNING: Read the warning instructions that follow before you use the product.

• Do not use a product with defective safety devices.
• Do a check of the safety devices regularly. Refer to Maintenance and checks of the safety devices on the product on page 27.
• If the safety devices are defective, speak to your Husqvarna servicing dealer.

Chain brake and front hand guard
Your product has a chain brake that stops the saw chain if you get a kickback. The chain brake decreases the risk of accidents but only you can prevent them. (Fig. 21)

WARNING: Do not engage in situations where there is a risk of kickback. Be careful when you use your product and make sure that the kickback zone of the guide bar does not touch an object.

(Fig. 22)
The chain brake engages (A) manually by your left hand or automatically by the inertia release mechanism. Push the front hand guard (B) forward to engage the chain brake manually. This movement starts a spring-loaded mechanism that stops the drive sprocket.

(Fig. 23)
How the chain brake is engaged is in relation to the force of the kickback and position of the product. If you get an intense kickback while the kickback zone is farthest away from you, the chain brake engages by the inertia release. If the kickback is small or the kickback zone is nearer you, the chain brake engages manually by your left hand.

(Fig. 24)
Use the chain brake as a parking brake when you start the product and when you move short distances. This decreases the risk that you or a person near you touches the saw chain.

(Fig. 25)
Pull the front hand guard rearward to disengage the chain brake.

(Fig. 26)
A kickback can be very sudden and intense. Most kickbacks are small and do not always engage the chain brake. If a kickback occurs when you use the product, hold tightly around the handles and do not let go.

(Fig. 27)
The front hand guard also decreases the risk to touch the saw chain if your hand lets go of the front handle.

(Fig. 28)
In the felling position you cannot engage the chain brake manually. The chain brake can in this position only be engaged by the inertia release mechanism.

(Fig. 29)

Power trigger lockout
The power trigger lockout prevents accidental operation of the power trigger. If you put your hand around the handle and press the power trigger lockout (A), it releases the power trigger (B). If you release the handle, the power trigger and the power trigger lockout move back to their initial positions.

(Fig. 30)

Chain catcher
The chain catcher catches the saw chain if it breaks or comes loose. If you have the correct chain tension, the risk decreases. You also decrease the risk if you do the correct maintenance on the guide bar and saw chain. See Assembly on page 22 and Maintenance on page 27 for instructions.

(Fig. 31)

Right hand guard
The right hand guard works as a protection for your hand if the saw chain breaks or comes loose. It also prevents interference from branches and twigs when you use the product.

(Fig. 32)

Safety instructions for the cutting equipment

WARNING: Read the warning instructions that follow before you use the product.

• Only use approved guide bar/saw chain combinations and filing equipment. Refer to Technical data on page 30 for instructions.

• Use protective gloves when you use or do maintenance on the saw chain. A saw chain that does not move can also cause injuries.

• Keep the cutting teeth correctly sharpened. Obey the instructions and use the recommended file gauge. A saw chain that is damaged or incorrectly sharpened increases the risk of accidents.
  (Fig. 33)

• Keep the correct depth gauge setting. Obey the instructions and use the recommended depth gauge setting. Too large depth gauge setting increases the risk of kickback.
  
  (Fig. 34)

• Make sure that the saw chain has the correct tension. If the saw chain is not tight against the guide bar, the saw chain can derail. An incorrect saw chain tension increases wear on the guide bar, saw chain and chain drive sprocket. Refer to To adjust the tension of the saw chain on page 29.
  
  (Fig. 35)

• Do maintenance on the cutting equipment regularly and keep it correctly lubricated. If the saw chain is not correctly lubricated, the risk of wear on the guide bar, saw chain and chain drive sprocket increases.
  
  (Fig. 36)

• Protection against electric shock. Saws used in the open air must be connected to a residual currentoperated circuit-breaker with an operating current no higher than 30 mA.
  

• Safe working practices. Keep the cord away from the cutting area and to position cord so that it will not be caught on branches, and the like, during cutting.

Assembly

To assemble the guide bar and saw chain (420 EL)

WARNING: Always remove the plug before you assemble or do maintenance on the product.

1. Disengage the chain brake. (Fig. 37)

2. Loosen the knob and remove the drive sprocket cover (chain brake) and the transportation ring (A).
   
   (Fig. 38)

3. Put the guide bar on top of the bar bolt. Steer the guide bar to its most rear position. Lift the saw chain above the drive sprocket and engage it in the groove on the guide bar. Start on the top edge of the guide bar
   

4. Make sure that the edges of the cutting links are turned forward on the top edge of the guide bar. (Fig. 39)
   

5. Make sure that the edges of the cutting links face forward on the top edge of the guide bar.

6. Assemble the drive sprocket cover and steer the chain adjuster pin to the hole in the guide bar.

7. Make sure that the drive links of the saw chain fit correctly on the drive sprocket.

8. Make sure that the saw chain is correctly engaged in the groove in the guide bar.

9. Tighten the saw chain. See To adjust the tension of the saw chain (420 EL) on page 29 for instructions.

Operation

Introduction

WARNING: Read and understand the safety chapter before you use the product.

To do a function check before you use the product

1. Do a check of the chain brake (A) to make sure that it operates correctly and that it is not damaged.
2. Do a check of the rear right hand guard (B) to make sure that it is not damaged.
3. Do a check of the power trigger and the power trigger lockout (C) to make sure that they operate correctly and that they are not damaged.
4. Do a check of the keypad (D) to make sure that it operates correctly.
5. Make sure that there is no oil on the handles (E).
6. Do a check to make sure that all parts are correctly attached and not damaged or missing.
7. Do a check of the chain catcher (F) to make sure that it is attached correctly.
8. Do a check of the chain tension (G).
9. Make sure that the saw chain stops when you release the power trigger. ( Fig. 40)
   
   

To use the correct chain oil

WARNING: Do not use waste oil, which can cause injury to you and the environment. Waste oil also causes damage to the oil pump, the guide bar and the saw chain.

WARNING: The saw chain can break if the lubrication of the cutting equipment is not sufficient. Risk of serious injury or death to the operator.

WARNING: Use the correct chain oil for this function to operate correctly. Speak to your servicing dealer when you select your chain oil.

• Use Husqvarna chain oil for maximum saw chain life and to prevent negative effects on the environment. If Husqvarna chain oil is not available, we recommend you to use a standard chain oil.
• Use a chain oil with good adherence to the saw chain.
• Use a chain oil with correct viscosity range that agrees with the air temperature.

CAUTION: In temperatures below 0°C/32°F some chain oils become too thick, which can cause damage to the oil pump components.

• Use the recommended cutting equipment. Refer to Accessories on page 32.
• Remove the cap to the chain oil tank.
• Fill the chain oil tank with chain oil.
• Attach the cap carefully.
  (Fig. 41)
  

Note: To see where the chain oil tank is on you product, refer to Product overview on page 17.

Kickback information

WARNING: A kickback can cause serious injury or death to the operator or others. To decrease the risk you must know the causes of kickback and how to prevent them.

A kickback occurs when the kickback zone of the guide bar touches an object. A kickback can occur suddenly and with large force, which throws the product in the direction of the operator.

(Fig. 22)
Kickback always occurs in the cutting plane of the guide bar. Usually, the product is thrown against the operator but can also move in a different direction. It is how you use the product when the kickback occurs that causes the direction of the movement.
(Fig. 42)
Kickback only occurs if the kickback zone of the guide bar touches an object. Do not let the kickback zone touch an object.

(Fig. 22)
A smaller bar tip radius decreases the force of the kickback.

Use a low kickback saw chain to decrease the effects of kickback. Do not let the kickback zone touch an object.

WARNING: No saw chain fully prevents kickback. Always obey the instructions.

Common questions about kickback

• Will the hand always engage the chain brake during a kickback?
  No. It is necessary to use some force to push the front hand guard forward. If you do not use the force necessary, the chain brake will not be engaged. You must also hold the handles of the product stable with two hands during work. If a kickback occurs, it is possible that the chain brake does not stop the saw chain before it touches you. There are also some positions in which your hand can not touch the front hand guard to engage the chain brake.

• Will the inertia release mechanism always engage the chain brake during kickback?
  No. First, the chain brake must operate correctly. Refer to Maintenance and checks of the safety devices on the product on page 27 for instructions about how to do a check of the chain brake. We recommend you to do this each time before you use the product. Second, the force of the kickback must be large to engage the chain brake. If the chain brake is too sensitive, it can engage during rough operation.

• Will the chain brake always protect me from injury during a kickback? No. The chain brake must operate correctly to give protection. The chain brake must also be engaged during a kickback to stop the saw chain. If you are near the guide bar, it is possible that the chain brake does not have time to stop the saw chain before it hits you.

WARNING: Only you and the correct working technique can prevent kickbacks.

To start the product

1. Do a check of the power trigger and power trigger lockout. See Power trigger lockout on page 21.

2. Push the front hand guard forward to engage the chain brake. (Fig. 43)
   

3. Hold the front handle with your left hand.

4. Hold the rear handle with your right hand.

5. Press and hold the power trigger lockout and press the power trigger. (Fig. 44)
   
   

To stop the product

1. Release the power trigger.
2. Push the front hand guard to engage the chin brake.

Pull stroke and push stroke
You can cut through wood with the product in 2 different positions.

• To cut on the pull stroke is when you cut with the bottom of the guide bar. The saw chain pulls through the tree when you cut. In this position you have better control of the product and the position of the kickback zone.
  (Fig. 45)
  

• To cut on the push stroke is when you cut with the top of the guide bar. The saw chain pushes the product in the direction of the operator.
  (Fig. 46)
  
  

WARNING: If the saw chain is caught in the trunk, the product can be pushed at you. Hold the product tightly and make sure that the kickback zone of the guide bar does not touch the tree and causes a kickback.

(Fig. 47)

To use the cutting technique

WARNING: Use full power when you cut and decrease the speed to idle speed after each cut.

CAUTION: Do not let the motor operate for too long without load. This can cause damage to the motor.

1. Put the trunk on a saw horse or runners. (Fig. 48)
   WARNING: Do not cut trunks in a pile. That increases the risk of kickback and can cause serious injury or death.
   

2. Remove the cut pieces from the work area.
   WARNING: Cut pieces in the work area increase the risk of kickback and that you cannot keep your balance.

To use the spiked bumper

1. Push the spiked bumper into the trunk of the tree.
2. Apply full throttle and rotate the product. Keep the spiked bumper against the trunk. This procedure makes it easier to apply the force necessary to cut through the trunk. (Fig. 49)
   

To cut a trunk on the ground

1. Cut through the trunk on the pull stroke. Keep full power but be prepared for sudden accidents. (Fig. 50)
   WARNING: Make sure that the saw chain does not touch the ground when you complete the kerf.
   

2. Cut approximately ⅔ through the trunk and then stop. Turn the trunk and cut from the opposite side. (Fig. 51)
   

To cut a trunk that has support on one end

WARNING: Make sure that the trunk does not break during cutting. Obey the instructions below.

(Fig. 52)

1. Cut on the push stroke approximately ⅓ through the trunk.
2. Cut through the trunk on the pull stroke until the two kerfs touch. (Fig. 53)
   
   

To cut a trunk that has support on two ends

WARNING: Make sure that the saw chain does not get caught in the trunk during cutting. Obey the instructions below.

(Fig. 54)

1. Cut on the pull stroke approximately ⅓ through the trunk.
2. Cut through the remaining part of the trunk on the push stroke to complete the cut. (Fig. 55)
   
   

WARNING: Stop the motor if the saw chain gets caught in the trunk. Use a lever to open up the kerf and remove the product. Do not try to pull the product out by hand. This can result in injury when the product suddenly breaks free.

To use the limbing technique

Note: For thick branches, use the cutting technique. Refer to To use the cutting technique on page 24.

WARNING: There is a high accident risk when you use the limbing technique. Refer to Kickback information on page 23 for instructions how to prevent kickback.

WARNING: Cut limbs one by one. Be careful when you remove small limbs and do not cut bushes or many small limbs at the same time. Small limbs can get caught in the saw chain and prevent safe operation of the product.

Note: If it is necessary, cut the limbs piece by piece. Cut the smaller branches (A) and (B) before you cut the limb near the trunk (C).

(Fig. 56)

1. Remove the limbs on the right side of the trunk.
   a) Keep the guide bar on the right side of the trunk and keep the body of the product against the trunk.
   b) Select the applicable cutting technique for the tension in the branch. (Fig. 57)
   
   WARNING: If you are not sure a bout how to cut the branch, speak to a professional chainsaw operator before you continue.

2. Remove the limbs on the top of the trunk.
   a) Keep the product on the trunk and let the guide bar move along the trunk.
   b) Cut on the push stroke. (Fig. 58)
   

3. Remove the limbs on the left side of the trunk.
   a) Select the applicable cutting technique for the tension in the branch. (Fig. 59)
   

WARNING: If you are not sure about how to cut the branch, speak to a professional chainsaw operator before you continue

Refer to To cut trees and branches that are in tension on page 26 for instructions on how to cut branches that are in tension.

To use the tree felling technique

WARNING: You must have experience to fell a tree. If possible, engage in a training course in chainsaw operation. Speak to an operator with experience for more knowledge

To keep a safe distance

1. Make sure that persons around you keep a safe distance at a minimum of 2 1/2 tree lengths. (Fig. 60)
   

2. Make sure that no person is in the risk zone before or during felling. (Fig. 61)
   
   

To calculate the felling direction

1. Examine in which direction it is necessary for the tree to fall. The goal is to fell it in a position where you can limb and cut the trunk easily. It is also important that you are stable on your feet and can move about safely.
   WARNING: If it is dangerous or not possible to fell the tree in its natural direction, fell the tree in a different direction.

2. Examine the natural fall direction of the tree. For example the tilt and bend of the tree, wind direction, the location of the branches and weight of snow.

3. Examine if there are obstacles, for example other trees, power lines, roads and/or buildings around.

4. Look for signs of damage and rot in the stem.
   WARNING: Rot in the stem can mean a risk that the tree falls before you complete the cutting.

5. Make sure the tree has no damaged or dead branches that can break off and hit you during felling.

6. Do not let the tree fall onto a different standing tree. It is dangerous to remove a caught tree and there is a high accident risk. Refer to To free a trapped tree on page 26. (Fig. 62)
   

WARNING: During critical felling operations, lift your hearing protection immediately when the sawing is complete. It is important that you hear sounds and warning signals.

To clear the trunk and prepare your path of retreat

Cut off all branches from your shoulder height and down.

1. Cut on the pull stroke from the top down. Make sure that the tree is between you and the product. (Fig. 63)
   

2. Remove undergrowth from the work area around the tree. Remove all cut off material from the work area.

3. Do a check of the area for obstacles such as stones, branches and holes. You must have a clear path of retreat when the tree starts to fall. Your path of retreat must be approximately 135 degrees away from the felling direction.

4. The danger zone

5. The path of retreat

6. The felling direction
   (Fig. 64)
   

To fell a tree
Husqvarna recommends you to make the directional cuts and then use the safe corner method when you fell a tree. The safe corner method helps you to make a correct felling hinge and control the felling direction.

WARNING: Do not fell trees with a diameter that is more than two times larger than the guide bar length. For this, you must have special training.

The felling hinge
The most important procedure during tree felling is to make the correct felling hinge. With a correct felling hinge, you control the felling direction and make sure that the felling procedure is safe.

The thickness of the felling hinge must be equal and a minimum of 10% of the tree diameter.

WARNING: If the felling hinge is incorrect or too thin, you have no control of the felling direction.
(Fig. 65)

To make the directional cuts

1. Make the directional cuts. Run the directional cuts 1/4 of the diameter of the tree. Make a 45° angle between the top cut and bottom cut.
   a) Make the top cut first. Align the felling direction mark (A) of the product with the felling direction of the tree (B). Stay behind the product and keep the tree on your right side. Cut with a pull stroke.
   b) Make the bottom cut. Make sure that the end of the bottom cut is at the same point as the end of the top cut. (Fig. 66)
   

2. Make sure that the directional cut line is perfectly horizontal and at right angles (90°) to the felling direction. The directional cut line goes through the point where the two directional cuts touch. (Fig. 67)
   
   

To use the safe corner method

The felling cut must be made slightly above the directional cut.
(Fig. 68)

WARNING: Be careful when you cut with the guide bar tip. Start to cut with the lower section of the guide bar tip as you make a bore cut into the trunk

(Fig. 69)

1. If the usable cutting length is longer than the tree diameter, do these steps (a-d).
   a) Make a bore cut straight into the trunk to complete the felling hinge width. (Fig. 70)
   
   b) Cut on the pull stroke until ⅓ of the trunk is left.
   c) Pull the guide bar 5-10 cm/2-4 in rearward.
   d) Cut through the remaining of the trunk to complete a safe corner that is 5-10 cm/2-4 in wide. (Fig. 71)
   

2. If the usable cutting length is shorter than the tree diameter, do these steps (a-d).
   a) Make a bore cut straight into the trunk. The bore cut must extend 3/5 of the tree diameter.
   b) Cut on the pull stroke through the remaining trunk. (Fig. 72)
   
   c) Cut straight into the trunk from the other side of the tree to complete the felling hinge.
   d) Cut on the push stroke, until ⅓ of the trunk is left, to complete the safe corner. (Fig. 73)

3. Put a wedge in the kerf straight from behind. (Fig. 74)

4. Cut off the corner to make the tree fall.
   Note: If the tree does not fall, hit the wedge until it does.

5. When the tree starts to fall, use the path of retreat to move away from the tree. Move a minimum of 5 m/15 ft away from the tree.

References

• Husqvarna Forest & Garden

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