If the tree starts to split, butting up against that step, it may be held a bit.
As soon as the tree tips a bit, it can clear that step, while still headleaning hard.
That barberchair will continue to propagate upward.
Supposing your cutting far frrom the needed supplies, the step (could be much taller) doesn't prevent the split.
A very tall step might keep the split minimized.
Very hollow headleaners prevent cutting the sides while using a hinge, and your ability to gut some fibers of the heartwood (thereby removing the cut fibers from the direct forces of the hard lean on the hinge).
Coos Baying a hollow tree Might work great. No extra gear needed.
I don't know!! Less precise felling!