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Decide which is the safest way to release the tension and
whether you are able to do it safely. In complicated situations
the only safe method is to put aside your chainsaw and use
a winch.
General advice:
Position yourself so that you will be clear of the tree or
branch when the tension is released.
Make one or more cuts at or near the point of maximum
tension. Make as many cuts of sufficient depth as necessary
to reduce the tension and make the tree or branch break at
the point of maximum tension.
Never cut straight through a tree or branch that is in tension!
If you must cut across a tree/limb, make two to three cuts,
one inch apart, one to two inches deep.
Continue to cut deeper until tree/limb bends and tension is
released.
Cut tree/limb from outside the bend, after tension has been
released.
How to avoid kickback
What is kickback?
The word kickback is used to describe the sudden reaction
that causes the chainsaw and bar to jump off an object
when the upper quadrant of the tip of the bar, known as the
kickback zone, touches an object.
Kickback always occurs in the cutting plane of the bar.
Normally the chainsaw and bar are thrown backwards and
upwards towards the user. However, the chainsaw may move
in a different direction depending on the way it was being
used when the kickback zone of the bar touched the object.
Kickback only occurs if the kickback zone of the bar touches
an object.
Limbing
Make sure that you can stand and move about safely. Work
on the left side of the trunk. Work as close as possible to the
chainsaw for maximum control. If possible, let the weight of
the chainsaw rest on the trunk.
Keep the trunk between you and the chainsaw as you move
along the trunk.
Cutting the trunk into logs
See instructions under Basic cutting techniques.
WORKING TECHNIQUES
WARNING! Kickback can happen very
suddenly and violently; kicking the
chainsaw, bar and chain back at the user. If
this happens when the chain is moving, it
can cause very serious, even fatal, injuries. It is vital
you understand what causes kickback and that you
can avoid it by taking care and using the right working
technique.
WARNING! The majority of kickback
accidents occur during limbing. Do not
use the kickback zone of the guide bar. Be
extremely cautious and avoid contacting
the log, other limbs or objects with the nose of the
guide bar. Be extremely cautious of limbs under
tension. They can spring back toward you and cause
loss of control resulting in injury.
BT-CS-40
