19
100647 - ChAiNSAw
OPERATiON
Wedge
Figure 13
4. As the hinge gets smaller, the tree should begin to fall. When
the tree begins to fall, remove the chain saw from the cut,
stop the engine and set the unit down immediately. Promptly
exit the area along the retreat path, but keep watching the
tree as it falls.
DANGER
If the tree starts to fall in the wrong direction and binds the
chain saw, leave the unit and evacuate the area immediately!
Do not try to save the chain saw!
wARNiNG
Stay clear of spring poles when operating the unit. Spring
poles are branches, logs, roots or saplings that are bent under
tension by other wood (Fig. 14). When the tension is released,
spring poles can strike the operator, causing serious injury
and potentially knocking the chain saw into the operator’s
body. Use extreme caution when cutting spring poles or when
releasing the cause of tension.
Spring pole
Figure 14
Limbing
Limbing is the process of removing branches from a fallen tree.
1. Leave the larger support limbs under the tree for last (Fig. 15).
These will keep the tree off the ground during the limbing
process.
2. Cut one limb at a time. Stand on the opposite side of the tree
from the limb (Fig. 15). Keep the trunk between the operator
and the chain saw. To avoid binding the chain saw, branches
under tension should be cut from the bottom up.
3. Remove the cut limbs from the work area.
Support limb
Figure 15
bucking: Safety
Bucking is the process of cutting a fallen tree into logs of desired
lengths. Follow these safety precautions to reduce the risk of
serious injury:
1. Clear the area of objects or obstructions that could contact
the guide bar and result in kickback.
2. When bucking on a slope, always stand on the uphill side of
the fallen tree.
3. If possible, the end of the tree to be cut should be raised off
of the ground. A saw horse is ideal for this purpose. If a saw
horse is not available, use other logs or any remaining limb
stumps. Make sure the tree if firmly supported.
4. Do not let the saw chain contact the ground or saw horse.
5. Cut one log at a time. Release the throttle control and allow
the saw chain to come to a complete stop before moving on
to the next log.
6. Keep feet and all other body parts clear of falling logs.
DANGER
Use extreme caution when cutting a fallen tree that is still
attached to the root structure. When the trunk is separated
from the roots, the stump has a high potential for rocking back
into the hole created by the roots. This can result in serious
injury or death. Never stand in the hole left by the roots. Never
allow others to stand near the root structure.
bucking: Procedure
Cutting Logs Under Stress
When logs are supported on one or both ends, the wood tends to
bend during the cutting process. This can cause the chain saw to
become pinched between the two sides. Pay extra attention.
1. Make the first cut approximately 1/3 the diameter of the log.
Do not cut deeper than 1/3.
1a. If the log is supported on one end (Fig. 16), make the first
cut from below (underbucking). Refer to Underbucking.