16
to leave a straight line. To keep the weight of the wood off the saw, always make
the lower cut of the notch before the upper cut (Fig. 27).
2. Felling Back Cut. This cut fells the tree. Make the back cut level and horizontal,
and at a minimum of 5cm above the horizontal cut of the notch (Fig. 27). If the
diameter of the tree is greater than the length of the guide bar, make two cuts as
shown (Fig. 28). When the felling cut gets close to the hinge, the tree should
begin to fall (Fig.29).
If there is any chance the tree may not fall in the desired direction or if it may rock
back and bind the saw chain, stop cutting before the felling cut is complete and use
wedges of wood or plastic to open the cut and drop the tree along its desired line of
fall (Fig. 30).
LIMBING
Limbing is the process of removing branches from a fallen tree (Fig. 31).
Work slowly, while maintaining a proper grip and stance.
Leave the larger support limbs under the tree to keep the tree off the ground while
cutting.
Limbs should be cut one at a time. Remove the cut limbs from the work area often
to help keep the work area clean and safe.
Branches under tension should be cut from the bottom up to avoid binding the chainsaw.
Keep the tree between you and the chainsaw while limbing. Cut from the side of
the tree opposite the branch that is being cut.
BUCKING
Bucking is the process of cutting a fallen tree into desired log lengths.
Work slowly, while maintaining a proper grip and stance.
Cut only one log at a time.
Keep a clear cutting area. Make sure that no objects can contact the guide bar nose
and chain during cutting; this can cause kickback. Refer to Understanding Kickback
in the Safety Information section.
To maintain complete control of the chainsaw when cutting through the log, release
the cutting pressure near the end of the cut without relaxing the grip on the chainsaw
handles. Do not let the chain contact the ground. After completing the cut, wait
for the saw chain to stop before moving the chainsaw. Always stop the motor before
moving from log to log.
Overbucking
Begin on the top side of the log with the bottom of the saw against the log; exert
light pressure downward. During overbucking, the saw will tend to pull away. Be
Underbucking
Begin on the under side of the log with the top of the saw against the log; exert light
pressure upward. During underbucking, the saw will tend to push back. Be prepared
Bucking Logs Under Stress
the opposite side. The log will tend to bend as it is being cut. The saw may become
OPERATION (Cont.)
prepared for this reaction and hold the saw firmly to maintain control(Fig.32).
for this reaction and hold the saw firmly to maintain control(Fig.33).
