13
1
st
Cut
2
nd
Cut
Using a log for support
2
nd
Cut
1
st
Cut
1
st
Cut
2
nd
Cut
Using a support stand
1
st
Cut
2
nd
Cut
LIMBING AND PRUNING
WARNING:
Be alert for and guard
against kickback. Do not allow the moving
chain to contact any other branches or objects
at the nose of the guide bar when limbing or
pruning. Allowing such contact can result in
serious injury.
WARNING:
Never climb into a tree to
limb or prune. Do not stand on ladders, plat-
forms, a log, or in any position which can cause
you to lose your balance or control of the saw.
IMPORTANT POINTS
S
Work slowly, keeping both hands firmly
gripped on the saw. Maintain secure footing
and balance.
S
Watch out for springpoles. Springpoles are
small size limbs which can catch the saw
chain and whip toward you or pull you off bal-
ance. Use extreme caution when cutting
small size limbs or slender material.
S
Be alert for springback. Watch out for
branches that are bent or under pressure.
Avoid being struck by the branch or the
saw when the tension in the wood fibers is
released.
S
Keep a clear work area. Frequently clear
branches out of the way to avoid tripping
over them.
LIMBING
S
Always limb a tree after it is cut down. Only
then can limbing be done safely and prop-
erly.
S
Leave the larger limbs underneath the felled
tree to support the tree as you work.
S
Start at the base of the felled tree and work
toward the top, cutting branches and limbs.
Remove small limbs with one cut.
S
Keep the tree between you and the chain.
Cut from the side of the tree opposite the
branch you are cutting.
S
Remove larger, supporting branches with
the cutting techniques described in BUCK-
ING WITHOUT A SUPPORT.
S
Always use an overcut to cut small and free-
ly hanging limbs. Undercutting could cause
limbs to fall and pinch the saw.
PRUNING
WARNING:
Limit pruning to limbs
shoulder height or below.
Do not cut if
branches are higher than your shoulder. Get a
professional to do the job.
S
Make your first cut
1/3
of the way through the
bottom of the limb.
S
Next make a 2nd cut
all the way through
the limb.
Then cut a third overcut leaving a
1 to 2 inch (2.5 to 5 cm) collar from the truck
of the tree.
First cut
Second cut
Third cut
Collar
Pruning technique
