Remington RM5520R Operator'S Manual Download

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Small trees, up to 6-7 inches (15-18 cm) in diameter, are usually felled
in a single cut. Larger trees require a process consisting of two main
cutting operations: a notched undercut followed by a felling back cut.

Notched Undercut.

This cut determines the direction that the tree

will fall. It should be made on the side of the tree facing the felling
direction. Cut a notch about 1/3 the diameter of the trunk in the
side of the tree. Make the notch cuts so they intersect at a right
angle to the line of fall. This notch should be cleaned out 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. 18)

Felling Back Cut.

This cut fells the tree. Make the back cut level

and horizontal, and at a minimum of 2 inches (5 cm) above the
horizontal cut of the notch (Fig. 18). If the diameter of the tree is
greater than the length of the guide bar, make two cuts as shown
(Fig. 19). When the felling cut gets close to the hinge, the tree
should begin to fall (Fig. 20). 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. 21).

NOTE:

On large diameter trees, stop the back cut before it is deep
enough for the tree to either fall or settle back on the stump.
Then insert soft wooden or plastic wedges into the cut so
that they do not touch the chain. Drive wedges in, little by
little, to help jack the tree over.

3. As the tree starts to fall, remove the chain saw from the cut, stop

the engine and put down the unit immediately. Retreat along the
cleared path, but watch the action in case something falls along
the retreat path.

LIMBING

Limbing is the process of removing branches from a fallen tree (Fig. 22).

• 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 chain saw.

• Keep the tree between you and the chain saw 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.

• When bucking on a slope, always stand on the uphill side of the

log. To maintain complete control of the chain saw when cutting
through the log, release the cutting pressure near the end of the
cut without relaxing the grip on the chain saw handles. Do not let
the chain contact the ground. After completing the cut, wait for the
saw chain to stop before moving the chain saw. Always stop the
engine before moving from log to log.

NOTE:

If possible, the log should be supported so that the end to
be cut off is not resting on the ground. The best way to hold
a log while bucking is to use a sawhorse. When this is not
possible, the log should be raised and supported by the limb
stumps or by using supporting logs. Be sure the log being
cut is securely supported.

Bucking Logs Under Stress

Make the first bucking cut 1/3 of the way through the log and finish
with a 2/3 cut on the opposite side. The log will tend to bend as it is
being cut. The saw may become pinched or hung in the log if the first
cut is deeper than 1/3 of the diameter of the log. Give special attention
to logs under stress to prevent the guide bar and chain from pinching.

1. When the log is supported on one end (Fig. 23): First, cut from the

bottom (underbuck) 1/3 of the way through the log to avoid
splintering. Second, cut from above (overbuck) to meet the first
cut and avoid pinching.

2. When the log is supported on both ends (Fig. 24): First, overbuck

1/3 of the way through the log to avoid splintering. Second,
underbuck to meet the first cut and avoid pinching.

Bucking Fully Supported Logs

When the log is supported along the entire length, cut from the top
(overbuck), being careful to avoid cutting into the ground (Fig. 25).

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 prepared for this reaction and hold the saw
firmly to maintain control. (Fig. 25)

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 for this reaction and hold the saw
firmly to maintain control. (Fig. 26)

Bucking with a Wedge

If the wood diameter is large enough to insert a soft wooden or
plastic bucking wedge without touching the chain, one should be
used to hold the cut open to prevent pinching. (Fig. 27)

Fig. 25

Fig. 26

Fig. 23

Fig. 24

Overbucking

Underbucking

Log Supported at One End

Log Supported at Both Ends

First Cut - 1/3 Diameter

Finishing Cut

Load

First Cut - 1/3 Diameter

Finishing Cut

Fig. 27

Wedge

Bucking with

a Wedge

Fig. 22

Cut Limbs One at a Time and Leave Support

Limbs Under the Tree Until the Log is Cut

Limbing

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

PROPER GRIP ON HANDLES

• Hold the saw firmly with both hands. Always keep the left hand on

the front handle and the right hand on the rear handle so that the
operator’s body is to the left of the chain line (Fig. 11). Use these
hand placements even if the operator is left-handed.

• Maintain a proper grip on the saw whenever the engine is running.

The fingers should encircle the handle and the thumb should wrap
under the handle (Fig. 12). This grip is least likely to be broken by a
kickback or other sudden reaction of the saw. Any grip in which the
thumb and fingers are on the same side of the handle is dangerous
because a slight kick of the saw can cause loss of control (Fig. 13).

PROPER CUTTING STANCE

• Balance body weight securely, with both feet on solid ground.

• Keep the left arm locked in a “straight arm” position to withstand

any kickback force (Fig. 15).

• Keep all body parts to the left of the chain line (Fig. 15).

• Make sure the proper grip is established on the front handle and

rear handle.

• Do not cut above chest height as a saw held higher is difficult to

control against kickback forces.

BASIC OPERATING/CUTTING PROCEDURES

• This unit has a 20” guide bar and is designed to cut logs or trees

with diameters of 16” or less. Cutting larger trees or logs is not
recommended.

• Practice cutting a few small logs using the following technique to get

the “feel” of using the saw before you begin a major sawing operation.

• Take the proper stance in front of the wood or tree to be cut.

• Start the engine and let the chain accelerate to full speed before

starting the cut. Refer to

Starting and Stopping Instructions

• Begin cutting with the saw against the log.

• Keep the unit running the entire time while cutting, making sure to

maintain a steady speed.

• Allow the chain to do the cutting; exert only light downward

pressure. Forcing the cut could result in damage to the guide bar,
chain or engine.

• Release the throttle control trigger as soon as the cut is

completed. Allow the chain to come to a complete stop.
Unnecessary wear may occur to the chain, guide bar and unit if
the saw is run without a cutting load.

• Do not put pressure on the saw at the end of the cut.

WORK AREA PRECAUTIONS

• Cut only wood or materials made from wood. Do not attempt to

cut sheet metal, plastics, masonry or non-wood building materials.

• Keep everyone – helpers, bystanders, children and animals – 50

feet (15 m) away from the cutting area. If anyone enters the work
area, stop the unit! During felling operations, the safe distance
should be at least twice the height of the largest trees in the felling
area. During bucking operations, keep a minimum distance of 15
feet (4.6 m) between workers.

• Only operate the unit when visibility and light are adequate to see

clearly.

REMOVING BUTTRESS ROOTS

A buttress root is a large root extending from the trunk of the tree
above the ground. Remove large buttress roots prior to felling (Fig. 16).

1. Make the horizontal cut into the buttress first, followed by the

vertical cut.

2. Remove the resulting loose section from the work area.

3. Remove any remaining large buttress roots.

FELLING

Felling is the term for cutting down a tree. When felling a tree, it is
important to heed the following warnings to reduce the risk of serious
injury:

• Do not cut down trees having an extreme lean or large trees with

rotten limbs, loose bark or hollow trunks. Have these trees pushed
or dragged down with heavy equipment, then cut them up.

• Do not cut trees near electrical wires or buildings. Leave this

operation for professionals.

• Check the tree for damaged or dead branches that could fall and

cause serious personal injury.

• Periodically glance at the top of the tree during the back cut to see

if the tree is going to fall in the desired direction.

• If the tree starts to fall in the wrong direction, or the saw gets

caught or hung up during the fall, leave the saw and evacuate the
area immediately!

• When bucking and felling operations are being performed by two or

more persons, at the same time, the felling operation should be
separated from the bucking operation by a distance of at least twice
the height of the tree being felled. Trees should not be felled in a
manner that would endanger any person, strike any utility line or
cause any property damage. If the tree does make contact with any
utility line, the utility company should be notified immediately.

• The operator should keep on the uphill side of terrain, as the tree

is likely to roll or slide after it is felled.

• Pick your escape route (or routes in case the intended route is

blocked). Clear the immediate area around the tree and make sure
there are no obstructions in your planned path of retreat. Clear the
path of safe retreat approximately 135° from the planned line of fall (Fig. 17).

• Consider the force and direction of the wind, the lean and balance of the tree and the location of large limbs. These

things influence the direction in which the tree will fall. Do not try to fell a tree along a line different from its natural
line of fall.

• Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples and wire from the tree where felling cuts are to be made.

WARNING:

If any parts are damaged or missing, do not operate the unit until the parts are replaced.

Failure to heed this warning could result in serious personal injury.

WARNING:

Always wear appropriate eye and ear/hearing protection when operating this unit. Wear

safety goggles, or safety glasses with side shields, that are marked as meeting ANSI Z87.1-1989
standards. Failure to do so could result in serious eye injury caused by thrown objects. If the operation is
dusty, wear a face mask or dust mask. Use a hard hat or other type of safety helmet.

Fig. 11

Proper Hand

Grip Position

Proper

Grip

Fig. 12

Fig. 13

Fig. 14

Improper

Stance

Improper

Grip

WARNING:

Do not allow familiarity with this unit to promote carelessness. Remember that a careless

fraction of a second is enough to inflict serious injury.

WARNING:

Do not operate the throttle control

trigger with the left hand while holding the front handle
with the right hand. Never allow any part of your body
to be in the chain line while operating a saw (Fig. 14).

WARNING:

Do not fell trees during periods of

precipitation or high wind.

WARNING:

Wear non-slip gloves for maximum grip and protection. Refer to the

Safety Information

section for appropriate safety equipment.

Fig. 15

90°

Fig. 17

Fig. 18

Fig. 20

Chain Line

Chain

Line

Straight

Left Arm

Planned

Line of Fall

Path of

Safe Retreat

135˚ From

Planned

Line of Fall

Hinge

2” (5 cm) or

1/10 Diameter

Notch - Approx.

1/3 Diameter

of Trunk

Back Cut

2” (5 cm)

Fig. 21

Back Cut

Hinge

Wedge

WARNING:

Never cut through to the notch. Always

leave a band of wood between the notch and back cut
(approximately 2 inches (5 cm) or 1/10 the diameter of
the tree). This is called “hinge” or “hingewood.” It
controls the fall of the tree and prevents slipping,
twisting or shootback of the tree off the stump.

Thumb

Below the

Handle

Fig. 16

Cut - Vertical

Cut -

Horizontal

Loose

Section

Removing Buttress

Roots

WARNING: