- When you fell a tree, be sure to warn neighboring workers of the danger.
5.2.2- Bucking and Limbing
WARNING
- Always ensure your foothold. Do not stand on the log.
- Be alert to the rolling over of a cut log. Especially when working on a slope,
stand on the uphill side of the log.
- Follow the instructions in “For Safe Operation” to avoid kickback of the saw.
Before starting work, check the direction of bending force inside the log to be cut.
Always finish cutting from the opposite side of the bending direction to prevent the guide bar from
being caught in the cut.
1) Bucking
Bucking is cutting a log into lengths. It is important to make sure your footing is firm and your weight
is evenly distributed on both feet.
When possible, the log should be raised and supported by the use of limbs, logs, chocks or a
sawhorse.
Do NOT hold the log with your leg or any other body part.
Do NOT allow and do NOT ask other persons to hold the log.
Follow the simple directions for easy cutting.
(a) A log lying on the ground
When the log is supported along its entire length as illustrated in fig. (a):
cut it from the top (overbuck). Saw down halfway, then roll the log over
and cut from the opposite side.
a.
(b) A log hanging off the ground
- When the log is supported on one end, as illustrated in Fig. (b) zone A:
cut 1/3 the diameter from the underside (underbuck). Then make the
finished cut by overbucking the upper 2/3 to meet the first cut i.e. saw up
from the bottom 1/3 and finish by sawing down from the top.
- When the log is supported on both ends, as illustrated in Fig. (b) zone B:
cut 1/3 the diameter from the top (overbuck). Then make the finished cut
by underbucking the lower 2/3 to meet the first cut i.e. saw down from the
top 1/3 and finish by sawing up from the bottom.
b.
(c) Cutting the limbs of Fallen Tree
First check to which side the limb is bent.
Then make the initial cut from the bent side and finish by sawing from the
opposite side.
WARNING
- Be alert to the springing back of a cut limb.
c.
(d) Pruning of Standing Tree
Cut up from the bottom, finish down from the top.
WARNING
- Do not use an unstable foothold or ladder.
- Do not overreach.
- Do not cut above shoulder height.
- Always use both your hands to hold the saw.
d.
When bucking on a slope always stand on the uphill side of the log, as
illustrated in Figure (e).
e.
- When “cutting through”, to maintain complete control release the cutting pressure near the end of
the cut without relaxing your grip on the chain saw handles. Don’t let the chain contact the ground.
