17
Make the lower horizontal notching cut first.
This will help to avoid pinching either the saw chain or the
guide bar when the second notch is made.
•
Felling back cut
i) Make the felling back cut at least 2 in. (50 mm) higher than
the horizontal notching cut as illustrated (Fig. 16). Keep
the felling back cut parallel to the horizontal notching cut.
Strategically position the felling back cut so that enough
wood is left to act as a hinge. The hinge wood keeps the
tree from twisting and falling in the wrong direction. Do not
cut through the hinge.
ii) As the felling gets close to the hinge, the tree should begin
to fall. If there is any chance that the tree may not fall in
the desired direction or it may rock back and bind the saw
chain, stop cutting before the felling back cut is complete
and use wedges of wood, plastic or aluminium to open
the cut and drop the tree along the desired line of fall.
iii) When the tree begins to fall, remove the chain saw from
the cut, stop the motor, put the chain saw down, then
use the retreat path planned. Be alert for overhead limbs
falling and watch your footing.
•
Limbing
Limbing is the process in which branches are removed from a
fallen tree. When limbing, leave larger lower limbs to support
the log off the ground. Remove the small limbs in one cut as
illustrated (Fig. 23). Branches under tension should be cut from
the bottom up to avoid binding the chain saw.
m
WARNING!
Pay special attention to where the branches
are lying on the ground and recognize the following risks:
1). the branches may be under tension; 2). the direction in
which the branch will fall may differ from that anticipated; 3).
the tree may be unstable after the branch has been cut.
•
Bucking a log
m
WARNING!
Do not buck logs that are larger than the
maximum cutting thickness.
Bucking is the process in which a log is cut 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, or chocks.
Follow these simple directions for easy cutting:
• When the log is supported along its entire length as
illustrated (Fig. 24A), cut from the top (overbuck).
• When the log is supported on one end (Fig.
24B), cut 1/3
the diameter from the underside (underbuck). Then make
the finishing cut by overbucking to meet the first cut.
• When the log is supported on both ends (Fig.
24
C), cut
1/3 the diameter from the top (overbuck). Then make the
finishing cut by underbucking the lower 2/3 to meet the
first cut.
2 in. (50 mm)
2 in. (50 mm)
Fig. 22
1
2
1
Fig. 23
1
Fig. 24A
1
2
Fig. 24B
