OPERATION
Felling Backcut. The backcut is always made lev- el and horizontal, and at a minimum of 2 in. above the horizontal cut of the notch. See Figures 13 - 14.
Never cut through to the notch. Always leave a band of wood between the notch and backcut (approximately 2 in. or 1/10 the diameter of the tree). This is called “hinge” or “hingewood.” It controls the fall of the tree and prevents slip- ping or twisting or
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 they do not touch the chain. The wedges can be driven in, little by little, to help jack the tree over. See Figure 15.
As tree starts to fall, stop the chain saw and put it down immediately. Retreat along the cleared path, but watch the action in case something falls your way. Be alert for overhead limbs or branches that may fall and watch your footing.
NOTCH
BACK CUT
HINGE | Fig. 14 |
|
WEDGE | Fig. 15 |
WARNING:
Never cut through to the notch when making a backcut. The hinge controls the fall of the tree, this is the section of wood between the notch and backcut.
BUCKING
See Figures 16 - 19.
KICKBACK
Bucking is the term used for cutting a fallen tree to the desired log length.
Always make sure your footing is secure and your weight is distributed evenly on both feet.
Cut only one log at a time.
Support small logs on a saw horse or another log while bucking.
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 Precautions Against Kickback earlier in this manual.
When bucking on a slope, always stand on the uphill side of the log. To maintain complete con- trol of the chain saw when cutting through the log, release the cutting pressure near the end of the cut without relaxing your grip on the chain saw
16 - English
Fig. 16
Fig. 17