Cutting a Fallen Tree

Hinge holds tree on stump and helps control fall

Opening of felling cut

Closing of notch

NOTE: Before felling cut is complete, use wedges to open the cut if necessary to control the direction of fall. To avoid kickback and chain damage, use wood or plastic wedges, but never steel or iron wedges.

SBe alert to signs that the tree is ready to fall: cracking sounds, widening of the fell- ing cut, or movement in the upper

branches.

SAs tree starts to fall, stop saw, put it down,

and get away quickly on your planned re- treat path.

SDO NOT cut down a partially fallen tree with your saw. Be extremely cautious with partially fallen trees that may be poorly supported. When a tree doesn’t fall com- pletely, set the saw aside and pull down the tree with a cable winch, block and tackle, or tractor.

(BUCKING)

Bucking is the term used for cutting a fallen tree to the desired log size.

WARNING: Do not stand on the log being cut. Any portion can roll causing loss of footing and control. Do not stand downhill of the log being cut.

IMPORTANT POINTS

SCut only one log at a time.

S Cut shattered wood very carefully; sharp pieces of wood could be flung toward opera- tor.

SUse a sawhorse to cut small logs. Never allow another person to hold the log while cutting and never hold the log with your leg or foot.

SDo not cut in an area where logs, limbs, and roots are tangled such as in a blown down area. Drag the logs into a clear area before cutting by pulling out exposed and cleared logs first.

TYPES OF CUTTING USED FOR BUCKING

WARNING: If saw becomes pinched or hung in a log, don’t try to force it out. You can lose control of the saw resulting in injury and/or damage to the saw. Stop the saw, drive a wedge of plastic or wood into the cut until the saw can be removed easily. Re- start the saw and carefully reenter the cut. To avoid kickback and chain damage, do not

use a metal wedge. Do not attempt to restart your saw when it is pinched or hung in a log.

Use a wedge to remove pinched saw

Turn saw OFF and use a plastic or wooden wedge to force cut open.

Overcutting begins on the top side of the log with the bottom of the saw against the log. When overcutting use light downward pres- sure.

Overcutting

Undercutting

Undercutting involves cutting on the under- side of the log with top of saw against the log. When undercutting use light upward pres- sure. Hold saw firmly and maintain control. The saw will tend to push back toward you.

WARNING: Never turn saw upside down to undercut. The saw cannot be con- trolled in this position.

Always make your first cut on the compres- sion side of the log. The compression side of the log is where the pressure of the log’s weight is concentrated.

First cut on compression side of log

Second cut

First cut on compression side of log

BUCKING WITHOUT A SUPPORT

SOvercut through 1/3 of the diameter of the

log.

SRoll the log over and finish with a second

overcut.

SWatch for logs with a compression side to prevent the saw from pinching. See il- lustrations for cutting logs with a compres- sion side.

BUCKING USING A LOG OR

SUPPORT STAND

SRemember your first cut is always on the

compression side of the log.

(Refer to the illustrations below for your first and second cut)

S Your first cut should extend 1/3 of the diameter of the log.

SFinish with your second cut.