McCulloch M3816 Bucking Without a Support, Bucking Using a LOG or Support Stand, Limbing, Pruning

Overcutting begins on the top side of the log with the saw against the log. When overcut- ting use light downward pressure.

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.

First cut on pressure side of log

Second cut

Second cut

First cut on pressure 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.

SGive special attention to logs under strain to prevent the saw from pinching. Make the first cut on the pressure side to relieve the stress on the log.

BUCKING USING A LOG OR SUPPORT STAND

SRemember your first cut is always on the

pressure side of the log.

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

SFinish with your second cut.

Using a log for support

2nd Cut

1st Cut

1st Cut

2nd Cut

Using a support stand 2nd Cut

1st Cut

1st Cut

2nd Cut

LIMBING AND PRUNING

WARNING: Be alert for and guard against kickback. Do not allow the moving chain to contact any other branched or objects at the nose of the guide bar when limbing or pruning. Allowing such contact can result in serious injury.

WARNING: Never climb into a tree to limb or prune. Do not stand on ladders, plat- forms, a log, or in any position which can cause you to lose your balance or control of the saw.

IMPORTANT POINTS

S Watch out for springpoles. Use extreme caution when cutting small size limbs. Slen- der material may catch the saw chain and be whipped toward you or pull you off balance.

S Be alert for springback. Watch out for branches that are bent or under pressure. Avoid being struck by the branch or the saw when the tension in the wood fibers is re- leased.

S Keep a clear work area. Frequently clear branches out of the way to avoid tripping over them.

LIMBING

SAlways limb a tree after it is cut down. Only then can limbing be done safely and prop-

erly.

S Leave the larger limbs underneath the felled tree to support the tree as you work.

SStart at base of the felled tree and work to- ward the top, cutting branches and limbs.

Remove small limbs with one cut.

SKeep the tree between you and the chain as much as possible.

SRemove larger, supporting branches with

the cutting techniques described in BUCK-

ING WITHOUT A SUPPORT.

SAlways use an overcut to cut small and freely hanging limbs. Undercutting could cause limbs to fall and pinch saw.

PRUNING

WARNING: Limit pruning to limbs shoulder height or below. Do not cut if branches are higher than your shoulder. Get a professional to do the job.

12