OPERATION

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65

DO 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 completely, set the saw aside and pull down the tree with a cable winch, block and tackle, or tractor.

Buttress Roots

A buttress root is a large root extending from the trunk of the tree above ground. Large buttress roots should be removed prior to felling. Make the horizontal cut (A, Fig. 63) into the buttress first, followed by the vertical cut (B). Remove the resulting loose section (C) from the work area. Utilize the proper instructions from the Operation-Tree Felling section of the manual after the large buttress roots have been removed.

Bucking

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

Cut only one log at a time.

WARNING: Support small logs on a saw horse or another log while bucking. Never allow another per- son to hold the log while cutting and never hold the log with your leg or foot.

WARNING: Keep a clear cutting area. Make sure that no objects can contact the guide bar nose and chain during cutting, this can cause kickback (D, Fig. 64).

WARNING: During bucking operations always stand on the uphill side so that the cut-off section of the log can not roll over you.

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 (E, Fig. 65). Restart the saw and carefully reenter the cut. Do not attempt to restart your saw when it is pinched or hung in a log.

WARNING: Do not stand on the log being cut. Any portion can roll causing loss of footing and control. Do not cut in an area where logs, limbs, and roots are tangled. Drag the logs into a clear area before cutting by pulling out exposed and cleared logs first.

Bucking with a Wedge

If the wood diameter is large enough for you to insert a soft bucking wedge (E, Fig. 65) without touching the chain, you should use the wedge to hold the cut open to prevent pinching.

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