Homelite UT74121A HINGE 5 cm 2 in. OR 1/10 DIA NOTCH APPROX. 1/3 DIAMETER OF TRUNK, Back Cut

OPERATION

3.Cut a notch about one-third the diameter of the trunk in the side of the tree. Make the notch cuts so they intersect at right angles to the line of fall. This notch should be cleaned out to leave a straight line. To keep the weight of the wood off the saw, always make the lower cut of the notch before the upper cut. See Figure 31.

4.Make the back-cut level and horizontal, and at a minimum of 5 cm (2 in.) above the horizontal cut of the notch.

See Figure 31.

NOTE: Never cut through to the notch. Always leave a band of wood between the notch and back cut (approximately 5 cm (2 in.) or one-tenth the diameter of the tree). This is called “hinge” or “hinge wood”. It controls the fall of the tree and prevents slipping or twisting or shoot-back of the tree off the stump. See Figure 32.

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. Drive wedges in, little by little, to help jack the tree over.

See Figure 33.

When bucking or felling with a wedge, it may be necessary to remove the SAFE-T-TIP anti-kick-back device to allow the bar to be drawn through the cut. After you complete the cut, reinstall the tip immediately.

5.As tree starts to fall, stop the chainsaw and put it down immediately. Retreat along the cleared path, but watch the action in case something falls your way.

HINGE

5 cm (2 in.) OR 1/10 DIA

NOTCH -

APPROX. 1/3

DIAMETER OF

TRUNK

BACK CUT
5 cm (2 in.)	Fig. 31

HINGE

BACK CUT

Fig. 32

WARNING:

Never cut through to the notch when making a back cut. The hinge controls the fall of the tree: this is the section of wood between the notch and back cut.

WEDGE

Fig. 33

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