Basic cuts
1.Support log in a stable position.
2.Check for adequate clearance for cut.
3.Allow saw to come to full speed be- fore cutting.
Overbucking, or cutting down through log (Fig. 19)
1.Place lower end of spiked bumper against the log.
2.Pivot saw into the cut and allow it to cut its way down.
3.Reposition spiked bumper lower down and repeat working down the log until through the cut.
Fig. 19
Underbucking, or cutting up from the
Felling a Tree
Work area (Fig. 21)
•Do not fell trees by roads, power lines, or buildings without permission from appropriate authorities. Traffic control or other preparations may be neces- sary. If a felled tree contacts a power line do not go near it. Notify the power company and provide a warning for others.
•Keep bystanders, coworkers, pets etc. at a distance at least twice the height of the tallest tree being felled.
Fig. 21
• When bucking and felling operations are |
being performed by two or more per- |
sons at the same time, the felling op- |
eration should be separated from the |
bucking operation by a distance of at |
least twice the height of the tree being |
felled. |
• Check intended cut area for nails, fence |
Notching (Fig. 23)
1.Make a lower horizontal notching cut about 1/3 of the way through the tree
(A). This will help to avoid pinching of the saw chain or guide bar when the second cut is made.
Fig. 23 | B. |
| A. |
2.Make an angled cut to finish the notch
(B).
Felling back cut (Fig. 24 & 25)
1.Make a horizontal felling back cut 2" above the initial notching cut so that there will be a 2" "hinge" (A) created in the tree. Do not cut through the hinge. The hinge prevents the tree from twist- ing and falling in the wrong direction when felled.
2.Usually the tree will begin to fall as you complete the felling back cut. However if it does not, remove the saw and drive nonmetallic wedges (B) into the felling back cut until the tree begins to fall.
3.Remove the saw from the cut, stop the motor and put the saw down. Watch out for falling limbs and move away from falling tree following the retreat path. Watch your footing as you move away from the tree.
Limbing a tree (Fig. 26)
"Limbing" is removing the branches from a fallen tree.
1.Cut the smaller upper limbs of the tree first and let the larger lower limbs hold the tree off of the ground.
2.Cut limbs under tension in a direction so that the tension causes the cut to open up rather than pinch the chain and guide bar.
Usually this means cut limbs under ten- sion from the bottom (A).
Fig. 26
bottom of a log (Fig. 20)
Most cuts should be made according to the overbucking instructions. But, in some situ- ations, it may be necessary to cut with the top of the guide bar.
wire, stones etc. and remove these |
materials before cutting. |
Retreat path (Fig. 22)
• | Before beginning to fell a tree, clear |
Fig. 24
2"
A
A
1.Be prepared for a "pushing" action from the saw. Keep in mind instructions listed under "preparing for kickback".
2.Allow saw to come to full speed.
3.Lift the saw into the cut in a controlled motion.
Fig. 20
retreat paths (A) at 45º angles to the |
line of the fall (B). |
Fig. 22 A
B
A
•The operator should be on the uphill side of the terrain when felling a tree. Toward the end of the cut, be prepared for the tree to roll or slide down the hill.
•The wind speed and direction and the shape of the tree and its limbs will af- fect the direction of the fall. If unsure of any this information, call a profes- sional for help.
2"
NOTE: When cutting larger diameter trees, as the felling back cut progresses, drive nonmetallic (wood or plastic) wedges into the felling back cut (B). These wedges help to keep the felling back cut open and reduce the risk of the tree "leaning back" onto the guide bar and chain. Continue to add wedges as needed until felling back cut creates the 2" "hinge".
Fig. 25
B
3.Do not remove the larger supporting limbs until the tree is bucked into shorter logs. See directions below.
12 | 13 |
