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 branches 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 Work slowly, keeping both hands firmly gripped on the saw. Maintain secure footing and balance.

SWatch out for springpoles. Springpoles are small size limbs which can catch the saw chain and whip toward you or pull you off bal- ance. Use extreme caution when cutting

small size limbs or slender material.

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 released.

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.

SLeave the larger limbs underneath the felled

tree to support the tree as you work.

SStart at the base of the felled tree and work toward the top, cutting branches and limbs.

Remove small limbs with one cut.

SKeep the tree between you and the chain. Cut from the side of the tree opposite the branch you are cutting.

S Remove larger, supporting branches with the cutting techniques described in BUCK-

ING WITHOUT A SUPPORT.

SAlways use an overcut to cut small and free- ly hanging limbs. Undercutting could cause limbs to fall and pinch the 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.

SMake your first cut 1/3 of the way through the bottom of the limb.

SNext make a 2nd cut all the way through the limb. Then cut a third overcut leaving a 1 to 2 inch (2.5 to 5 cm) collar from the truck of the tree.

Second cut

Third cut

Collar

First cut

Pruning technique

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Poulan SM4218 AV instruction manual Limbing and Pruning Important Points