Instruction Manual

0458-787-8621-A
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English 8 Proper Techniques for Basic Bucking, Limbing, Pruning and Felling
8.2 Cutting Logs Under Tension
WARNING
￭ There is an increased danger of pinching the chain saw
when cutting logs under tension. The tension in wood can
also release suddenly and with great force, propelling the
log, limb or chain saw into the saw operator, causing injury
or loss of control.
￭ To reduce the risk of severe or fatal personal injury from
reactive forces, including kickback, or loss of control when
cutting wood under tension:
– Always start with a relieving cut (1) at the
compression side of the log, and then make a
bucking cut (2) at the tension side.
– If a pinch occurs that traps the bar/chain, shut off the
engine and activate the chain brake before
attempting to remove the saw from the log,
exercising caution that the limb does not suddenly
snap or release.
￭ Working in areas where logs, limbs and roots are tangled
is extremely dangerous.
– Drag the logs, limbs and other material to be cut into
a clear area before cutting. Pull out exposed and
cleared logs first. Do not cut where the tip of the bar
may come into contact with other logs, limbs or leafy
material.
8.3 Limbing
Limbing is removing the branches from a fallen tree.
WARNING
￭ To prevent a log from rolling while limbing:
– Start limbing by leaving the limbs on the lower,
downhill side of the log to hold the log off the ground.
– Stabilize the log with sturdy wedges, shims or
chocks, if necessary.
– Never stand on a log while limbing it.
￭ There is an increased danger of kickback during limbing
operations, as limbs, leaves, stems and other material can
entangle (bind) the cutters of the chain in the upper
quadrant of the bar nose, causing the chain to slow or stop
suddenly.
– Do not use the nose of the bar to cut limbs.
– Be extremely cautious and avoid contacting the log,
the ground, other limbs and any leafy materials with
the nose of the guide bar.
￭ When underbucking freely hanging limbs, a pinch may
result or the limb may fall, hitting the operator or the chain
saw and causing loss of control.
– If a pinch occurs that traps or holds the bar or chain,
shut off the engine and activate the chain brake
before attempting to remove the saw from the cut,
exercising caution that the limb does not suddenly
snap or release.
￭ Limbs or logs under tension (spring poles) can spring back
toward you with great force, striking you or causing you to
lose control of the saw, resulting in severe or fatal injury.
– Be extremely cautious when cutting limbs or logs
that may be under tension.
– Read and follow the warnings and instructions on
cutting logs under tension, @ 8.2.
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