Use and Care Manual
15
Make the lower horizontal notching cut rst.
This will help to avoid pinching either the saw chain or the 
guide bar when the second notch is made.
• Felling back cut
i)  Make the felling back cut at least 2 in. (50 mm) higher than 
the horizontal notching cut as illustrated (Fig. 16). Keep 
the felling back cut parallel to the horizontal notching cut. 
Strategically position the felling back cut so that enough 
wood is left to act as a hinge. The hinge wood keeps the 
tree from twisting and falling in the wrong direction. Do not 
cut through the hinge.
ii)  As the felling gets close to the hinge, the tree should begin 
to fall. If there is any chance that the tree may not fall in 
the desired direction or it may rock back and bind the saw 
chain, stop cutting before the felling back cut is complete 
and use wedges of wood, plastic or aluminium to open the 
cut and drop the tree along the desired line of fall.
iii) When the tree begins to fall, remove the chain saw from 
the cut, stop the motor, put the chain saw down, then 
use the retreat path planned. Be alert for overhead limbs 
falling and watch your footing.
• Limbing a tree
Limbing is the process in which branches are removed from a 
fallen tree. When limbing, leave larger lower limbs to support 
the log o the ground. Remove the small limbs in one cut as 
illustrated (Fig. 18). Branches under tension should be cut from 
the bottom up to avoid binding the chain saw.
mWARNING! Pay special attention to where the branches 
are lying on the ground and recognize the following risks: 1) 
the branches may be under tension; 2) the direction in which 
the branch will fall during cutting may dier from what you had 
anticipated; 3) the tree may be unstable after the branch has 
been cut.
• Bucking a log
Bucking is the process in which a log is cut into lengths. It is 
important to make sure your footing is rm and your weight is 
evenly distributed on both feet. When possible, the log should 
be raised and supported by the use of limbs, logs or chocks. 
Follow the simple directions for easy cutting.
i)  When the log is supported along its entire length as 
illustrated (Fig. 19A), it is cut from the top (overbuck).
ii)  When the log is supported on one end (Fig. 19B), cut 1/3 
the diameter from the underside (underbuck). Then make 
the nished cut by overbucking to meet the rst cut.
iii) When the log is supported on both ends (Fig. 19C), cut 
1/3 the diameter from the top (overbuck). Then make the 
nished cut by underbucking the lower 2/3 to meet the 
rst cut.
1
2
1
Fig. 18
1
Fig. 19A
1
2
Fig. 19B
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2
Fig. 19C










