SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Instructions concerning the proper techniques
for basic felling, limbing, and cross-cutting
1. Felling a tree
When bucking and felling operations are being
performed by two or more persons at the same time,
the felling operations should be separated from the
bucking operation by a distance of at least twice the
height of the tree being felled. Trees should not be
felled in a manner that would endanger any person,
strike any utility line or cause any property damage.
If the tree does make contact with any utility line, the
company should be notified immediately.
The chain saw operator should keep on the uphill
side of the terrain as the tree is likely to roll or slide
downhill after it is felled.
An escape path should be planned and cleared as
necessary before cuts are started. The escape path
should extend back and diagonally to the rear of the
expected line of fall as illustrated in Figure 1.
Before felling is started, consider the natural lean of
the tree, the location of larger branches and the wind
direction to judge which way the tree will fall.
Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples and
wire from the tree.
2. Notching undercut
Make the notch 1/3 the diameter of the tree,
perpendicular to the direction of falls as illustrated in
Figure 1. Make the lower horizontal notching cut (W)
first. This will help to avoid pinching either the saw
chain or the guide bar when the second notch (X) is
being made.
3. Felling back cut
Make the felling back cut (Y) at least 50 mm higher
than the horizontal notching cut as illustrated in
Figure 1. Keep the felling back cut parallel to the
horizontal notching cut. Make the felling back cut
so 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.
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 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 (Z) to open the cut and drop the
tree along the desired line of fall (
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 (
alert for overhead limbs falling and watch your
footing. (See Figure 1)
Cordless Chain Saw
Fig.1
Fig.1
X
W
W
4. Limbing a tree
Limbing is removing the branches from a fallen tree.
When limbing leave larger lower limbs to support
the log off the ground. Remove the small limbs in
one cut as illustrated in Figure 2. Branches under
tension should be cut from the bottom up to avoid
binding the chain saw.
Fig.2
Fig.2
5. Bucking a log
Bucking is cutting a log into lengths. It is important
to make sure your footing is firm 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.
When the log is supported along its entire length
as illustrated in Figure 3, it is cut from the top
(overbuck), avoid contacting ground as this will
greatly reduce the chain sharpness.
Fig.3
Fig.3
).
). Be
When the log is supported on one end, as illustrated
in Figure 4, cut 1/3 the diameter from the underside
( underbuck) (1). Then make the finished cut by
overbucking (2) to meet the first cut.
Fig.4
Fig.4
Fig.1
50mm
50mm
X
50mm
X
Z
Y
Z
Y
Z
W
Y
2
50mm
50mm
2
50mm
Fig.2
Fig.3
Fig.4
1
1/3
Fig.5
1
1/3
1
1/3
3
3
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
1
1
1
2
2/3
EN
2
2
2/3
2
2
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