Full Product Manual

CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS
FELLING A TREE
When bucking and felling operations are being performed by two
or more persons, at the same time, the felling operation 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 utility company should be notified
immediately.
WARNING: Check the tree for damaged or dead branches that
could fall and hit you during felling.
Before any cuts are started, pick your escape route (or routes in
case the intended route is blocked); clear the immediate area
around the tree and make sure there are no obstructions in your
planned path of retreat. A clear path of safe retreat is approxi-
mately 135 degrees from planned line of fall. The retreat path
should extend back and diagonally to the rear of the expected
line of fall. (Fig. 22)
Before felling is started, consider the force and direction of the
wind, the lean and balance of the tree, and the location of large
limbs. These things influence the direction in which the tree will
fall. Do not try to fell a tree along a line different from its natural
line of fall.
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.
Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples, and wire from the
tree where felling cuts are to be made.
NOTCHED UNDERCUT – Cut a notch about 1/3 diameter of the
tree, perpendicular to the direction of the fall. Make the cuts of
the notch so they intersect at a right angle to the line of fall. This
notch should be cleaned out to leave a straight line. To keep the
weight of the wood off the saw, always make the lower cut of the
notch before the upper cut.
WARNING: Do not fell trees during periods of high wind or heavy
precipitation. Wait to do your cutting until the hazard has ended.
WARNING: Do not cut down trees having an extreme lean
or large trees that have rotten limbs, loose bark, or hollow
trunks. Have these trees pushed or dragged down with heavy
equipment, then cut them up.
FELLING BACK-CUT ( Fig 23,24,25)
The back-cut is always made level and horizontal, and at a
minimum of 2 inches (5cm) above the horizontal cut of the notch.
Never cut through to the notch. Always leave a band of wood
between the notch and back-cut (approximately 2 inches (5cm)
or 1/10 the diameter of the tree). This is called “hinge” or “hinge
wood.” It controls the fall of the tree and prevents slipping or
twisting or shoot-back of the tree off the stump.
On large diameter trees, stop the back cut before it is deep
enough for the tree to either fall or settle
back on the stump. Then insert soft
wooden or plastic wedges into the cut so
they do not touch the chain. The wedges
can be driven in, little by little, to help jack
the tree over.
Fig. 22
Fig 23
12
Model LCS31662S
As the tree starts to fall, stop the chain saw and put it down
immediately. Retreat along the cleared path, but watch
the action in case something falls your way. Be alert for
overhead limbs or branches that may fall and watch your
footing.
WARNING: Never cut through to the notch when making
a back-cut. The hinge controls the fall of the tree, this is a
section of wood between the notch and back-cut.
BUCKING
Bucking is the term used for cutting a fallen tree to the
desired log length.
Always make sure your footing is secure and your weight is
distributed evenly on both feet.
Cut only one log at a time. Support small logs on a saw
horse or another log while bucking.
Keep a clear cutting area. Make sure that no objects can
contact the guide bar nose and chain during cutting, this can
cause kickback.
When bucking on a slope, always stand on the uphill side
of the log. To maintain complete control of the chain saw
when cutting through the log, release the cutting pressure
near the end of the cut without relaxing your grip on the
chain saw handles. Do not let the chain contact the ground.
After completing the cut, wait for the saw chain to stop
before you move the chain saw. Always stop the motor
before moving from tree to tree.
BUCKING LOGS UNDER STRESS
When the log is supported along its entire length, it should
be cut from the top or over-bucking.
When the log is supported on one end, cut 1/3 diameter from
the underside or under-bucking. Then make the finishing cut
by over-bucking to meet the first cut.
As the log is being cut, it will tend to bend. The saw can
become pinched or hung in the log if you make the first cut
deeper than 1/3 of the diameter of the log.
Give special attention to logs under stress to prevent the bar
and chain from pinching.
OVERBUCKING – Begin on the top
side of the log with the bottom of
the saw against the log; exert light
pressure downward. Note that the
saw will tend to pull away from you.
(Fig. 26)
UNDER-BUCKING – Begin on the
under side of the log with the top of
the saw against the log; exert light
pressure upward. During
under-bucking, the saw will tend to
push back at you. Be prepared for
this reaction and hold the saw firmly
to maintain control. (Fig. 27)
Fig. 24 Fig. 25
Fig. 26
Fig. 27