Replacement Part List

10
• 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. Clear paths of safe retreat should extend
back and diagonally (45°) to the rear of the planned
line of fall. When the tree begins to fall, you should
retreat away from the direction of fall along a retreat
path and at least 20 feet away from the trunk in case
it kicks back over the stump.
• 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
inuence the direction in which the tree will fall. Do
not try to fell a tree along a line di󰀨erent from its
natural line of fall.
• The chainsaw 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 (a notch cut in a tree that directs
the tree’s fall). Cut a notch about 1/3 the diameter of
the tree, perpendicular to the direction of 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 o󰀨 the saw, always make the lower cut of the
notch before the upper cut.
Direction of fall
Hinge
2" or
1/10
dia.
Back Cut
2"
Notch -
Approx. 1/3
Diameter of
Trunk
Back Cut
Hinge
Notch
• Felling Backcut (the nal cut in a tree felling opera-
tion made on the opposite side of the tree from the
notching undercut). The backcut is always made
level and horizontal, and at a minimum of 2" above
the horizontal cut of the notch.
• Never cut through to the notch. Always leave a band
of wood between the notch and backcut (approxi-
mately 2" or 1/10 the diameter of the tree). This is
called “hinge” or “hingewood.” It controls the fall of
the tree and prevents slipping or twisting or shoot-
back of the tree o󰀨 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.
Wedge
• As tree starts to fall, stop the chainsaw 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 backcut. The hinge
controls the fall of the tree, this is the section of
wood between the notch and backcut.
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.
• Never allow someone to hold the log during cutting.
• Never stabilize log with leg or feet.
Kickback
• When bucking on a slope, always stand on the uphill
side of the log. To maintain complete control of the
chainsaw when cutting through the log, release the
cutting pressure near the end of the cut without
relaxing your grip on the chainsaw handles. Do not
let the chain contact the ground. After completing
the cut, wait for the saw chain to stop before you
move the chainsaw. Always stop the motor before
moving from tree to tree.