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How to Use (cont.)How to Use (cont.)
WARNING:
Kickback is when the bar of the saw is driven rapidly up and back toward the
operator while cutting and may cause loss of control of the saw. It is usually
caused by Incorrect operating procedures or poor conditions.
• Decreasing the depth gauge height can lead to increased kickback. The depth
gauge should be maintained at a clearance of .025 in. (0.6 mm). Use a depth
gauge tool for checking the depth gauge clearances or have a qualied service
person check it.
• Kickback may occur when the tip of the bar touches an object, or when the
wood pinches the chain in the cut.
• Pinching the saw chain along the top of the bar may cause kickback.
• Ensure the area in which you are cutting is free from obstructions.
• Always cut with the saw running at full speed. Fully squeeze the trigger and
maintain a steady cutting speed.
• Wear nonslip gloves for maximum grip protection.
• Cut lower branches rst to allow the top branches more room to fall.
• Maintain a rm grip, with thumbs and ngers encircling the chain saw handles.
Keep both hands on the saw and position your body and arms to allow you to
resist kickback forces. DO NOT let go of the chain saw.
BUCKING is cutting a fallen tree to the desired log length.
1. 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. When a log is supported along its entire length, use
overbucking.
2. Underbucking: Begin on the under side of the log with the top of the saw
against the log; exert light pressure upward. During underbucking, the saw will
tend to push back at you. When a log is supported on one end, cut ⅓diameter
from the underside (underbucking) and make the nishing cut by overbucking
to meet the rst cut.
3. Always make sure your footing is secure and your weight is distributed evenly
on both feet.
4. Cut only one log at a time. Support small logs on a saw horse or another log
while bucking.
5. Keep a clear cutting area. Make sure that no objects can contact the bar tip
or chain during cutting.
6. When bucking on a slope, stand on the uphill side of the log.
7. When cutting through, release the cutting pressure near the end of the cut
without relaxing your grip on the handles. DO NOT let the chain contact the
ground.
8. After completing the cut, wait for the chain to stop before you move the saw.
Always stop the motor before moving from tree to tree.
LIMBING is removing branches from a fallen tree.
1. Work slowly, keeping both hands on the saw with a rm grip.
2. Always make sure your footing is secure and your weight is distributed evenly
on both feet.
3. Leave the larger limbs under the tree to keep the tree off the ground while
cutting.
4. Cut 1 limb at a time and remove the cut limbs from the area often to keep the
work area clean and safe.
5. Branches under tension should be cut from the bottom up to avoid binding the
saw.
6. Keep the tree between you and the saw while limbing. Cut from the side of the
tree opposite the branch you are cutting.
PRUNING is trimming limbs from a standing tree.
1. Work slowly, keep both hands on the pole saw with a rm grip and the handle
positioned rmly against your body for added control and ease of handling.
2. Always make sure your footing is secure and your weight is distributed evenly
on both feet.
3. When pruning trees, it is important not to make the nishing cut next to the
main limb or trunk until you have cut off the limb further out to reduce the
weight. This prevents stripping the bark from the main limb or trunk.
4. Make the 1st cut 6" from the tree trunk on underside of limb. Cut ⅓through
diameter of limb.
5. Make the 2nd cut from above the limb, 2–4" farther
out. Cut through the limb.
6. Make the 3rd cut as close to tree trunk as possible
on underside of limb stub. Cut ⅓through diameter
of stub.
7. Make the 4th cut directly above third cut. Cut
down to meet the 3rd cut and remove limb stub.
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
