Ryobi RCS4235B Type III Original Instruction page 18

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.
n Cut a notch about 1/3 the diameter of the trunk in the
side of the tree. Make the notch cuts 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.
n Make the back cut level and horizontal, and at a
minimum of 2 in. above the horizontal cut of the
notch.
Note: Never cut through to the notch. Always leave
a band of wood between the notch and back cut
(approximately 2 in. or 1/10 the diameter of the tree).
This is called a "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.
n 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.
Drive wedges in, little by little, to help jack the tree
over.
n 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.
WARNING:
Never cut through to the notch when making a
back cut. The hinge controls the fall of the tree,
this is the section of wood between the notch
and back cut.
REMOVING BUTTRESS ROOTS
See Figure 27.
A buttress root is a large root extending from the trunk of
the tree above the ground. Remove large buttress roots
prior to felling. Make the horizontal cut into the buttress
first, followed by the vertical cut. Remove the resulting
loose section from the work area. Follow the correct tree
felling procedure as stated in Proper procedure for tree
felling after you have removed the large buttress roots.
BUCKING
See Figure 28.
Bucking is the term used for cutting a fallen tree to the
desired log length.
n Cut only one log at a time.
n Support small logs on a saw horse or another log
while bucking.
n Keep a clear cutting area. Make sure that no objects
can contact the guide bar nose and chain during
cutting, this can cause Kickback. Refer to Kickback
in the Specific Safety Rules section of this manual for
English (Original Instructions)
n During bucking operations, stand on the uphill side so
n Sometimes it is impossible to avoid pinching (with
BUCKING WITH A WEDGE
See Figure 29.
If the wood diameter is large enough for you to insert
a soft bucking wedge without touching the chain, you
should use the wedge to hold the cut open to prevent
pinching.
BUCKING LOGS UNDER STRESS
See Figure 30.
Make the first bucking cut 1/3 of the way through the log
and finish with a 2/3 cut on the opposite side. As you cut
the log, 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
See Figure 31.
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.
UNDERBUCKING
See Figure 32.
Begin on the underside 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.
BRANCH TRIMMING AND PRUNING
See Figures 33 - 34.
n Work slowly, keeping both hands on the saw with a
n Keep the tree between you and the chain while
n Do not cut from a ladder. This is extremely
n Do not cut above chest height. A saw held higher than
n When pruning trees it is important not to make the
17
more information.
that the cut-off section of the log cannot roll over you.
just standard cutting techniques) or difficult to predict
which way a log will settle when cut.
firm grip. Maintain secure footing and balance.
limbing.
dangerous. Leave this operation for professionals.
chest height is difficult to control against kickback.
WARNING:
Never climb into a tree to limb or prune. Do
not stand on ladders, platforms, a log, or in
any position which can cause you to lose your
balance or control of the saw.
flush cut next to the main limb or trunk until you have