Homelite UT43102 Operator's Manual page 20

BUCKING
See Figure 18.
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.
To avoid the danger, keep the SAFE-T-TIP anti-
kickback device attached while cutting. Refer
to Kickback earlier in this manual.
 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 WITH A WEDGE
See Figure 19.
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.
NOTE: When bucking or felling with a wedge, you
may need to remove the SAFE-T-TIP anti-kickback
device to allow the bar to be drawn through the
cut. After you complete the cut, reinstall the tip.
BUCKING LOGS UNDER STRESS
See Figure 20.
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.
OPERATION
KICKBACK
Page 20 — English
WEDGE
LOG SUPPORTED AT ONE END
FINISHING CUT
1ST CUT 1/3 DIAMETER
LOG SUPPORTED AT BOTH ENDS
1ST CUT 1/3 DIAMETER
LOAD
FINISHING CUT
Fig. 18
Fig. 19
LOAD
Fig. 20