Craftsman 360.352001 Operator's Manual page 8

LIMBING(Removing l imbsfromfelledtrees)
WARNING: Of
all the cutting operations,limbingis the
one that holdsthe mostchance of unforeseen injury.
The danger of kickbackis most prevalent during
limbingif the bar nose comes in contact with another
branch or the side of the tree (see "Kickback
Conditionsand Prevention'),
Professionalloggershave developed various safe,
efficientand effectivelimbingtechniqueswhich you
must follow.The followinginstructions are a few of the
basic safe work habitsfor a chainsaw operatorwhile
limbingor removingbranchesfrom a tree.
1. Before startingto limb, be sure the branch is on a
safe side of the log, uphill,and on the side
oppositeof any potentialmotion the cut branch
mightmake (Fig. 14).
FIGURE 14
6. Craftsman saws are designedto allowthe
powerheed to glide over the trunkduring limblng.
Cut the branches in a swingingbeck and forth
movement with the saw remainingon the tree.
This is knownas the =pendulum method."
7. Pdor to cuttingthe branches,considerthe
directionin whichthe branches may fall. Thiswill
determine whether you cut from the top down
(overbuck, Fig. 16) or from below up (underbuck,
Fig. 17).
8. Watch out for branches under tensionwhichcan
snap back. Tension mustbe removed before
these branches can be safely cut. Beware of
potentialkickbacksituations.
9. If large branches are to be used for firewood, cut
them to length while stillattached to the tree. This
is an easier and safer method than bucking
branches on the ground (Fig. 16 & 17).
10. If you tire during limbing, STOP! Rest, then
resume work.
11. Never change the positionof the feet or hands
while in the midstof a cut.
RGURE 16
Overbucklng
2. Do not stand on a log while limbing.You may slip,
fall or the log may roll. Maintainsure footing.
3; Never use the bar nose to cut branches.
4. Bendthe knees slightly.Positionthe rightleg
behindthe leftside of the chain saw and the left
leg forward and outward away from contact range
of bar. Assume a comfortable stance with the feet
spreadapart. CAUTION: If you change position,
the bar must always be on the side of the tree
oppositeyou. Keep the tree trunk between you
and the bar.
5. Rest the chainsaw bodyon the trunk as much as
possible(Fig. 15).
FIGURE 15
RGURE 17
Underbucldng
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