Proper Techniques For Basic Bucking, Limbing; Pruning And Felling; Intended Uses; Bucking - Stihl MSA 120 C Instruction Manual

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8 Proper Techniques for Basic Bucking,
Limbing, Pruning and Felling
8.1

Intended Uses

WARNING
￭ This chain saw is not designed for felling large trees or
cutting large diameter logs.
￭ For cutting larger trees, logs or branches, a larger, more
powerful and faster saw may be necessary to reduce the
risk of binding, stalling or a change in conditions during
longer cutting times. Interruption of cutting speeds or a
loss of power during a felling or limbing operation can
result in an inability to control the fall of a tree or limb, and
can lead to serious or fatal personal injury.
￭ Before starting any felling, limbing, bucking or pruning
operation, fully charge your STIHL AK battery and ensure
that all cuts necessary to fell the tree or sever the limb can
be completed on a single charge.
– Fully charge the STIHL AK battery before starting
work.
– Ensure that all necessary felling or limbing cuts can
be completed using the existing charge before
starting any limbing, bucking, pruning or felling cut.
– If you have any doubt that the tree can be brought
down or the limb severed on the remaining charge,
use a more powerful chain saw or consult a tree
removal professional before starting the work.
￭ Position the chain saw in such a way that your body is
clear of the cutting attachment whenever the motor is
running. Stand to the left of the cut while bucking, outside
of the cutting plane.
8.2

Bucking

Bucking is cutting a log into sections.
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8 Proper Techniques for Basic Bucking, Limbing, Pruning and Felling
WARNING
￭ Be aware of rolling logs. Rolling logs can cause serious or
fatal personal injury. To prevent a log from rolling while
bucking:
– Make sure the log is secure and will not roll downhill
before starting your cut. If necessary, use sturdy
wedges, shims or chocks.
– If on a slope, always stand on the uphill side of the
log.
– Never stand on the log.
￭ To reduce the risk of kickback caused by contacting the
nose of the guide bar with other logs or limbs:
– Cut only one log at a time.
– Do not cut logs in a pile.
￭ When cutting shattered wood, sharp slivers of wood may
be caught and flung in the direction of the operator of the
saw or bystanders.
– Use caution when cutting shattered wood and
always wear appropriate apparel and personal
protective equipment, including eye protection.
– Keep bystanders out of the work area.
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