Limbing - Stihl MSA 120 C Instruction Manual

8 Proper Techniques for Basic Bucking, Limbing, Pruning and Felling
￭ When cutting smaller logs, make sure the log is properly
supported to reduce the risk of personal injury from loss of
control of the chain saw or movement of the log. Small
logs can move when contacted by the teeth of the saw
chain:
– Place logs through "V-shaped" supports on top of a
sawhorse whenever possible.
– Never permit another person to hold the log.
– Never stabilize the log with your leg or foot.
￭ Failing to control the saw at the bottom of a bucking cut
can cause severe personal injury or death.
– Prepare the saw to exit the bottom of the cut by
reducing the feed force you exert on the saw.
– Cushion the weight of the chain saw so that the bar
and chain are not thrust downward into your lower
body and legs as the bar/chain exits the cut.
When bucking:
► Position the bumper spike of the saw against the log and
use it as a fulcrum.
► Continually repositioning the bumper spike while pushing
the guide bar completely through the log.
8.3

Limbing

Limbing is removing the branches from a fallen tree.
0458-716-8621-C
WARNING
￭ To prevent a log from rolling while limbing:
– Start limbing by leaving the limbs on the lower,
downhill side of the log to hold the log off the ground.
– Stabilize the log with sturdy wedges, shims or
chocks, if necessary.
– Never stand on a log while limbing it.
￭ There is an increased danger of kickback during limbing
operations, as limbs, leaves, stems and other material can
entangle (bind) the cutters of the chain in the upper
quadrant of the bar nose, causing the chain to slow or stop
suddenly.
– Do not use the nose of the bar to cut limbs.
– Be extremely cautious and avoid contacting the log,
the ground, other limbs and any leafy materials with
the nose of the guide bar.
￭ When underbucking freely hanging limbs, a pinch may
result or the limb may fall, hitting the operator or the chain
saw and causing loss of control.
– If a pinch occurs that traps or holds the bar or chain,
switch off the motor, activate the chain brake and
remove the battery from the saw before attempting
to remove the saw from the cut, exercising caution
that the limb does not suddenly snap or release.
￭ Limbs or logs under tension (spring poles) can spring back
toward you with great force, striking you or causing you to
lose control of the saw, resulting in severe or fatal injury.
– Be extremely cautious when cutting limbs or logs
that may be under tension.
– Read and follow the warnings and instructions on
cutting logs under tension, @ 8.5.
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