Limbing A Tree - Makita GCU05 Instruction Manual

An escape path should be planned and cleared as nec-
essary before cuts are started. The escape path should
extend back and diagonally to the rear of the expected
line of fall as illustrated.
3
Fig.26
► 1. Felling direction 2. Danger zone 3. Escape route
Before felling is started, consider the natural lean of the
tree, the location of larger branches and the wind direc-
tion to judge which way the tree will fall.
Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples and wire
from the tree.
Notching undercut and felling back cut
CAUTION:
Do not cut the hinge under any
circumstances. The tree may fall unexpectedly.
NOTICE:
Use plastic or aluminum wedges to
keep the back cut open. Do not use iron wedges.
5
4
Fig.27
► 1. 50 mm (2") 2. Felling back cut 3. Hinge 4. Notch
5. Direction of fall
Make the notch 1/3 the diameter of the tree, perpen-
dicular to the direction of falls as illustrated. Make the
lower horizontal notching cut first. This will help to avoid
pinching either the saw chain or the guide bar when the
second notch is being made.
Make the felling back cut at least 50 mm (2") higher
than the horizontal notching cut as illustrated. Keep the
felling back cut parallel to the horizontal notching cut.
Make the felling back cut so enough wood is left to act
as a hinge. The hinge wood keeps the tree from twisting
and falling in the wrong direction. Do not cut through
the hinge.
1
2
3
2
1
2
3
As the felling gets close to the hinge, the tree should
begin to fall. If there is any chance that the tree may
not fall in desired direction or it may rock back and bind
the saw chain, stop cutting before the felling back cut is
complete and use wedges of wood, plastic or aluminium
to open the cut and drop the tree along the desired line
of fall.
When the tree begins to fall, remove the chain saw
from the cut, stop the motor, put the chain saw down,
then use the retreat path planned. Be alert for overhead
limbs falling and watch your footing.

Limbing a tree

CAUTION:
trained persons. A hazard is presented by the risk
of kickback.
Limbing is removing the branches from a fallen tree.
When limbing leave larger lower limbs to support the
log off the ground. Remove the small limbs in one cut as
illustrated. Branches under tension should be cut from
the bottom up to avoid binding the chain saw.
1
Fig.28
► 1. Limb cut
1
Cross-cutting/bucking a log
Cross-cutting/bucking is cutting a log into lengths. It
is important to make sure your footing is firm and your
weight is evenly distributed on both feet. When possi-
ble, the log should be raised and supported by the use
of limbs, logs or chocks. Follow the simple directions for
easy cutting.
When the log is supported along its entire length as
illustrated, it is cut from the top (overbuck).
Fig.29
15 ENGLISH
Limbing may only be performed by