Husqvarna BKS 4615 Operating Instructions Manual page 11

S After removing the wood from the notch,
make the felling cut on the opposite side of
the notch. This is done by making a cut
about two inches higher than the center of
the notch. This will leave enough uncut
wood between the felling cut and the notch
to form a hinge. This hinge will help pre-
vent the tree from falling in the wrong direc-
tion.
Hinge holds tree on stump and helps
control fall
Opening
of felling
cut
Closing
of notch
NOTE
: Before felling cut is complete, use
wedges to open the cut when necessary to
control the direction of fall. To avoid kickback
or chain damage, use wood or plastic
wedges, but never steel or iron wedges.
S Be alert to signs that the tree is ready to
fall: cracking sounds, widening of the fell-
ing cut, or movement in the upper
branches.
S As tree starts to fall, stop saw, put it down,
and get away quickly on your planned re-
treat path.
S DO NOT cut down a partially fallen tree
with your saw. Be extremely cautious with
partially fallen trees that may be poorly
supported. When a tree doesn't fall com-
pletely, set the saw aside and pull down the
tree with a cable winch, block and tackle,
or tractor.
CUTTING A FALLEN TREE
(BUCKING)
Bucking is the term used for cutting a fallen
tree to the desired log length.
WARNING
: Do not stand on the log
being cut. Any portion can roll causing loss
of footing and control. Do not stand downhill
of the log being cut.
Important points
S Cut only one log at a time.
S Cut shattered wood very carefully; sharp
pieces of wood could be flung toward oper-
ator.
S Use a sawhorse to cut small logs. Never
allow another person to hold the log while
cutting and never hold the log with your leg
or foot.
S Do not cut in an area where logs, limbs,
and roots are tangled. Drag the logs into a
clear area before cutting by pulling out ex-
posed and cleared logs first.
TYPES OF CUTTING USED FOR
BUCKING
WARNING
: If saw becomes pinched
or hung in a log, don't try to force it out. You
can lose control of the saw resulting in injury
and/or damage to the saw. Stop the saw,
drive a wedge of plastic or wood into the cut
until the saw can be removed easily. Restart
the saw and carefully reenter the cut. Do not
attempt to restart your saw when it is pinched
or hung in a log.
Turn saw and use a plastic or
OFF
wooden wedge to force cut open.
Overcutting begins on the top side of the log
with the saw against the log. When overcut-
ting use light downward pressure.
Overcutting
Undercutting involves cutting on the under-
side of the log with top of saw against the log.
When undercutting use light upward pres-
sure. Hold saw firmly and maintain control.
The saw will tend to push back toward you.
WARNING
: Never turn saw upside
down to undercut. The saw cannot be con-
trolled in this position.
First cut on pressure side of log
Second cut
Second cut
First cut on pressure side of log
BUCKING WITHOUT A
SUPPORT
S Overcut through
of the diameter of the
1/3
log.
S Roll the log over and finish with a second
overcut.
S Give special attention to logs under strain
to prevent the saw from pinching. Make
the first cut on the pressure side to relieve
the stress on the log.
BUCKING USING A LOG OR SUP-
PORT STAND
S Remember your first cut is always on the
pressure side of the log.
S Your first cut should extend
diameter of the log.
S Finish with your second cut.
Using a log for support
11
Undercutting
of the
1/3
nd
2 Cut
st
1 Cut