Ryobi RY40505 Operator's Manual page 19

Do not cut trees near electrical wires or buildings.
Check the tree for damaged or dead branches that could
fall and hit you during felling.
Periodically glance at the top of the tree during the
backcut to assure the tree is going to fall in the desired
direction.
If the tree starts to fall in the wrong direction, or if the saw
gets caught or hung up during the fall, leave the saw and
save yourself!
Felling a tree — When bucking and felling operations are
being performed by two or more persons, at the same
time, the felling operation should be separated from the
bucking operation by a distance of at least twice the
height of the tree being felled. Trees should not be felled
in a manner that would endanger any person, strike any
utility line or cause any property damage. If the tree does
make contact with any utility line, the utility company
should be notified immediately.
Before any cuts are started, pick your escape route (or
routes in case the intended route is blocked); clear the im-
mediate area around the tree and make sure there are no
obstructions in your planned path of retreat. Clear paths
of safe retreat should extend back and diagonally (45°) to
the rear of the planned line of fall. When the tree begins
to fall, you should retreat away from the direction of fall
along a retreat path and at least 20 feet away from the
trunk in case it kicks back over the stump. See Figure 15.
Before felling is started, consider the force and direction
of the wind, the lean and balance of the tree, and the lo-
cation of large limbs. These things influence the direction
in which the tree will fall. Do not try to fell a tree along a
line different from its natural line of fall.
The chain saw operator should keep on the uphill side
of the terrain as the tree is likely to roll or slide downhill
after it is felled.
Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples, and wire
from the tree where felling cuts are to be made.
Notched Undercut. Cut a notch about 1/3 the diameter
of the tree, perpendicular to the direction of fall. Make the
cuts of the notch so they intersect at a right angle to the
line of fall. This notch should be cleaned out to leave a
straight line. To keep the weight of the wood off the saw,
always make the lower cut of the notch before the upper
cut. See Figure 16.
Felling Backcut. The backcut is always made level and
horizontal, and at a minimum of 2 in. above the horizontal
cut of the notch. See Figures 16 - 17.
Never cut through to the notch. Always leave a band of
wood between the notch and backcut (approximately 2 in.
or 1/10 the diameter of the tree). This is called "hinge" or
"hingewood." It controls the fall of the tree and prevents
slipping or twisting or shoot-back of the tree off the stump.
See Figures 16 - 17.
OPERATION
On large diameter trees, stop the back cut before it is
deep enough for the tree to either fall or settle back on
the stump. Then insert soft wooden or plastic wedges
into the cut so they do not touch the chain. The wedges
can be driven in, little by little, to help jack the tree over.
See Figure 18.
As tree starts to fall, stop the chain saw and put it down
immediately. Retreat along the cleared path, but watch
the action in case something falls your way. Be alert for
overhead limbs or branches that may fall and watch your
footing.
WARNING:
Never cut through to the notch when making a backcut.
The hinge controls the fall of the tree, this is the section
of wood between the notch and backcut.
BUCKING
See Figures 19 - 22.
Bucking is the term used for cutting a fallen tree to the de-
sired log length.
Always make sure your footing is secure and your weight
is distributed evenly on both feet.
Cut only one log at a time.
Support small logs on a saw horse or another log while
bucking.
Keep a clear cutting area. Make sure that no objects can
contact the guide bar nose and chain during cutting, this
can cause kickback.
When bucking on a slope, always stand on the uphill side
of the log. To maintain complete control of the chain saw
when cutting through the log, release the cutting pres-
sure near the end of the cut without relaxing your grip on
the chain saw handles. Do not let the chain contact the
ground. After completing the cut, wait for the saw chain
to stop before you move the chain saw. Always stop the
motor before moving from tree to tree.
Sometimes it is impossible to avoid pinching (with just
standard cutting techniques) or difficult to predict which
way a log will settle when cut. To avoid pinching while cut-
ting, rotate or move the log so that the pinch is eliminated.
BUCKING LOGS UNDER STRESS
See Figures 21 - 22.
When the log is supported along its entire length, it should
be cut from the top or overbucking.
When the log is supported on one end, cut 1/3 the diameter
from the underside or underbucking. Then make the finishing
cut by overbucking to meet the first cut.
13 - English