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LIMBING
(Removing
limbs from felled trees)
WARNING: Of all the cutting operations, limbing is the
one that holds the most chance of unforeseen injury.
The danger of kickback is most prevalent during
limbing if the bar nose comes in contact with another
branch or the side of the tree (see "Kickback
Conditions and Prevention").
Professional loggers have developed various safe,
efficient and effective limbing techniques which you
must follow. The following instructions are a few of the
basic safe work habits for a chain saw operator while
limbing or removing branches from a tree.
.1.
Before starting to limb, be sure the branch is on a
safe side of the log, uphill, and on the side
opposite of any potential motion the cut branch
might make (Fig. 14).
FIGURE 14
6.
Craftsman saws are designed to allow the
powerhead to glide over the trunk during limbing.
Cut the branches in a swinging back and forth
movement with the saw remaining on the tree.
This is known as the =pendulum method."
7.
Prior to cutting the branches, consider the
direction in which the branches may fall. This will
determine whether you cut from the top down
(overbuck, Fig. 16) or from below up (underbuck,
Fig. 17).
8.
Watch out for branches under tension which can
snap back. Tension must be removed before
these branches can be safely cut. Beware of
potential kickback situations.
9.
If large branches are to be used for firewood, cut
them to length while still attached to the tree. This
is an easier and safer method than bucking
branches on the ground (Fig. 16 & 17).
10. If you tire during limbing, STOP! Rest, then
resume work.
11. Never change the position of the feet or hands
while in the midst of a cut.
._
FIGURE 16
Overbucklng
2.
Do not stand on a log while limbing. You may slip,
fall or the log may roll. Maintain sure footing.
3.
Never use the bar nose to cut branches.
4.
Bend the knees slightly. Position the right leg
behind the left side of the chain saw and the left
leg forward and outward away from contact range
of bar. Assume a comfortable stance with the feet
spread apart. CAUTION: If you change position,
the bar must always be on the side of the tree
opposite you. Keep the tree trunk between you
and the bar.
5.
Rest the chain saw body on the trunk as much as
possible(Fig. 15).
FIGURE 15
FIGURE 17
Underbucking
9
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