10
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
OFF
and use a plastic or
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
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.
Second cut
First cut on pressure side of log
First cut on pressure side of log
Second cut
BUCKING WITHOUT A
SUPPORT
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Over cut through
1/3
of the diam e te r of the
log.
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Roll the log over and finish with a second
overcut.
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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
1/3
of the
diameter of the log.
S
Finish with your second cut.
1
st
Cut
2
nd
Cut
Using a support stand
2
nd
Cut
1
st
Cut
LIMBING AND PRUNING
WARNING
:
Neverclimbintoatreeto
limb or prune. Do not stand on ladders, plat-
forms, a log, or in any position which can cause
you to lose your balance or control of the saw.
IMPORT A NT POINTS
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Watch out for springpoles. Use extreme
caution when cutting small size limbs.
Slender material may catch the saw chain
and be whipped toward you or pull you off
balance.
S
Be alert for springback. Watch out for
branches that are bent or under pressure.
Avoid being struck by the branch or the
saw when the tension in the wood fibers is
released.
S
Frequently clear branches out of the way
to avoid tripping over them.
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