Ryobi P540 - Manual (Page 17)

17
n Felling Backcut. The backcut is always made level and
horizontal, and at a minimum of 2 inches (5 cm) above
the horizontal cut of the notch. See Figures 15 - 16.
n Never cut through to the notch. Always leave a band of
wood between the notch and backcut (approximately 2
inches (5 cm) 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 15 - 16.
n 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 17.
NOTE: When bucking or felling with a wedge, it may
be necessary to remove the SAFE-T-TIP ® anti-kickback
device to allow the bar to be drawn through the cut.
After the cut is complete, the tip should be reinstalled
immediately.
n 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.
NOTCH
BACK CUT
Fig. 17
Fig. 16
KICKBACK
Fig. 18
HINGE
WEDGE
OPERATION
BUCKING
See Figures 18 - 21.
Bucking is the term used for cutting a fallen tree to the de-
sired log length.
n
Always make sure your footing is secure and your weight
is distributed evenly on both feet.
n Cut only one log at a time.
n Support small logs on a saw horse or another log while
bucking.
n Keep a clear cutting area. Make sure that no objects
can contact the guide bar nose and chain during cutting,
this can cause kickback. To avoid the danger, keep the
SAFE-T-TIP
® anti-kickback device attached while cutting.
Refer to “Precautions Against Kickback” earlier in this
manual.
n 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 pressure
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.
n 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
cutting, rotate or move the log so that the pinch is elimi-
nated.
Fig. 19