Homelite UT34010 - Manual (Page 19)

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■ 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 and 16.
■ 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 and 16.
■ 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.
■ 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
BUCKING
See Figures 18 through 21.
Bucking is the term used for cutting a fallen tree to the
desired 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. To avoid the dan-
ger, keep the SAFE-T-TIP® anti-kickback device
attached while cutting. Refer to “Precautions Against
Kickback” earlier in this manual.
KICKBACK
Fig. 18
OPERATION
HINGE
WEDGE