Craftsman 316.350850 Chainsaw User Manual


 
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Fig. 15
A
LIMBING
Limbing a tree is the process of removing the branches
from a fallen tree. Do not remove supporting limbs (A) until
after the log is bucked (cut) into lengths (Fig. 16).
Branches under tension should be cut from the bottom up
to avoid binding the chain saw.
BUCKING
Bucking is cutting a fallen log into lengths. Make sure you
have a good footing and stand uphill of the log when cut-
ting on sloping ground. If possible, the log should be sup-
ported so that the end to be cut off is not resting on the
gr
ound. If the log is suppor
ted at both ends and you must
cut in the middle, make a downwar
d cut halfway thr
ough
the log and then make the undercut. This will prevent the
log fr
om pinching the bar and chain. Be car
eful that the
chain does not cut into the ground when bucking as this
causes rapid dulling of the chain.
Fig. 16
Fig. 17
Never cut tree limbs
while standing on a
tr
ee tr
unk.
WARNING:
When bucking on a slope, always stand on the uphill side.
1. Log supported along entire length: Cut from top (over-
buck), being careful to avoid cutting into the ground
(Fig. 17).
2.
Log supported on 1 end: First, cut from bottom
(underbuck) 1/3 diameter of log to avoid splintering.
Second, cut from above (overbuck) to meet first cut
and avoid pinching (Fig. 18).
3. Log supported on both ends: First, overbuck 1/3 diame-
ter of log to avoid splintering. Second, underbuck to
meet first cut and avoid pinching (Fig. 19).
NOTE: The best way to hold a log while bucking is to use
a sawhorse. When this is not possible, the log
should be raised and supported by the limb
stumps or by using supporting logs. Be sure the
log being cut is securely supported.
BUCKING USING A SAWHORSE
For personal safety and ease of cutting, the correct posi-
tion for vertical bucking is essential (Fig. 20).
A. Hold the saw firmly with both hands and keep the saw
to the right of your body while cutting.
B. Keep the left arm as straight as possible.
C.
Keep weight on both feet.
Fig. 20
Fig. 19
Fig. 18
A
B
C
While the saw is cut-
ting, be sur
e the chain
and bar ar
e being properly lubricated.
CAUTION:
14
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
A
B
Do not cut down a
tree during high or
changing winds or if there is a danger to
property. Consult a tree professional.Do not
cut down a tree if there is a danger of strik-
ing utility wir
es; notify the utility company
befor
e making any cuts.
WARNING:
FELLING
Felling is the term for cutting down a tree. Small trees up
to 6-7 inches (15-18cm) in diameter ar
e usually cut in a
single cut. Larger trees require notch cuts. Notch cuts
determine the direction the tree will fall.
NOTE: Direction of fall (B) is controlled by the notching
cut. Before any cuts are made, consider the loca-
tion of larger branches and natural lean of the tree
to determine the way the tree will fall.
A retreat path (A)
should be planned
and cleared as necessary before cuts are
started. The retreat path should extend back
and diagonally to the rear of the expected
line of fall, as illustrated in Fig. 12.
WARNING:
If felling a tree on
sloping ground, 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.
CAUTION:
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Normally felling consists of 2 main cutting operations,
notching (C) and making the felling cut (D) (Fig. 13).
Start making the upper notch cut (C) on the side of the
tree facing the felling direction (E). Be sure you don t make
the lower cut too deep into the trunk (Fig. 13).
The notch (C) should be deep enough to create a hinge (F)
of sufficient width and strength. The notch should be wide
enough to direct the fall of the tree for as long as possible
(Fig. 13).
Never walk in front of
a tr
ee that has been
notched. When felling, keep at least 2 tree
lengths away from your fellow workers.
WARNING:
Never saw completely through the trunk. Always leave a
hinge. The hinge guides the tree. If the trunk is completely
cut through, control over the felling direction is lost.
Insert a wedge or felling lever in the cut well before the
tree becomes unstable and starts to move. This will pre-
vent the guidebar from binding in the felling cut if you
have misjudged the falling direction. Make sure no
bystanders have entered the range of the falling tree
before you push it over.
Before making the
final cut, always recheck
the area for bystanders, animals or obstacles.
WARNING:
Make the felling cut (D) from the other side of the tree and
1.5 - 2.0 inches (3-5 cm) above the edge of the notch (C)
(Fig. 13).
G
H
Fig. 14
Felling Cut:
1. Use wooden or plastic wedges (G) to prevent binding
the bar or chain (H) in the cut. Wedges also control
felling (Fig. 14).
2.
When diameter of wood being cut is gr
eater than the
bar length, make 2 cuts as shown (Fig. 15).
As the felling cut
gets close to the
hinge, the tree should begin to fall. When
tr
ee begins to fall, r
emove saw fr
om cut,
stop engine, put chain saw down, and leave
area along retreat path (Fig. 12).
WARNING:
Hinge
13