RIDGID R01101 Operator's Manual page 21

OPERATION
BUCKING
See Figures 20 - 23.
Bucking is the term used for cutting a fallen tree to the de-
sired 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. Refer to Kickback earlier in this
manual.
 When bucking on a slope, always stand on the uphill side
of the log. To maintain complete control of the chainsaw
when cutting through the log, release the cutting pres-
sure near the end of the cut without relaxing your grip on
the chainsaw handles. Do not let the chain contact the
ground. After completing the cut, wait for the saw chain
to stop before you move the chainsaw. Always stop the
motor before moving from tree to tree.
 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.
BUCKING LOGS UNDER STRESS
See Figures 21 - 23.
When the log is supported along its entire length, it should
be cut from the top or overbucking.
When the log is supported on one end, cut 1/3 the diameter
from the underside or underbucking. Then make the finishing
cut by overbucking to meet the first cut.
As the log is being cut, it will tend to bend. The saw can
become pinched or hung in the log if you make the first cut
deeper than 1/3 of the diameter of the log.
Give special attention to logs under stress to prevent the
bar and chain from pinching.
When bucking on a slope, always stand on the uphill side
of the log as shown in Figure 21. When "cutting through,"
to maintain complete control of the chainsaw, release the
cutting pressure near the end of the cut without relaxing your
grip on the chainsaw handles. Do not let the chain contact
the ground. After completing the cut, wait for the saw chain
to stop before you move the chainsaw. Always stop the
motor before moving from tree to tree.
TYPES OF CUTTING USED
See Figure 23.
OVERBUCKING
Begin on the top side of the log with the bottom of the saw
against the log; exert light pressure downward. Note that
the saw will tend to pull away from you.
UNDERBUCKING
Begin on the under side of the log with the top of the saw
against the log; exert light pressure upward. During under-
bucking, the saw will tend to push back at you. Be prepared
for this reaction and hold the saw firmly to maintain control.
LIMBING
See Figure 24.
WARNING:
Never climb into a tree to limb or prune. Do not
stand on ladders, platforms, a log, or in any posi-
tion which can cause you to lose your balance or
control of the saw, which could result in death or
other serious personal injury.
Limbing is removing branches from a fallen tree.
 Work slowly, keeping both hands on the chainsaw with
a firm grip. Always make sure your footing is secure and
your weight is distributed evenly on both feet.
 Leave the larger support limbs under the tree to keep the
tree off the ground while cutting.
 Limbs should be cut one at a time. Remove the cut limbs
from the work area often to help keep the work area clean
and safe.
 Branches under tension should be cut from the bottom
up to avoid binding the chainsaw.
 Keep the tree between you and the chainsaw while limb-
ing. Cut from the side of the tree opposite the branch you
are cutting.
PRUNING
See Figure 25.
Pruning is trimming limbs from a live tree.
 Work slowly, keeping both hands on the chainsaw with
a firm grip. Always make sure your footing is secure and
your weight is distributed evenly on both feet.
 Do not cut from a ladder, this is extremely dangerous.
Leave this operation for professionals.
 Do not cut above chest height as a saw held higher is
difficult to control against kickback.
 When pruning trees it is important not to make the finish-
ing cut next to the main limb or trunk until you have cut
off the limb further out to reduce the weight. This prevents
stripping the bark from the main member.
15 — English