Poulan ES400 User Manual - Page 11

S Watch for logs with a compression side to prevent the saw from pinching. See illustration above for cutting logs with a compression side. BUCKING USING A LOG OR SUPPORT STAND S Remember your first cut is always on the compression side of the log. (Refer to the illustration below for your first and second cut) S Your first cut should extend 1/3 of the diameter of the log. S Finish with your second cut. Using a log for support 2nd Cut 1st Cut 1st Cut 2nd Cut Using a support stand 2nd Cut 1st Cut 1st Cut 2nd Cut which can cause you to lose your balance or control of the saw. IMPORTANT POINTS S Watch out for spring poles. Spring poles are small size limbs which can whip toward you or pull you off balance. Use extreme caution when cutting small size limbs. S Be alert for spring back from any 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. LIMBING S Limb a tree only after it is cut down. S Leave the larger limbs underneath the felled tree to support the tree as you work. S Start at the base of the felled tree and work toward the top, cutting branches and limbs. Remove small limbs with one cut. S Keep tree between you and the chain. S Remove larger branches with the cutting techniques described BUCKING WITHOUT A SUPPORT. S Always use an overcut to cut small and freely hanging limbs. Undercutting could cause limbs to fall and pinch the saw. PRUNING WARNING: Limit pruning to limbs shoulder height or below. Do not cut if branches are higher than your shoulder. Get a professional to do the job. S Make your first cut 1/3 of the way through the bottom of the limb. This cut will make the limb sag so that it falls easily on the second cut. S Next make a second cut all the way through the limb. S Finish the pruning operation by using an overcut so that the stump of the limb protrudes 1 to 2 inches (3--5 cm) from the trunk of the tree. LIMBING AND PRUNING Second cut WARNING: Be alert for and guard against kickback. Do not allow the moving chain to contact any other branches or objects at the nose of the guide bar when limbing or pruning. Allowing such contact can result in serious injury. WARNING: Never climb into a tree to limb or prune. Do not stand on ladders, platforms, a log, or in any position 11 First cut 1/3 of way 3rd cut 1 to 2 in. (3--5 cm) from trunk of tree