Ryobi RY3716 Operation Manual - Page 24

OPERATION OVERBUCKING See Figure 28. 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 See Figure 29. Begin on the underside of the log with the top of the saw against the log; exert light pressure upward. During underbucking, the saw will tend to push back at you. Be prepared for this reaction and hold the saw firmly to maintain control. LIMBING AND PRUNING See Figures 30 - 31. n Work slowly, keeping both hands on the saw with a firm grip. Maintain secure footing and balance. ■n Keep the tree between you and the chain while limbing. n Do not cut from a ladder. This is extremely dangerous. Leave this operation for professionals. ■n Do not cut above chest height. A saw held higher than chest height is ­difficult to control against kickback. OVERBUCKING Fig. 28 UNDERBUCKING Fig. 29 WARNING: Never climb into a tree to limb or prune. Do not stand on ladders, platforms, a log, or in any position which can cause you to lose your balance or control of the saw and cause death or serious personal injury. ■n When pruning trees it is important not to make the flush 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 limb or trunk. • Underbuck the branch 1/3 through for your first cut. • Overbuck the branch to drop it. • Finish by cutting smoothly and neatly against the main limb or trunk so the bark will grow back to seal the wound. CUT LIMBS ONE AT A TIME AND LEAVE SUPPORT LIMBS UNDER TREE UNTIL LOG IS CUT Fig. 30 SECOND CUT LOAD FIRST CUT 1/3 DIA. FINISHING CUT Fig. 31 Page 24 - English