Poulan ES300 User Manual - Page 10

Overcutting Undercutting 1st Cut Undercutting involves cutting on the underside of the log with top of saw against the log. When undercutting use light upward pressure. Hold saw firmly and maintain control. The saw will tend to push back toward you. WARNING: Never turn saw upside down to undercut. The saw cannot be controlled in this position. Always make your first cut on the compressions side of the log. The compression side of the log is where the pressure of the log's weight is concentrated. First cut on compression side of log 2nd Cut Using a support stand 2nd Cut 1st Cut 1st Cut 2nd Cut Second cut Second cut First cut on compression side of log BUCKING WITHOUT A SUPPORT S Overcut through 1/3 of the diameter of the log. S Roll the log over and finish with a sec- ond overcut. 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 LIMBING AND PRUNING 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 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. 10