Getting hung ups down is fraught with danger!
Glad you got your down safely...
Some tips for the future:
Inspect the hung up and see whether it can be turned or rolled out of the one it is caught in, which is the ideal first move.
Invest in some long turning strops, either endless loops or eye/eye ones
A good long length 150' or so of bull rope.
Some more strops to use as anchors
Some big shackles or steel carabiners
A couple of decent pulleys for redirecting the line as necessary or for doubling the pull ratio
A decent come along / wire rope puller / manual winch (you did say machinery was not an option)
Assess the situation and identify risks and what could concevably go wrong
Take appropriate action to reduce risk
Wear your PPE - chaps and HELMET system
Work with a buddy
Have an emergency plan in place BEFORE cutting, truck pointing forward, keys in ignition, adequate first aid kit, cell phone, radio, written description of where you are (people can forget when a crisis hits) let others know where you will be working and when you plan to return.
Wrap a strop around the trunk such that when you attach a winch to it it will unwind and roll the tree to the side it wants to go.
If it is stuck in a fork, attach the strop to pull it out backwards.
Attach your pulling rope
Separate the trunk from the stump, there are several ways to do it, keep reading, asking questions, above all READ the tension and compression and be ready for sudden movement, it MAY just come down kerwhump! all of a sudden!
Select the anchor tree carefully, make sure it will hold against the forces.
Give yourself enough distance to complete the pull
If redirecting the pull line, NEVER stand in the 'triangle of death'
Always give yourself enough room for safety, look out for hangers and widowmakers, before AND after the pull
NEVER WALK UNDER a hungup, it can fall with no warning, stresses change and settle after cuts are made and it can fatal or life altering if you are under it when it goes!
Cutting bits off the bottom is a last resort, if you HAVE to do it, be SUPER aware, have your escape route well prepared.
Cheers
