Husqvarna 545, 550XPG manual Working Techniques

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WORKING TECHNIQUES

right-handed or left-handed. This grip minimises the effect of kickback and lets you keep the chain saw under control. Do not let go of the handles!

3Most kickback accidents happen during limbing. Make sure you are standing firmly and that there is nothing in the way that might make you trip or lose your balance.

Lack of concentration can lead to kickback if the kickback zone of the bar accidentally touches a branch, nearby tree or some other object.

Have control over the workpiece. If the pieces you intend to cut are small and light, they can jam in the saw chain and be thrown towards you. Even if this does not need to be a danger, you may be surprised and lose control of the saw. Never saw stacked logs or branches without first separating them. Only saw one log or one piece at a time. Remove the cut pieces to keep your working area safe.

4Never use the chain saw above shoulder height and try not to cut with the tip of the bar. Never use the chain saw one-handed!

5You must have a steady stance in order to have full control over the chain saw. Never work standing on a ladder, in a tree or where you do not have firm ground to stand on.

6Always use a fast cutting speed, i.e. full throttle.

7Take great care when you cut with the top edge of the bar, i.e. when cutting from the underside of the object. This is known as cutting on the push stroke. The chain tries to push the chain saw back towards the user. If the saw chain is jamming, the saw may be pushed back at you.

8Unless the user resists this pushing force there is a risk that the chain saw will move so far backwards that only the kickback zone of the bar is in contact with the tree, which will lead to a kickback.

Cutting with the bottom edge of the bar, i.e. from the top of the object downwards, is known as cutting on the pull stroke. In this case the chain saw pulls itself towards the tree and the front edge of the chain saw body rests naturally on the trunk when cutting. Cutting on the pull stroke gives the operator better control over the chain saw and the position of the kickback zone.

9Follow the instructions on sharpening and maintaining your bar and chain. When you replace the bar and

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Contents Operator′s manual Decompression valve KEY to SymbolsSymbols on the machine Symbols in the operator’s manual Contents Dear Customer IntroductionWhat is what on the chain saw? What is WHAT?Before using a new chain saw General Safety PrecautionsChain brake and front hand guard Machine′s safety equipmentAlways use common sense Personal protective equipmentGeneral Safety Precautions Vibration damping system Throttle lockoutChain catcher Right hand guardGeneral rules Stop switchCutting equipment MufflerCutting equipment designed to reduce kickback Sharpening your chain and adjusting depth gauge setting Cause serious or even fatal injury Adjustment of depth gauge settingTensioning the chain Lubricating cutting equipmentNeedle bearing lubrication Filling with chain oilChecking chain lubrication Chain drive sprocketChecking wear on cutting equipment Working with the chain AssemblyFitting the bar and chain Fitting a spike bumperFuel Fuel HandlingLong-term storage Fuel safetyFueling Transport and storageCold engine Starting and StoppingStarting and stopping StartingStopping General working instructions Basic safety rulesWorking Techniques Before useWorking Techniques Limbing Basic cutting techniqueTerms Felling direction Tree felling techniqueSafe distance Your saw Clearing the trunk and preparing your retreatFelling cut Felling Training we advise you not to fell treesCutting trees and branches that are in tension General adviceFreeing a tree that has fallen badly Freeing a trapped treeCutting the trunk into logs How to avoid kickbackWhat is kickback? General MaintenanceCarburettor adjustment Immediately Checking the inertia brake releaseChecking the brake trigger Muffler Tensioning the recoil spring StarterChanging a broken or worn starter cord Fitting the starter Air filterSpark plug Changing a broken recoil springNeedle bearing lubrication Adjustment of the oil pumpRunning when making adjustments Lubricating the bar tip sprocketHeated handles Air Injection centrifugal cleaningTemperature 0C or colder Winter useDaily maintenance Weekly maintenance Monthly maintenance Maintenance scheduleTechnical data Technical Data550XP TrioBrake 550XPG Saw chain filing and file gauges Guide bar and chain combinationsEN ISO 12100-2/A12009, Cispr 122007, EN ISO EC-declaration of conformityApplies to Europe only Page Page