Braking function control
CAUTION: The chain brake must be checked several times daily. The motor must be running when performing this procedure. This is the only instance when the saw should be placed on the ground with the motor running.
Place the saw on firm ground. Grip the rear handle with your right hand and the front handle with your left hand. Squeeze trigger switch and allow motor to reach full speed. Activate the chain brake by turning your left wrist against the hand guard without releasing your grip around the front handle. The chain should stop immediately.
Inertia activating function control
WARNING: When performing the following procedure, the motor must not be running and the saw must be un- plugged from the power source.
Grip the rear handle with your right hand and the front handle with your left hand. Hold the chain saw approximately 14∀ (35 cm) above a stump or other wooden sur- face. Release your grip on the front han- dle and use the weight of the saw to let the tip of the guide bar fall forward and contact the stump. When the tip of the bar hits the stump, the brake should activate.
OPERATING TIPS
SCheck chain tension before first use
and after 1 minute of operation. See CHECK CHAIN TENSION in the SER- VICE AND ADJUSTMENTS section.
SCut wood only. Do not cut metal, plas- tics, masonry,
SStop the saw if the chain strikes a for- eign object. Inspect the saw and repair parts as necessary.
S Keep the chain out of dirt and sand. Even a small amount of dirt will quickly dull a chain and increase the possibility of kickback.
S Practice cutting a few small logs using the following steps. This will help you get the “feel” of using your saw before you begin a major sawing operation.
SSqueeze trigger switch and allow unit
to reach full speed before cutting.
S Begin cutting with the saw frame against the log.
SKeep the motor at full speed the en- tire time you are cutting.
S Release the trigger switch as soon as the cut is completed, allowing the motor to stop.
SKeep the cord away from the cutting
10
area. Position cord so it will not be caught on branches and the like dur- ing cutting.
S To avoid losing control when cut is complete, do not put pressure on saw at end of cut.
SStop motor before setting saw down.
TREE FELLING TECHNIQUES
WARNING: Check for broken or dead branches which can fall while cut- ting causing serious injury. Do not cut near buildings or electrical wires if you do not know the direction of tree fall, nor cut at night since you will not be able to see well, nor during bad weather such as rain, snow, or strong winds, etc. If the tree does make contact with any utility line, the utility company should be noti- fied immediately.
SCarefully plan your sawing operation in
advance.
SClear the work area. You need a clear area all around the tree so you can
have secure footing.
SThe chain saw operator should keep on the uphill side of the terrain as the tree is likely to roll or slide downhill after it is felled.
SStudy the natural conditions that can cause the tree to fall in a particular direction, such as:
S The wind direction and speed.
S The lean of the tree. The lean of a tree might not be apparent due to un- even or sloping terrain. Use a plumb or level to determine the direction of
tree lean.
SWeight and branches on one side. S Surrounding trees and obstacles.
SLook for decay and rot. If the trunk is rotted, it can snap and fall toward the operator.
SMake sure there is enough room for the tree to fall. Maintain a distance of
person or other objects. Noise can drown out a warning call.
SRemove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples, and wire from the tree where cuts are to be made.
Plan a clear retreat path
Direction of Fall
45_