McCulloch MAC 838 Cutting Methods, Chain Brake, Important Points, Tree Felling Techniques

DIFFICULT STARTING (or starting a flooded engine)

The engine may be flooded with too much fuel if it has not started after 10 pulls. Flooded engines can be cleared of excess fuel by pushing the choke/fast idle lever in completely (to the OFF CHOKE position) and then following the warm engine starting procedure listed above. Ensure the ON/ STOP switch is in the ON position. Starting could require pulling the starter rope handle many times depending on how badly the unit is flooded. If engine fails to start, re- fer to the TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE.

CHAIN BRAKE

WARNING: If the brake band is worn too thin it may break when the chain brake is triggered. With a broken brake band, the chain brake will not stop the chain. The chain brake should be replaced by an authorized service dealer if any part is worn to less than 0,02″ (0,5

mm)thick. Repairs on a chain brake should be made by an authorized service dealer. Take your unit to the place of purchase if purchased from a servicing dealer, or to the nearest autho- rized master service dealer.

S This saw is equipped with a chain brake. The brake is designed to stop the chain if kickback occurs.

S The inertia activated chain brake is activated if the front hand guard is pushed forward, ei- ther manually or by centrifugal force.

S If the brake is already activated, it is disen- gaged by pulling the front hand guard back toward the front handle as far as possible.

S When cutting with the saw, the chain brake must be disengaged.

Disengaged

Engaged

Braking function control

CAUTION: The chain brake must be checked several times daily. The engine must be running when performing this proce- dure. This is the only instance when the saw should be placed on the ground with the en- gine running.

Place the saw on firm ground. Grip the rear handle with your right hand and the front han- dle with your left hand. Apply full throttle by fully depressing the throttle trigger. 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 fol- lowing procedure, the engine must be turned off.

Grip the rear handle with your right hand and the front handle with your left hand. Hold the chain saw approximately 35 cm above a stump or other wooden surface. Release your grip on the front handle and use the weight of the saw to let the top of the guide bar fall forward and contact the stump. When the tip of the bar hits the stump, the brake should activate.

CUTTING METHODS

IMPORTANT POINTS

SCheck chain tension before first use and af- ter 1 minute of operation. See CHAIN TEN-

SION in the ASSEMBLY section.

SCut wood only. Do not cut metal, plastics, masonry, non-wood building materials, etc.

SThe bumper spike may be used as a pivot when making a cut.

SStop the saw if the chain strikes a foreign object. Inspect the saw and repair parts as necessary.

SKeep the chain out of dirt and sand. Even a small amount of dirt will quickly dull a chain

and increase the possibility of kickback.

SPractice cutting a few small logs using the following techniques to get the “feel” of us- ing your saw before you begin a major sawing operation.

S Squeeze the throttle trigger and allow the engine to reach full speed before cutting.

S Begin cutting with the saw frame against the log.

S Keep the engine at full speed the entire time you are cutting.

S Allow the chain to cut for you. Exert only light downward pressure.

S Release the throttle trigger as soon as the cut is completed, allowing the en-

gine to idle. If you run the saw at full throttle without a cutting load, unneces- sary wear can occur.

STo avoid losing control when cut is com- plete, do not put pressure on saw at end

of cut.

SStop the engine before setting the saw down.

TREE FELLING TECHNIQUES

WARNING: Felling a tree requires chain saw skills and experience. Inexperi- enced users should not fell trees. Do not at- tempt any task that makes you feel uncom- fortable or unsure.

WARNING: Do not cut near buildings or electrical wires if you do not know the di- rection of tree fall, at night since you will not be able to see well, or during bad weather such as rain, snow, or strong winds. as fall is unpredictable.

Carefully plan your sawing operation in ad- vance. You need a clear area all around the tree so you can have secure footing. Check for broken or dead branches which can fall on you causing serious injury.

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