SWhen 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 whenperforming 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. Hold the han- dles with both hands and apply full throttle. Activate the chain brake by turning your left wrist against the hand guard without releas- ing 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.
The chain brake must be checked several times daily. Hold the chain saw approximate- ly 14! (35 cm) above a stump or other firm object. Release your grip on the front handle and let the saw, by its own weight, rotate around the rear handle. When the tip of the bar hits the stump, the brake should activate.
IMPORTANT POINTS
SCheck chain tension before first use and after 1 minute of operation. See CHAIN TENSION in the ASSEMBLY section.
SCut wood only. Do not cut metal, plastics, masonry,
SStop the saw if the chain strikes a foreign ob-
ject. 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 en- tire 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, unnec- essary wear can occur.
S To avoid losing control when cut is complete, do not put pressure on saw
at end of cut.
S Stop the engine before setting the saw down after cutting.
TREE FELLING TECHNIQUES
WARNING: Check for broken or dead branches which can fall while cutting causing serious injury. Do not cut near build- ings or electrical wires if you do not know the direction of tree fall, nor cut at night since you will not be ale to see well, nor during bad weather such as rain, snow, or strong winds, etc. If the tree makes contact with any utility line, the utility company should be notified immediately.
SCarefully plan your sawing operation in ad- vance.
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.
Natural conditions that can cause a tree to fall in a particular direction include:
SThe wind direction and speed.
SThe lean of the tree. The lean of a tree might not be apparent due to uneven or sloping ter- rain. Use a plumb or level to determine the
direction of tree lean.
SWeight and branches on one side. S Surrounding trees and obstacles.
Look for decay and rot. If the trunk is rotted, it can snap and fall toward the operator. Check for broken or dead branches which can fall on you while cutting.
Make sure there is enough room for the tree to fall. Maintain a distance of
Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples, and wire from the tree where cuts are to be made.
Plan a clear retreat path to the rear and diago- nal to the line of fall.
Plan a clear retreat path
Direction of Fall
45_
FELLING LARGE TREES
(15 cm in diameter or larger)
The notch method is used to fell large trees. A notch is cut on the side of the treein the de- sired direction of fall. After a felling cut is
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