OPERATION
nBegin cutting with the saw against the log.
nKeep the unit running the entire time you are cutting, maintain a steady speed.
nAllow the chain to cut for you; exert only light downward pressure. Forcing the cut could result in damage to the bar, chain, or motor.
nRelease the switch trigger as soon as the cut is completed, allowing the chain to stop. If you run the saw without a cutting load, unnecessary wear can occur to the chain, bar, and unit.
nDo not put pressure on the saw at the end of the cut.
WORK AREA PRECAUTIONS
See Figure 12.
nCut only wood or materials made from wood; no sheet metal, no plastics, no masonry, no
■n Never allow children to operate the saw. Allow no person to use this chain saw who has not read this operator’s manual or received adequate instructions for the safe and proper use of this chain saw.
■n Keep everyone – helpers, bystanders, children, and animals – a SAFE DISTANCE from the cutting area. During felling operations, the safe distance should be a least twice the height of the largest trees in the felling area. During bucking operations, keep a minimum distance of 15 feet between workers.
■n Always cut with both feet on solid ground to prevent being pulled off balance.
■n Do not cut above shoulder height as a saw held higher is difficult to control against kickback forces.
■n Do not fell trees near electrical wires or build- ings. Leave this operation for professionals.
■n Cut only when visibility and light are adequate for you to see clearly.
FELLING TREES
HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS
WARNING:
Do not fell trees during periods of high wind or heavy precipitation. Wait until the hazardous weather has ended.
Fig. 12
When felling a tree, it is important that you heed the following warnings to prevent possible serious injury.
■n Do not cut down trees having an extreme lean or large trees with rotten limbs, loose bark, or hollow trunks. Have these trees pushed or dragged down with heavy equipment, then cut them up.
■n Do not cut trees near electrical wires or buildings.
■n Check the tree for damaged or dead branches that could fall and hit you during felling.
■n Periodically glance at the top of the tree during the backcut to assure the tree is going to fall in the desired direction.
nIf the tree starts to fall in the wrong direction, or if the saw gets caught or hung up during the fall, leave the saw and save yourself!
PROPER PROCEDURE FOR TREE FELLING
See Figures 13 - 16.
nFelling a tree — When bucking and felling operations are being performed by two or more persons, at the same time, the felling operation should be separated from the bucking operation by a distance of at least twice the height of the tree being felled. Trees should not be felled in a manner that would endanger any person, strike any utility line or cause any property damage. If the tree does make contact with any utility line, the utility company should be notified immedi- ately.
nOperator should keep on the uphill side of ter- rain as the tree is likely to roll or slide after it is felled.
nPick your escape route (or routes in case the intended route is blocked). Clear the immediate
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