Important adjustments
WARNING!
At correct idle speed, chain should not turn. For di- rections to adjust idle speed, see the appropriate section of this instruction manual.
Do not use a saw with incorrect idle speed adjust- ment. Adjust the idle speed yourself according to the appropriate section of this manual.
Have your MAKITA dealer check your saw and make proper adjustments or repairs.
Check the saw chain tension frequently, especially just after installing a new chain. New chains may stretch more during their initial use. A properly ad- justed saw chain can be pulled freely around the guide bar by hand without sagging. Always stop the engine and wear gloves when checking or adjusting the chain tension.
Working conditions
Operate your chain saw only outdoors. Operate the saw under good visibility and daylight conditions only.
WARNING!
Take extreme care in wet and freezing weather (rain, snow, ice). Put off the work when the weather is windy, stormy or rainfall is heavy. Clear the area where you are working.
WARNING!
Avoid stumbling on obstacles such as stumps, roots or rocks and watch out for holes or ditches. Be extremely cautious when working on slopes or un- even ground. There is increased danger of slipping on freshly debarked logs.
Cutting instructions
Always hold the saw firmly with both hands when the engine is running. Place your left hand on the tubular handle and your right hand on grip and throttle lever.
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Wrap your fingers tightly around the handles, keeping the handles cradled between your thumb and forefinger (fig. 7). With your hands in this position, you can best oppose and absorb the push, pull and kickback forces of your saw without having it slip out of your grip (see section of reactive forces). Make sure your chain saw handle and grip are in good condition and free of moisture, pitch, oil or grease.
Always start a cut with the chain running at full speed and the spike bar in contact with the wood.
WARNING!
Never use the saw with one hand. You cannot control reactive forces (see pages 9 to 11) and may lose control of the saw.
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WARNING!
Do not operate your chain saw in
WARNING!
Never come too close to a rotating chain with your hands or body.
WARNING!
Do not cut any material other than wood or wooden objects.
Use your chain saw for cutting only. It is not designed for prying or shoveling away limbs, roots or other objects.
When sawing, make sure that the saw chain does not touch any foreign materials such as rocks, nails and the like (fig. 8). Such objects may be flung off, damage the saw chain or cause the saw to kick back.
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