5
MAINTAINYOUR PRUNER IN GOOD
WORKING ORDER
SHave all service performed by a qualified
service dealer with the exception of the
items listed in the maintenance section of
this manual.
SMake certain the chain stops moving when
thethr ottle trigger is released. Forcorrec tion,
refer to CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENTS.
SNever modify your unit in any way.
SKeepthe handles dr y,c lean, and free of oil
or fuel mixture.
SKeep fuel and oil caps, screws, and
fasteners securely tightened.
SMake carburetor adjustments with low er
end supported to prevent chain from
contacting any object.
SKeepothers away when making c arburetor
adjustments.
SUse only Poulan PRO accessories and
replacement parts as recommended.
HANDLE FUEL WITH CAUTION
SDo not smoke while handling fuel or while
operating the pruner.
SEliminate all sources of spark s or flame in
the areas where fuel is mixed or poured.
Theres houldbe no s moking, open flames,
or work that could cause sparks. Allow
engineto c ool before refueling.
SMixand pour fuel in an outdoor area on bare
ground; store fuel in a cool, dry, well
ventilated place; and use an approved,
marked container for all fuel purposes.
Wipeup all fuel spills before star ting engine.
SMoveat least 10 feet (3 meters) from fueling
site before starting engine.
STurn the engine off and let unit cool in a
non-combustible area, not on dry leaves,
straw, paper, etc. Slowly remove fuel cap
andr efuel unit.
SStorethe unit and fuel in an area where fuel
vaporscannot reach spar ks or open flames
from water heaters, electric motors or
switches, furnaces, etc.
KICKBACK
WARNING: Avoid k ickback which
can result in serious injury. Kickback is the
backward, upward or sudden forward motion
of the guide bar occurring when the chain
near the upper tip of the guide bar contacts
any object such as a log or branc h, or when
the wood closes in and pinches the chain in
the cut. Contacting a foreign object in the
wood can also result in loss of control.
SRotational Kickback can occur when the
moving chain contacts an object at the upper
tip of the guide bar. This contact can cause
the chain to dig into the object, which stops
the chain for an instant. The result is a
lightningfast, rev erse reaction which kicks the
guide bar up and back toward the operator.
SPinch-Kickbackcan oc cur when the wood
closes in and pinches the moving chain in
thecut along the top of the guide bar and the
chain is suddenly stopped. This sudden
stoppingof the c hain results in a rev ersal of
the chain force used to cut wood and
causes the pruner to move in the opposite
directionof the chain rot ation. The pruner is
driven straight back toward the operator.
SPull-In can occur when the movin g chain
contacts a foreign object in the wood in the cut
along the bottom of the guide bar and the
chain is suddenly stopped. This sudden
stopping pulls the pruner forward and away
from the operator and could easily cause the
operator to lose control of the pruner.
REDUCE THE CHANCE OF
KICKBACK
SRecognizethat k ickback can happen. With
abasic understanding of k ickback, you c an
reduce the element of surprise which
contributes to accidents.
SNever let the moving chain contact any
object at the tip of the guide bar.
SKeep the working area free from
obstructionssuc has other trees, branches,
rocks, stumps, etc. Eliminate or avoidany
obstruction that your chain could hit while
youare cut ting. When cutting a br anch, do
notlet the guide bar contact branch or other
objects around it.
SKeep your chain sharp and properly
tensioned. A loose or dull chain can
increaset he chance of kickback occ urring.
Follow manufacturer’s chain sharpening
and maintenance instructions. Check
tension at regular intervals with the engine
stopped, never with the engine running.
Make sure the bar clamp nut is securely
tightened after tensioning the chain.
SBegin and continue cutting at full speed. If
thechain is moving at a slower speed, there
is greater chance of kickback occurring.
SCut one branch at a time.
SUse extreme caution when re-entering a
previous cut.
SDo not attempt cuts starting with the tip of
the bar (plunge cuts).
SWatchfor shif ting of wood or other forces that
could close a cut and pinch or fall into chain.
SUse the Reduced--Kickback Guide Bar and
Low--Kickback Chain specified for your unit .
MAINTAIN CONTROL
SKeep a good, firm grip on the pruner with
bothhands when the engine is running and
don’tlet go. Afirm grip will help you r educe
kickback and maintain control. Keep the