F.F. Group ELC 40/2400 PLUS, Original Instructions Manual

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English | 17 ELC 40/2400 PLUS
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tering, first make one shallow relief cut on the bot-
tom surface of the limb ( a ) , then cut the limb all of
the way through from the top of the limb ( b ) to
match the bottom cut (L2) .
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After most of the limb has been removed, make
one smooth cut near the trunk (L3) .
FELLING TREES
f
Always wear hard hat to protect head against
falling branches.
f
The chain saw may only be used to fell trees
smaller in diameter than the length of the chain
bar.
f
Secure the work area. Ensure no persons or ani-
mals are in the vicinity of the falling tree.
When cutting and felling operations are being
performed by two or more persons at the same
time, the felling operations should be separated
from the cutting operations 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 a utility line, the company should be
notified immediately.
The 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.
An escape path should be planned and cleared
as necessary before cuts are started. The escape
path should extend back and diagonally to the
rear of the expected line of fall (J) .
Before felling is started, consider the natural lean
of the tree, the location of larger branches and
the wind direction to judge which way the tree
will fall.
Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples,
and wire from the tree.
Notching undercut (J): Make the notch ( X - W )
1/3 the diameter of the tree, perpendicular to the
direction of fall. Make the lower horizontal notch-
ing cut first. This will help to avoid pinching either
the saw chain or the chain bar when the second
notch is being made.
Felling back-cut (J): Make the felling back-cut
(Y) at least 50 mm higher than the horizontal
notching cut. Carry out the felling back-cut paral-
lel to the horizontal notching cut. Make the felling
back-cut so that enough wood is left to act as a
hinge. The hinge-wood keeps the tree from twist-
ing and falling in the wrong direction. Do not cut
through the hinge.
As the felling gets close to the hinge, the tree
should begin to fall. If there is any chance that the
tree may not fall in the desired direction or may
rock back and bind the saw chain, stop cutting
before the felling back-cut is complete and use
wedges of wood, plastic or aluminium to open the
cut and drop the tree along the desired line of fall.
When the tree begins to fall, remove the chain
saw from the cut, stop the motor, put the chain
saw down, then use the retreat path planned. Be
alert for overhead limbs falling and watch your
footing.
Drive a wedge (Z) into the horizontal cut to make
the tree fall. When the tree begins to fall, leave
the danger area via the retreat path planned. Be
alert for overhead limbs falling and watch your
footing.
LIMBING A TREE (M)
Limbing is removing the branches from a fall-
en tree. When limbing, leave larger lower limbs
to support the log off the ground. Remove the
small limbs in one cut as illustrated in the figure.
Branches under tension should be cut from the
bottom up to avoid binding the chain saw.
BUCKING A LOG (N1, N2, N3, N4)
Bucking is cutting a log into lengths. It is import-
ant to make sure your footing is firm and your
weight is evenly distributed on both feet. When
possible, the log should be raised and supported
by the use of limbs, logs or chocks. Follow the sim-
ple directions for easy cutting.
When the log is supported along its entire length,
it is cut from the top (overbuck).
When the log is supported on one end, cut 1/3 the
diameter from the underside (underbuck). Then
make the finished cut by overbucking to meet the
first cut.
When the log is supported on both ends, cut 1/3
the diameter from the top overbuck. Then make
the finished cut by underbucking the lower 2/3 to
meet the first cut.
When bucking on a slope, always stand on the
uphill side of the log. When “cutting through”, re-
lease the cutting pressure near the end of the cut
without relaxing your grip on the chain saw han-
dles in order to maintain complete control. Don’t
let the chain contact the ground. After complet-
ing the cut, wait for the saw chain to stop before
you move the chain saw. Always stop the chain
saw motor before moving from tree to tree.
MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING
WARNING: Failure to identify and replace
damaged or worn parts can cause serious per-
sonal injury. Inspect the chainsaw regularly.
Regular inspection is the first step to proper
maintenance. Follow the guidelines below to
maximize safety and satisfaction. Have any
damaged or excessively worn parts replaced
immediately.
WARNING: An electric power tool that is
plugged in can start accidentally. Unplug the
chainsaw before preparing for use or per-
forming maintenance.
CAUTION: When cleaning the chainsaw, do
not immerse in water or other liquids.
INSPECTION
Before each use and if the chainsaw has been
dropped, inspect these parts:
ƒ
Power plug (13): Ensure the plug is in good con-
dition and not bent or corroded, and that the in-
sulation is intact. If the cord is damaged, do not
use. Contact an authorized service dealer.