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3. Disengage the Lock-Off Button (8) and press the On/Off Trigger Switch (12)
4. Run the chainsaw whilst directed towards the ground. Oil should be scattered off the
chain, on to the floor
5. If no or insufficient oil escapes, refer to ‘Filling chain oil reservoir’ in the ‘Maintenance’
section
WARNING: Potentially dangerous reactive forces may occur any time the chain is rotating.
In any chainsaw, the powerful force used to cut wood can be reversed (and work against the
operator). If the rotating chain is suddenly stopped by contact with any solid object like a log
or branch or is pinched, the reactive forces may occur instantly. These reactive forces may
result in loss of control which may, in turn, cause serious or fatal injury. An understanding of
the causes of these reactive forces may help the operator avoid loss of control. The most
common reactive forces are kickback (see ‘Kickback Safety Precautions’), pushback and
pull-in.
Transporting the chainsaw
WARNING: ALWAYS switch off the chainsaw before putting it down or transporting it.
Carrying a chainsaw with the motor running is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious
or fatal injuries.
• ALWAYS fit the Blade Guard (5) to the Guide Bar (4) before transporting the chainsaw.
Carry the chainsaw by holding its Front Handle (7), with the Guide Bar pointing
backwards
Note: Wait until the motor has cooled completely, before fitting the Blade Guard (5) to the
Guide Bar (4), or transporting the chainsaw in a vehicle.
Understanding reactive forces when cutting with a
chainsaw
“Pull-in” (see fig. B):
• Occurs when the Saw Chain (2) on the underneath of the Guide Bar (4) suddenly stops,
for example when pinched, caught or catching on a foreign object inside the wood. The
chainsaw is pulled forward violently, and may cause the operator to lose control of the
chainsaw. Other causes are a too low chain speed when making contact with the wood,
or Bumper Spikes (18) that are not properly pushed against the wood whilst cutting
WARNING: There is a high risk of pull-in when cutting small diameter branches and thin
trees, as small items can easily get caught in the chain.
To avoid pull-in:
1. ALWAYS wait until the chain has reached its full cutting speed, before making contact
with the wood
2. Ensure the Bumper Spikes (18) engage the wood properly
3. Use wedges to open up existing partial cuts
“Push-back” (see fig. C):
• Occurs when the Saw Chain (3) on top of the Guide Bar (4) suddenly stops, for example
when pinched, caught or catching on a foreign object inside the wood. The chainsaw is
violently pushed backwards towards the operator, potentially causing a loss of control of
the chainsaw. Pushback will also occur when the top of the Guide Bar is used for cutting.
To avoid pushback:
1. Avoid cutting situations that may cause material to pinch the top of the Saw Chain (3)
2. DO NOT cut more than one object at a time
3. DO NOT twist the chainsaw when pulling the Guide Bar out of a plunge or underbuck cut,
which could cause pinching of the Saw Chain
• Kickback: see ‘Kickback Prevention and Safety Precautions’
Cutting instructions
WARNING: Tree felling procedures can be challenging and complex, and should therefore
only be undertaken by people with sufficient expertise and training. Imprudent chainsaw
operation can lead to fatal injury and substantial property damage.
WARNING: In order to keep control of your saw, ALWAYS maintain secure footing. NEVER
work from a ladder or similar contraptions that are potentially insecure. NEVER use the saw
above shoulder height.
WARNING: NEVER work from inside a tree, unless you have been specifically, professionally
trained.
• Chainsaw operators climbing trees MUST be properly secured with a professional
harness system. They MUST have BOTH hands available to operate the chainsaw.
Precautions must be taken to protect the chainsaw operator from falling branches.
• ALWAYS hold the chainsaw with both hands, when the motor is running. Keep your hands
clean and your gloves free of oil, grease and dirt
• NEVER put the chainsaw down and leave it with the motor running. Vibrations will cause
the chainsaw to move, potentially causing damage and injury
• Hold the Front Handle (7) with your left hand, and the Rear Handle (14) with your right
hand, fingers wrapped around the handle and the On/Off Trigger Switch (12)
Note: This position should also be adopted by left-handed operators.
• Holding the chainsaw in this exact position enables the operator to best oppose and
absorb the reactive forces occurring during chainsaw work (i.e. push-in, pull-back and
kickback). Ensure you keep the handles clean and in good condition
• NEVER attempt to cut any material other than wood
• During chainsaw use, make sure that the Saw Chain does not touch any foreign objects
(e.g. stone, nails, wire, etc.), as this might cause violent reactive forces, damage to the
tool and injury
Felling a tree (see fig. D)
WARNING: ALWAYS clear an escape path first! You should establish two paths of escape,
and remove all obstacles from these routes. Paths should lead away from the tree in angles
of about 45°, in directions opposite to the planned fall direction.
1. Establish the position of the felling notch. It should be located perpendicular to the line of
fall, and close to the ground
2. Cut in to the tree at an angle of approximately 45°, and follow this cut through to about
1/5 to ¼ of the trunk diameter. Make your second cut to remove a 45° to 90° chunk from
the trunk
3. Establish the position of the felling cut. It should be exactly opposite the felling notch
4. Start the felling cut a few centimetres above the centre of the felling notch. Cut through
the trunk, leaving a ‘hinge’ of around 1/10 of the trunk diameter. This helps to control the
fall
5. Drive wooden or plastic wedges into the felling cut to initiate the fall
WARNING: Falling trees are unpredictable. Step to one side and NEVER stand behind a
falling tree. The trunk may split, splinter or move backwards.
WARNING: NEVER run while holding a chainsaw, whether the motor is running or switched
off. Turn off the chainsaw and set it down, before making your escape.
Limbing
Note: The term ‘limbing’ is used for the process of removing the branches from a fallen tree.
WARNING: There is a high chance of kickback occurring during limbing operations. NEVER
cut with the nose of the Guide Bar (4). Be extremely careful to avoid touching the log or other
tree limbs with the nose of the Guide Bar.
• NEVER stand on a log while limbing. You may slip or the log may roll
• Leave the lower limbs to support the log off the ground
WARNING: Proceed with extreme caution when cutting limbs or logs that are under tension
(‘spring poles’). The wood could spring back towards the operator, causing loss of control
over the chainsaw, potentially leading to severe or even fatal injury
• To cut branches off a standing tree, start with an upwards relieving cut, followed by a
through-cut from the top (see Fig. E)
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