8
6
5
10 feet
5a
6a
Wipe off any spilled fuel before starting your saw and
check for leakage.
Check for fuel leakage while refueling and during opera-
tion. If fuel or oil leakage is found, do not start or run the
engine until leak is fixed and spilled fuel has been wiped
away. Clothing with fuel on it has to be changed imme-
diately (this is a danger to your life!).
Avoid skin contact with fuel. Never loosen or remove the
cap of the fuel tank while the engine is running.
Starting
Do not drop start. This method is very dangerous because
you may lose control of the saw (fig. 6).
WARNING!
Gasoline is an extremely flammable fuel. Use extre-
me caution when handling gasoline or fuel mix. Do
not smoke or bring any sparks or flame near the fuel
(fig. 5).
Fueling instructions
Fuel your chain saw in well ventilated areas or out-
doors. Always shut off the engine and allow it to cool before
refueling. Select bare ground for fueling and move the
chain saw at least 10 feet (3 m) from fueling spot before
starting the engine (fig. 5a).
Place the chain saw on firm ground or other solid surface
in an open area. Maintain a good balance and secure
footing. Place your right foot through the rear handle
opening and firmly grasp the front handle with your left
hand (fig. 6a).
Be absolutely sure that guide bar and chain are clear of
you or all other obstructions and objects, including the
ground, because when the engine starts in semi-throttle
position, engine speed will be fast enough for the clutch
to engage the sprocket and turn the chain which may
cause a kickback.
Never attempt to start the saw when the guide bar is in
a cut or kerf.
When you pull the starter grip, don’t wrap the starter rope
around your hands. Do not allow the grip to snap back,
but guide the starter rope slowly back to permit the rope
to rewind properly.
Failure to follow this procedure may result in injury to hand
or fingers and may damage the starter mechanism.
Chain saw operating instructions
For assembly follow the procedure in the appropriate section
"Mounting Guide Bar and Chain" of this manual. MAKITA
chain, guide bar and sprocket must match each other (see
the appropriate section in this manual).
WARNING!
Proper tension of the chain is extremely important. In
order to avoid false setting the tensioning procedure
must be followed as described in this manual. Always
make sure the hexagonal nut(s) for the sprocket
guard is (are) tightened securely after tensioning the
chain.
Check chain tension once more after having tightened
the nuts and thereafter at regular intervals (always be-
fore starting to work). If the chain becomes loose while
cutting, shut off the engine and then tighten. Never try
to tighten the chain while the engine is running!
Fueling
Your MAKITA saw uses on oil-gasoline mixture for fuel
(see chapter "Fuel" of this manual).