English---20
115391326 Rev. 3 1/31/11
WORKING TECHNIQUES
General working instructions
IMPORTANT!
This section describes basic safety rules for
using a chain saw. This information is never
a substitute for professional skills and experi-
ence. If you get into a situation where you
feel unsafe, stop and seek expert advice.
Contact your chain saw dealer, servicing
dealer or an experienced chain saw user. Do
not attempt any task that you are not sure
you can handle!
Before using a chain saw you must under-
stand the effects of kickback and how to
avoid them. See instructions under the head-
ing How to avoid kickback.
Before using a chain saw you must under-
stand the difference between cutting with the
top and bottom edges of the bar. See in-
structions under the headings How to avoid
kickback and Machine’s safety equipment.
Wear personal protective equipment. See
instructions under the heading Personal pro-
tective equipment.
Basic safety rules
1. Look around you:
S
To ensure that people, animals or
other things cannot affect your con-
trol of the machine.
S
To make sure that none of the above
might come within reach of your saw
or be injured by falling trees.
CAUTION! Follow the instructions above,
but do not use a chain saw in a situation
where you cannot call for help in case of
an accident.
2. Do not use the machine in bad weather,
such as dense fog, heavy rain, strong
wind, intense cold, etc. Working in bad
weather is tiring and often brings added
risks, such as icy ground, unpredictable
felling direction, etc.
Before use: (32)
1. Check that the chain brake works correct-
ly and is not damaged.
2. Check that the rear right hand guard is not
damaged.
3. Check that the throttle lockout works cor-
rectly and is not damaged.
4. Check that the stop switch works correctly
and is not damaged.
5. Check that all handles are free from oil.
6. Check that the anti vibration system works
and is not damaged.
7. Check that the muffler is securely at-
tached and not damaged.
8. Check that all parts of the chain saw are
tightened correctly and that they are not
damaged or missing.
9. Check that the chain catcher is in place
and not damaged.
10. Check the chain tension.
3. Take great care when removing small
branches and avoid cutting bushes (i.e.
cutting many small branches at the
same time). Small branches can be
grabbed by the chain and thrown back
at you, causing serious injury.
4. Make sure you can move and stand
safely. Check the area around you for
possible obstacles (roots, rocks,
branches, ditches, etc.) in case you
have to move suddenly. Take great care
when working on sloping ground.
5. Take great care when cutting a tree that
is under tension. A tree that is under ten-
sion may spring back to its normal posi-
tion before or after being cut. If you posi-
tion yourself incorrectly or make the cut
in the wrong place the tree may hit you
or the machine and cause you to lose
control. Both situations can cause seri-
ous personal injury.
6. Before moving your chain saw switch off
the engine and lock the chain using the
chain brake. Carry the chain saw with
the bar and chain pointing backwards.
Fit a guard to the bar before transporting
the chain saw or carrying it for any dis-
tance.
7. When you put the chain saw on the
ground, lock the saw chain using the
chain brake and ensure you have a
constant view of the machine. Switch the
engine off before leaving your chain saw
for any length of time.
General rules
1. If you understand what kickback is and
how it happens then you can reduce or
eliminate the element of surprise. By
being prepared you reduce the risk.
Kickback is usually quite mild, but it
can sometimes be very sudden and
violent.
2. Always hold the chain saw firmly with
your right hand on the rear handle and
your left hand on the front handle.
Wrap your fingers and thumbs around
the handles. You should use this grip
whether you are right--handed or left--
handed. This grip minimizes the effect
of kickback and lets you keep the
chain saw under control.
Do not let go
of the handles!
3. Most kickback accidents happen during
limbing. Make sure you are standing
firmly and that there is nothing in the
way that might make you trip or lose
your balance.
Lack of concentration can lead to kick-
back if the kickback zone of the bar ac-
cidentally touches a branch, nearby tree
or some other object.
Have control over the workpiece. If the
pieces you intend to cut are small and
light, they can jam in the saw chain and
be thrown towards you. This is not nec-
essarily dangerous in itself, but you may
