12
• Now make your finishing cut from the topside of the
branch smoothly and neatly against the main member so
the bark will grow back to seal the wound.
•
Release the trigger ON/OFF switch as soon as the cut is
completed. Failure to follow proper cutting procedures will
result in the bar and chain binding and becoming pinched
or trapped in the limb.
Limbing
Limbing is the process of removing branches from a fallen tree.
•
You should cut limbs one at a time. Remove the cut limbs
from the work area often to help keep the work area clean
and safe.
•
Cut branches under tension from the bottom up to avoid
binding the pole chain saw.
•
Keep the tree between you and the pole chain saw while
limbing. Cut from the side of the tree opposite the branch
you are cutting.
If the Saw Becomes Pinched or Trapped
1.
Wait for the blade to stop, wait five minutes for the saw to
cool, unplug the power cord, and wear gloves to protect
your hands from the chain teeth.
2. If you can reach the limb from the ground, lift the limb
while holding the saw. This should release the “pinch” and
free the saw.
3. If the saw is still trapped, call a professional for assistance.
Minimize Kickback
Kickback may occur when the moving chain contacts an
object at the upper portion of the tip of the guide bar or when
the wood closes in and pinches the pole chain saw in the
cut. Contact at the upper portion of the tip of the guide bar
can cause the chain to dig into the object and stop the chain
for an instant. The result is a lightning-fast reverse reaction,
which kicks the guide bar up and back toward the operator. If
the pole chain saw is pinched along the top of the guide bar,
the guide bar can be driven rapidly back toward the operator.
Either of these reactions can cause loss of saw control, which
can result in serious injury. Do not rely exclusively upon the
safety devices built into the saw. As a pole chain saw user, you
should take several steps to keep your cutting jobs free from
accident or injury.
Take the following precautions to minimize kickback:
•
Before you start the unit, make sure the pole chain saw is
not contacting any object.
• Always grip the pole and handle firmly with both hands
when the unit is running. Place one hand on the pole and
your other hand on the molded handle with your thumbs
and fingers encircling the pole and handle. A firm grip
combined with proper positioning of the handle against
your body will help you maintain control of the saw if
kickback occurs.
•
Make sure that the area in which you are cutting is free
from obstructions.
•
Do not let the kickback danger zone area of the guide bar
contact a log, branch, fence, or any other obstruction that
could be hit while you are operating the pole chain saw
(Fig. 15).
•
Always cut with the unit running at full speed. Fully
squeeze the ON/OFF trigger and maintain a steady cutting
speed.
•
Wear non-slip gloves for maximum grip and protection.
•
Extend the pole only to the length required to reach
the limb cut. Do not extend the rear handle above
waist height.
Maintenance
m
WARNING!
For your safety and that of others:
•
Correct maintenance is essential to maintain the original
efficiency and safety of the machine over time.
•
Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
•
Never use the machine with worn or damaged parts.
Damaged parts are to be replaced and never repaired.
•
Only use original Snow Joe
®
+ Sun Joe
®
replacement
parts. Parts that are not of the same quality can seriously
damage the equipment, compromise safety, and invalidate
the warranty.
Fig. 25
Load
Second Cut
First Cut
1/3 Diameter
Finishing Cut
