12
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. 12).
•
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
Please contact an authorized Snow Joe
®
+ Sun Joe
®
dealer
or call the Snow Joe
®
+ Sun Joe
®
customer service center
at 1-866-SNOWJOE (1-866-766-9563) for all maintenance
operations not foreseen in this manual. Any operation
performed in an unauthorized service center or by unqualified
personnel will completely invalidate the warranty.
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.
m
WARNING!
Always unplug the power cord before
performing any adjustments, maintenance, or repairs to your
pole chain saw.
•
Use protective gloves when handling the bar and chain.
• Keep the bar encased in its sheath, except when working
directly on the bar or the chain.
•
Never dispose of oils or other polluting materials in
unauthorized places.
Motor Cooling
To avoid overheating and damage to the motor, always keep
the cooling air vents clean and free of sawdust and debris.
Chain Tension
Check the chain tension before using the saw when the chain
is cold. The correct tension of a cold chain is when there is no
slack on the underside of the guide bar; the chain is snug, but
you can rotate it by hand without binding.
During normal saw operation, the temperature of the chain will
increase. The drive links of a correctly tensioned warm chain
will hang approximately 0.050 in. (1.25 mm) out of the bar
groove (Fig. 20). Be aware that a chain tensioned while warm,
may be too tight upon cooling. Check the “cold tension” before
next use. The chain must be re-tensioned whenever the flats
on the drive links hang out of the bar groove (Fig. 20).
NOTE: A new chain tends to stretch. Check the chain tension
frequently and re-tension as needed.
Nuts + Screws
Periodically check that all the nuts and screws are tight and
secure. Check that the collar that controls the telescoping pole
is intact and in proper working order.
Fig. 20
Properly Adjusted Warm Chain
Approximately .050 in. (1.25 mm)
Flats are
visible here
Flats are not
visible here
Chain Needs Tensioning
