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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
9
OPERATING THE PRUNER
Before operating the unit, stand in the operating position
(Figs. 10 & 11). Check for the following:
• The operator is wearing a face shield, head protection
and proper clothing.
• Harness is adjusted to proper position.
• The handle is adjusted to provide the best grip.
• The operator has a firm grip on both the throttle grip
and handle.
PRUNING TIPS
Why Prune?
Trees need to be trained. If they are not, they may grow
into a tangled and potentially dangerous area of the yard.
Pruning is useful for sizing, shaping, removing broken
branches and maintaining the health of the tree.
When to Prune?
Pruning can be done at any time during the year. But, the
best time is during the dormant (winter) season.
What to Look for?
Finding problem areas in a tree can be difficult. Look for
and remove:
• Dead or dying branches. Cut them back to a healthy branch
or trunk because they may carry insects or diseases.
• Branch stubs. These occur when a prior pruning was
done incorrectly or if a branch broke off during a storm.
Cut the stubs back to the closest healthy branch or trunk.
• Future growth. If a tree limb is growing towards a fence
or building, remove it early. The older the tree, the
longer it takes for cutting wounds to heal.
How to Prune Correctly
• Don’t cause damage to the trunk bark by cutting too
close to the trunk.
• Cut the branch so that the wound is as small as possible.
• Don’t leave a long branch stub. It can lead to rot or
insect infestation.
• Use a sharp blade to make cuts that are clean and smooth.
1. When operating the pruner, rest the foot of the pruner
against the tree limb that is being cut (Fig. 12).
2. Make the first cut one (1) foot (30.5 cm) from where
the final cut will be (Fig. 13).
3. Cut to the outside of the branch collar to avoid
damage to the tree (Fig. 14)
Fig. 12
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 14
1 Foot
(30.5 cm)
Foot
Collar
Fig. 13
Cut
WARNING: Always wear eye, hearing, foot
and body protection to reduce the risk of
injury when operating this unit.