20
Operating the Chainsaw
Chainsaw Model CS1400-091
PRUNING
CAUTION: Falling limbs may bounce or
“spring back” after they hit the ground so
it is essential to keep the ground clear to
provide multiple retreat paths. Clear the
work area and wear head protection.
Pruning is removing dead or overgrown
branches to maintain plant health
• Plan retreat paths before beginning to cut,
and make sure there are no obstructions
Always know how to get out of the way of
falling branches
• Make sure bystanders or helpers are a safe
distance from falling branches Bystanders or
helpers should not stand directly in front of or
behind the operator See Fig 22
• Maintain solid footing and hold the chainsaw
firmly with both hands Do not overreach
Never climb a tree or ladder to reach high
limbs
• Secure any branches that might be hazardous
• Use proper auxiliary equipment
• Prune lower limbs before pruning higher ones
• Allow the saw chain to achieve full speed
before cutting
• Apply light pressure to the branch
• For long limbs (Fig 23), cut the end of the limb
first (1) to relieve pressure from the limb, then
prune closer to the trunk (2)
• Thick limbs (greater than 4 inch (10 cm) in
diameter) can splinter or pinch the chain when
making a single cut from the top To avoid
pinching or splintering, first make one shallow
relief cut on the bottom surface of the limb (1),
then cut the limb all of the way through from
the top of the limb (2) to match the bottom
cut (Fig 24)
• After most of the limb has been removed,
make one smooth cut near the trunk (Fig 25)
(1)
(2)
FIG. 23
(1)
(2)
FIG. 24
FIG. 25
