- 20 -
8. ASSEMBLY
- 13 -
9. OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
Warning:
Do not start the chainsaw before
mounting and correctly adjusting the guide bar and
chain.
Attention:
Saw chain is extremely sharp - wear
gloves when handling chain.
8.1 ATTACHING/ADJUSTING GUIDE BAR
AND CHAIN - FIGS. 1 - 9
Position the power head as shown (Fig.1). Ensure
the chain brake is disengaged. To disengage, pull
the chain brake lever
towards the front wrap
round handle.
Use a cross slot screwdriver to loosen the chain
tension adjuster screw
anti-clockwise retracting
the chain tension adjuster pin
. Pull the clutch
cover away and off the machine.
With the combination box spanner, remove the two
guide bar locking nuts
.
– Fit the chain behind the clutch and around the
drive sprocket paying particular attention to
the cutter orientation. An incorrectly fitted
chain is dangerous.
–
Note:
The chain is driven on the top of the guide bar
away from the power head. Stamped on the
saw chain cutters and links is a direction of
rotation arrow. Ensure the drive sprocket teeth
have correctly meshed with the drive links.
FIG. 1
FIG. 2
FIG. 3
FIG. 4
9.6
KICKBACK - FIG.19
Definition:
Kickback: Rapid upward and/or backward
motion of the chainsaw which can occur when
the moving saw chain near the tip of the guide
bar contacts an object such as a log or a branch.
Kickback is the most common hazard associated with
chainsaws and can result in serious injuries, and even
fatalities.
– This chainsaw features an inertia activated chain
brake and a manually triggered chain brake. In the
event of a particularly strong kickback inertia
generated releases the brake lever triggering the chain brake. If the kickback is less the chain
brake lever will activate on the operator‘s left hand (hence the necessity to always operate the
saw two handed). There are different types of kickback and a couple of other associated risks.
– Because the saw chain is driven along the top of the guide bar away from the power head,
contact with the kickback zone can translate the chain movement in the opposing direction on
the guide bar. This is particularly the case if the chain becomes pinched or snags in the
kickback zone of the guide bar.
– Another kickback danger can result in the chainsaw being forced horizontally back towards the
user. Kickback of this nature is the result of the chain along the top of the guide bar being
pinched, translating the force backwards through the guide bar.
– The opposite of kickback is having the chainsaw pulled away. Pull-in can be a result of the
chain pinching along the bottom of the guide bar. As the chain along the bottom of the guide bar
is returning to the power head the translating force pulls the chainsaw from the operator‘s
hands.
– In addition to kickback, risks such as skating and bouncing can lead to a loss of control of the
chainsaw. If the chain fails to make an initial incision it can move sideways along the timber
`skating´ or `bouncing´. This sideways movement can result in off balancing, overstretch, further
loss of control or contact with the guide bar tip on another limb causing a kickback.
– To avoid kickback occurring, do not use the tip of the guide bar. Take note of foreign objects and
other branches/limbs close to the area being cut.
NOTE: They may not be in your line of sight. Always make the initial cut on the tension surface
of the timber and use non metal spreading wedges to avoid the timber pinching the chain.
Always begin cutting at full speed and ensure the body of the saw, in particular the spiked
bumper, is against the timber.
- Cut only one piece of timber at any time and observe the timber while making the cut to ensure
the tension was assessed correctly. Hold the chainsaw firmly as described. Maintain a good
firm stance and do not over reach. Do not cut above shoulder height. The use of a low kick
back saw chain is also advised. These are designed specifically to help reduce the factors
leading to kick back. Do not solely rely on the chain brake to stop an accident occurring or
chainsaw ppe to avoid injury. They are a deterrent.
KICKBACK
ZONE
FIG.19
