OPERATION Preparation for Cutting Proper Grip on Handles Refer to Safety Section for appropriate Safety Equipment. 1. Wear non-slip gloves for maximum grip and protection. 2. Maintain a proper grip ( A ) on the saw whenever the engine is running. The fingers should encircle the handlebar and the thumb is wrapped under the handlebar. This grip is least likely to be broken (by a kickback or other sudden reaction of the saw). Any grip in which the thumb and fingers are on the same side of the handle ( B ), is dangerous because a slight kick of the saw can cause loss of control.
A B Basic Cutting Procedure Practice cutting a few small logs using the following technique to get the "feel" of using your saw before you begin a major sawing operation. 1. Take the proper stance in front of the wood with the saw idling. 2. Accelerate the engine to full throttle just before entering the cut by squeezing the throttle trigger. 3. Begin cutting with the saw against the log. 4. Keep the engine at full throttle the entire time you are cutting. 5. Allow the chain to cut for you; exert only light downward pressure. If you force the cut, damage to the bar, chain, or engine can result. 6. Release the throttle trigger as soon as the cut is completed, allowing the engine to idle.
If you run the saw at full throttle without a cutting load, unnecessary wear or damage can occur to the chain, bar, and engine. 7. Do not put pressure on the saw at the end of the cut. 3. Hold the saw firmly with both hands. Always keep your LEFT HAND on the front handlebar and your RIGHT HAND on the rear (throttle) handle as shown in Illustration ( C ), so that your body is to the left of the chain line. Never use a cross-handed grip, or any stance which would place your body or arm across the chain line. Work Area Precautions Cut only wood or materials made from wood; no sheet metal, no plastics, no masonry, no non-wood building materials. Never allow children to operate your saw.
Allow no person to use this chain saw who has not read this Operator's Manual or received adequate instructions for the safe and proper use of this chain saw. Keep everyone - helpers, bystanders, children, and animals a safe distance from the cutting area. During felling operations, the safe distance should be a least twice the height of the largest trees in the felling area. During bucking operations, keep a minimum distance of 15 feet (4.5m) between workers. C Proper Cutting Stance Weight should be balanced on both feet - feet on solid ground. Keep arm with elbow locked in a "straight arm" position ( D ) to withstand any kickback force.
Your body should always be to the left of the chain line ( E ). Thumb on underside of handlebar ( F ). E Always cut with both feet on solid ground to prevent being pulled off balance. Do not cut above chest height, as a saw held higher is difficult to control against kickback forces. Do not fell trees near electrical wires or buildings. Leave this operation for professionals. Cut only when visibility and light are adequate for you to see clearly. D F 15 English