pendicular to the direction of fall. Make the lower hori-
zontal notching cut first. This will help to avoid pinching
either the saw chain or the guide bar when the second
notch is being made.
Felling back cut
Make the felling back cut (Y) at least 50 mm higher than
the horizontal notching cut (X – W). Keep the felling back
cut parallel to the horizontal notching cut. Make the fell-
ing back cut so enough wood is left to act as a hinge. The
hinge wood keeps the tree from twisting and falling in the
wrong direction. Do not cut through the hinge.
As the felling gets close to the hinge the tree should be-
gin to fall.
If there is any chance that the tree may not fall in desired
direction or it may rock back and bind the saw chain, stop
cutting before the felling back cut is complete and use
wedges of wood, plastic or aluminium to open the cut
and drop the tree along the desired line of fall.
When the tree begins to fall remove the chain saw from
the cut, stop the motor, put the chain saw down, then use
the retreat path planned. Be alert for overhead limbs fall-
ing and watch your footing.
To complete the felling operation, drive a wedge (Z) into
the horizontal cut (Y).
Beware of falling branches when the tree starts to move.
LIMBING A TREE
Limbing is removing the branches from a fallen tree.
When limbing leave larger lower limbs to support the
log off the ground until after the log is bucked (cut) into
lengths. (Fig.13)
Branches under tension should be cut from the bottom
up to avoid binding the chain saw.
WARNING: Never cut tree limbs while stand-
ing on tree trunk.
BUCKING A LOG
Support logs before bucking. Saw wood only. Avoid con-
tact with stones, nails, etc. when sawing, as these could
be thrown up or cause damage to the chain or serious
injury to the operator or bystanders.
Keep a running chain saw clear of wire fencing or the
ground.
Length cuts must be carried out with care, as leverage
with the spiked bumper is not possible
Saw at flat angle to avoid kickback.
1. Log supported along its entire length: Cut from
top (over buck), taking care to avoid cutting into the
ground (Fig. 14а)
2. Log supported on one end: First, cut from bottom
(under buck) 1/3 diameter of log to avoid splintering.
Second, cut from above (over buck) to meet first cut
and avoid pinching. (Fig. 14b)
3. Log supported on both ends: First, over buck 1/3
diameter of log to avoid splintering. Second, under
buck to meet first cut and avoid pinching. (Fig. 14c)
4. When working on a slope, operate above or to the
side of the trunk or laying tree. Be careful not to trip
over tree stumps, branches, roots, etc.
Original instructions
BUCKING USING A SAW HORSE
For personal safety and ease of cutting, the correct posi-
tion for vertical bucking is essential (Fig. 15).
A. Hold the saw firmly with both hands and keep the saw
to the right of your body while cutting.
B. Keep the left arm as straight as possible.
C. Keep balance on both feet.
CAUTION: While the saw is cutting, be sure the chain
and bar are being properly lubricated.
CUTTING WOOD UNDER TENSION
There is a high risk of accidents when sawing wood,
branch or trees under tension.
Leave saw jobs like these to professionals ONLY.
Position and support the trunk as shown on the figure,
so that the cut does not close in, resulting in jamming or
pinching the chan. (Fig.16)
When sawing trunks/logs supported on both ends, start
the cut from above (A) about 1/3 of the diameter into the
log and then finish the cut (B) from below, in order to
avoid splitting of the log and/or jamming of the saw. Avoid
contact of the chain saw with the ground. When sawing
logs supported on only one end, start the cut from below
(B) about 1/3 of the diameter into the log and finish the
cut from above (B), in order to avoid log splitting and/or
jamming of the chain saw.
Maintenance
WARNING: Always switch off and unplug the
power tool prior to any inspection or maintenance. To
ensure product long life and safe operation, perform
the below described maintenance procedures regu-
larly.
WARNING: Always wear protective gloves
when handling the guide bar and chain.
Regularly check for obvious defects such as loose,
stretched or damaged chain and guide bar, loose fixings
and worn or damaged components.
Check that covers and safety devices are undamaged
and correctly fitted. Carry out necessary maintenance
before using the chain saw.
If the chain saw is faulty, repair should be carried out in
authorized SPARKY service centre.
NOTE: Before returning the chain saw to an authorized
service centre ensure that the oil tank has been emptied
completely.
REPLACING THE GUIDE BAR AND CHAIN
Fit the chain and guide bar as described above.
The guide bar groove wears with time.
The bar side contacting with the machine should be re-
versed periodically to ensure uniform wear.
Check the drive sprocket (19). If it has worn out or dam-
aged due to strain, have it replaced in SPARKY author-
11
EN