When you pull the starter grip, don't wrap the starter rope around
your hands. Do not allow the grip to snap back, but guide the starter
rope slowly back to permit the rope to rewind properly. Failure to
follow this procedure may result in injury to hand or fingers and may
damage the starter mechanism.
Important adjustments
WARNING!
At correct idle speed, chain should not turn. For directions to
adjust idle speed, see the appropriate section of this instruction
manual.
Do not use a saw with incorrect idle speed adjustment. Adjust the
idle speed yourself according to the appropriate section of this
manual.
Have your MAKITA dealer check your saw and make proper
adjustments or repairs.
Check the saw chain tension frequently, especially just after
installing a new chain. New chains may stretch more during their
initial use. A properly adjusted saw chain can be pulled freely
around the guide bar by hand without sagging. Always stop the
engine and wear gloves when checking or adjusting the chain
tension.
Working conditions
Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Operate the chain saw in
well-ventilated areas only. Operate the saw under good visibility and
daylight conditions only.
Always bring a fire extinguisher when you use the chain saw.
WARNING!
Take extreme care in wet and freezing weather (rain, snow, ice).
Put off the work when the weather is windy, stormy or rainfall is
heavy. Clear the area where you are working.
WARNING!
Avoid stumbling on obstacles such as stumps, roots or rocks
and watch out for holes or ditches. Be extremely cautious when
working on slopes or uneven ground. There is increased danger of
slipping on freshly debarked logs.
Cutting instructions
Always hold the saw firmly with both hands when the engine is
running. Place your left hand on the front handle and your right hand
on the rear handle and throttle lever. Left-handers should follow these
instructions too.
Wrap your fingers tightly around the handles, keeping the handles
cradled between your thumb and forefinger (Fig. 7). With your hands
in this position, you can best oppose and absorb the push, pull and
kickback forces of your saw without having it slip out of your grip (see
section of reactive forces). Make sure your chain saw handle and grip
are in good condition and free of moisture, pitch, oil or grease.
Always start a cut with the chain running at full speed and the spike
bumper in contact with the wood.
Never use the saw with one hand. You cannot control reactive
forces (see section "Reactive forces during the cut, including
kickback") and may lose control of the saw.
Do not operate your chain saw in semi-throttle position.
Cutting in this position does not permit the operator proper control
of the saw or chain speed.
Never come too close to a rotating chain with your hands or body.
Cut wood only. Do not use the chain saw for purposes not
intended. For example: do not use the chain saw for cutting
plastic, masonry, or non-wood building materials.
Use your chain saw for cutting only. It is not designed for prying or
shoveling away limbs, roots or other objects.
When sawing, make sure that the saw chain does not touch any
foreign materials such as rocks, nails and the like (Fig. 8). Such
objects may be flung off, damage the saw chain or cause the saw
to kickback.
In order to keep control of your saw, always maintain a firm foothold.
Never work on a ladder, in a tree or on any other insecure support.
Never use the saw above shoulder height (Fig. 9).
7
Position the chain saw in such a way that your body is clear of the
cutting attachment whenever the engine is running (Fig. 10).
6
WARNING!
WARNING!
WARNING!
WARNING!
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9
10