OPERATION
PROPER CUTTING STANCE
See Figure 12.
WARNING:
Always use the proper cutting stance de-
scribed in this section. Never kneel when us-
ing the chain saw. Kneeling could result in loss
of stability and control of the saw resulting in
serious personal injury.
Weight should be balanced with both feet on
solid ground.
Keep left arm with elbow locked in a "straight
arm" position to withstand any kickback force.
Your body should always be to the left of the
chain line.
Thumb should be on underside of handlebar.
BASIC CUTTING PROCEDURE
Practice cutting a few small logs using the follow-
ing technique to get the "feel" of using the saw
before you begin a major sawing operation.
Support log on a saw horse or cradle.
Take the proper stance in front of the wood with
the saw off.
Squeeze the switch trigger and let the chain
accelerate to full speed before entering the cut.
Begin cutting with the saw against the log.
Keep the unit running the entire time you are
cutting, maintain a steady speed.
Allow the chain to cut for you; exert only light
downward pressure. If you force the cut, dam-
age to the bar, chain, or unit can result.
Release the switch trigger as soon as the cut
is completed, allowing the chain to stop. If you
run the saw without a cutting load, unnecessary
wear can occur to the chain, bar, and unit.
Do not put pressure on the saw at the end of
cut.
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 the saw. Allow
no person to use this chain saw who has not
read this Operator's Manual or received ad-
equate 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 dis-
tance 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
between workers.
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 build-
ings. Leave this operation for professionals.
Cut only when visibility and light are adequate
for you to see clearly.
LIMBING
See Figure 13.
WARNING:
Never climb into a tree to limb or prune. Do
not stand on ladders, platforms, a log, or in
any position which can cause you to lose your
balance or control of the saw, which could
result in death or other serious personal injury.
Limbing is removing branches from a fallen tree.
Work slowly, keeping both hands on the chain
saw with a firm grip. Always make sure your
footing is secure and your weight is distributed
evenly on both feet.
Leave the larger support limbs under the tree to
keep the tree off the ground while cutting.
17 – English