Craftsman 358341040 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual

2.5 Peak HP Motor

ELECTRIC CHAIN SAW

Model No.

358.341040 - 14 in. Bar

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espar_ol, p. 16

®

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Operating

WARNING:

Instructions before first use of this product.

For answers to your questions about this product:

Call 7 am-7 pm, Mon-Sat; Sun, 10 am-7 pm

• 1-800-235-5878 (Hours listed are Central Time)

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

530165784 9/12/06

Warranty 2 PartsAvailable 14
SafetyRules 2 Storage 14

Assembly 6 TroubleshootingTable 15
Operation 7 Spanish 16
Maintenance 11 PartsOrdering BackCover

ServiceandAdjustments 13

ONEYEARFULL WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN ELECTRIC CHAIN SAW

When used and maintained according to the operator's manual, if this product fails
due to a defect in material or workmanship within one year from the date of pur-

chase, return it to any Sears store or other Craftsman outlet in the United States for
free replacement.
This warranty excludes the bar and chain, which are expendable parts that can

wear out from normal use in less than one year.
This warranty applies for only 30 days from purchase date if this product is used
for commercial or rental purposes.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights
which vary from state to state.

Sears. Roebuck and Co. Hoffman Estates. IL 60179

4t_WARNING: When using electric
gardening appliances, basic safety

precautions must always be followed
to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock,

and serious injury. Read and follow all
instructions.

WARNING: Always disconnect

unit from power source when making
repairs, adjustments, and when chang-

ing accessories and attachments such
as saw bar, chain or guards.

Because a chain saw is a high-speed

woodcutting tool, special precautions
must be observed to reduce risk of acci-

dents. Careless or improper use of this
tool can cause serious injury.

PLAN AHEAD

• Restrict the use of your saw to adult
users who understand and can fol-

low the safety rules, precautions,
and operating instructions found in

this manual.

• Dress properly. Wear protective gear.
Always use steel-toed safety foot-
wear with non-slip soles; snug-fitting

clothing; heavy-duty, non-slip gloves;
eye protection such as non-fogging,
vented goggles or face screen; an
approved safety hard hat; and sound

barriers (ear plugs or mufflers) to pro-
tect your hearing. Regular users
should have hearing checked regu-

larly as chain saw noise can damage
hearing.

• Secure hair above shoulder length. Do
not wear loose clothing or jewelry; they

can get caught in moving parts.

Headng _ Safety Hat

Protection ''_ ioo_ .... Eye

Snug
Fitting Heavy Duty

Clothing Gloves

Safety Safety Chaps
Shoes

• Keep all parts of your body away

from the chain when saw is running.

• Keep children away. Do not let visitors

contact chain saw or extension cord.
All visitors should be kept at least 30

feet (10 meters) away from work area.

• Do not handle or operate a chain

saw when you are fatigued, ill, upset,
or if you have taken alcohol, drugs,

or medication. You must be in good

physical condition and mentally alert.
If you have any condition that might
be aggravated by strenuous work,

check with doctor before operating.
Watch what you are doing. Use com-

mon sense.

Protection

• Donotstartcuttinguntilyouhavea
clearworkarea,securefooting,and
especiallyifyouarefellingatree,a
retreatpath.Keepworkareaclean.

OPERATEYOURSAW SAFELY

• Do not operate with one hand. Seri-
ous injury to the operator, helpers, or

bystanders may result from one-
handed operation. A chain saw is in-
tended for two-handed use.

• Do not operate saw from a ladder or
in a tree.

• Make sure the chain will not make
contact with any object while starting

the saw. Never start the saw when
the guide bar is in a cut.

• Don't force chain saw. It will do the
job better and safer at the rate for

which it was intended.

• Do not put pressure on the saw, es-
pecially at the end of the cut. Doing
so can cause you to lose control

when the cut is completed.

• Stop the saw before setting it down.

• Hand carry saw only when motor is
stopped. Carry the chain saw by the
front handle with the saw stopped, fin-

ger off the switch, the guide bar and
saw chain to the rear.

• Use the right tool, cut wood only.
Don't use chain saw for purpose not

intended; for example, don't use
chain saw for cutting plastic, mason-
ry, non-wood building materials.

• Do not operate a chain saw that is
damaged, improperly adjusted, or
not completely and securely as-

sembled. Always replace bar, chain,
hand guard, or other parts immedi-
ately if they become damaged, bro-

ken, or are otherwise removed.

• Inspect chain saw cords periodically
and if damaged, have repaired by a

Sears Service Center.

MAINTAIN YOUR SAW IN GOOD
WORKING ORDER

• Have all chain saw service per-
formed by a Sears Service Center

except the items listed in the MAINTE-
NANCE section of this manual.

• Make certain saw chain stops mov-
ing when trigger switch is released.

• Keep the handles dry and clean and
free from oil and grease.

• Keep oil cap and fasteners securely
tightened.

• Nonconforming replacement compo-
nents or the removal of safety devices

may cause damage to the unit and
possible injury to the operator or by-

standers. Use only Craftsman acces-
sories and replacement parts as rec-
ommended. Never modify your saw.

• Maintain chain saw with care.

• Keep unit sharp and clean for better
and safer performance.

• Follow instructions for lubricating and
changing accessories.

• Unplug the chain saw from the power
source when not in use, before servic-

ing, and when changing accessories
and attachments, such as saw chain
and guard.

• Check for damaged parts. Before fur-
ther use of the chain saw, a guard or
other part that is damaged should be
carefully checked to determine that it

will operate properly and perform its

intended function. Check for alignment

of moving parts, binding of moving

parts, breakage of parts, mounting and
any other conditions that may affect its
operation. A guard or other part that is
damaged should be properly repaired

or replaced by a Sears Service Center

unless otherwise indicated elsewhere

in the operator's manual.

• When not in use, chain saws should
be stored in a dry, high or locked-up
place out of the reach of children.

• When storing saw, unplug and use a
bar sheath or carrying case.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

,_WARNING: Avoid a dangerous

environment. To reduce the risk of
electrical shock, do not use in rain, in

damp or wet locations, or around
swimming pools, hot tubs, etc. Do not
expose to snow, rain, or water to avoid

the possibility of electrical shock. Do

not handle extension cord or plug with

wet hands.

• Use a voltage supply as shown on the
nameplate of the unit.

• Avoid dangerous situations. Do not
use in the presence of flammable liq-
uids or gases to avoid creating a fire

or explosion and/or causing damage
to unit.

• To reduce the risk of electrical shock,

this appliance has a polarized plug

(one blade is wider than the other) and

will require the use of a polarized ex-
tension cord. The appliance plug will fit

into a polarized extension cord only

one way. Ifthe plug does not fit fully

into the extension cord, reverse the

plug.Iftheplugstilldoesnotfit,obtain
acorrectpolarizedextensioncord.A
polarizedextensioncordwillrequire
theuseofapolarizedwalloutlet.This

plugwillfitintothepolarizedwalloutlet
onlyoneway.Ifplugdoesnotfitfully
intothewalloutlet,reversetheplug.If
theplugstilldoesnotfit,contacta
qualifiedelectriciantoinstalltheproper

walloutlet.Donotchangetheequip-
mentplug,extensioncordreceptacle,
orextensioncordpluginanyway.

• Toreduceriskofelectricalshock,use
extensioncordsspecificallymarkedas
suitableforoutdoorappliances.The

electricalratingofthecordmustnotbe
lessthantheratingoftheunit.The

cordmustbemarkedwithsuffix"W-A"
(inCanada,"W").Useapolarized

cord.Makesureyourextensioncord
isingoodcondition.Inspectextension

cordbeforeuseandreplaceifdam-
aged.Donotuseadamagedcord.

Cordinsulationmustbeintactwithno
cracksordeterioration.Plugconnec-

torsmustbeundamaged.Anunder-
sizedextensioncordwillcauseadrop
inlinevoltageresultinginlossofpow-

erandoverheating.Ifindoubt,usethe
nextheaviergauge.Thelowerthe
gaugenumber,theheavierthecord

(seeSELECTANEXTENSIONCORDin
theOPERATIONsection).Donotuse
multiplecords.

• Donotabusecord.Nevercarrythe
unitbytheextensioncordoryank

extensioncordtodisconnectunit.

• Secureextensioncordtopowercord
topreventdisconnectionfromunit.

• Donotusetheunitiftheswitchdoes
notturntheunitonandoffproperly,

orifthelock-outdoesnotwork.Re-
pairstotheswitchmustbemadeby

aSearsServiceCenter.

• Keepextensioncordclearofopera-

torandobstaclesatalltimes.Posi-
tioncordsothatitwillnotbecaught

onbranches.Donotexposecordsto
heat,oil,water,orsharpedges.

• Toavoidthepossibilityofelectric
shock,avoidbodycontactwithany

groundedconductor,suchasmetal
fencesorpipes.

• GroundFaultCircuitInterrupter
(GFCI)protectionshouldbeprovided

oncircuitoroutlettobeused.Re-
ceptaclesareavailablehavingbuilt-

inGFCIprotectionandmaybeused
forthismeasureofsafety.Inspect

chainsawcordsperiodicallyandif

damaged,haverepairedbyaSears
ServiceCenter.

GUARD AGAINST KICKBACK
Follow all safety rules to help avoid kick-

back and other forces which can result
in serious injury.

\ p'_ _.-t'!,,Kickback Path

Avoid Obstructions

Clear The Working Area

_WARNING: Avoid kickback which

can result in serious injury. Kickback
is the backward, upward or sudden for-

ward motion of the guide bar occurring
when the saw chain near the upper tip

of the guide bar contacts any object
such as a log or branch, or when the

wood closes in and pinches the saw

chain in the cut. Contacting a foreign
object in the wood can also result in

loss of chain saw control.

• Rotational Kickback can occur
when the moving chain contacts an

object at the upper tip of the guide

bar. This contact can cause the

chain to dig into the object, which
stops the chain for an instant. The

result is a lightning fast, reverse
reaction which kicks the guide bar up

and back toward the operator.

• Pinch-Kickback can occur when the
the wood closes in and pinches the

moving saw chain in the cut along

the top of the guide bar and the saw
chain is suddenly stopped. This sud-

den stopping of the chain results in a

reversal of the chain force used to

cut wood and causes the saw to

move in the opposite direction of the

chain rotation. The saw is driven
straight back toward the operator.

• Pull-In can occur when the moving
chain contacts a foreign object in the

wood in the cut along the bottom of
the guide bar and the saw chain is

suddenly stopped. This sudden stop-

ping pulls the saw forward and away

from the operator and could easily
cause the operator to lose control of

the saw.

REDUCETHE CHANCE OF

KICKBACK

The following precautions should be
followed to minimize kickback.

• Recognize that kickback can happen.
With a basic understanding of kick-
back, you can reduce the element of
surprise which contributes to acci-

dents.

• Never let the moving chain contact
any object at the tip of the guide bar.

• Keep working area free from obstruc-
tions such as other trees, branches,

rocks, fences, stumps, etc. Eliminate
or avoid any obstruction that your
saw chain could hit while cutting.

• When cutting a branch, do not let the
guide bar contact another branch or
other objects around it.

• Keep saw chain sharp and properly
tensioned. A loose or dull chain can

increase the chance of kickback.
Follow manufacturer's chain sharp-

ening and maintenance instructions.
Check tension at regular intervals,

but never with engine running. Make
sure bar mounting nuts are securely
tightened.

• Begin and continue cutting at full
speed. If the chain is moving at a
slower speed, there is greater

chance of kickback occurring.

• Use extreme caution when re-enter-
ing a cut.

• Do not attempt cuts starting with the
tip of the bar (plunge cuts).

• Watch for shifting logs or other ob-
jects that could close a cut and pinch

or fall onto chain.

• Use the specified Reduced-Kickback
Guide Bar and Low Kickback Chain.

Avoid Pinch-Kickback:

• Be extremely aware of situations or
obstructions that can cause material

to pinch the top of or otherwise stop
the chain.

• Do not cut more than one log at a
time.

• Do not twist the saw as the bar is
withdrawn from an undercut when

bucking.

Avoid Putl-ln:

• Always begin cutting with the saw at
full speed and the saw housing

against wood.

• Use wedges made of plastic or
wood. Never use metal to hold the

cut open.

MAINTAIN CONTROL

Never Reverse
Hand Positions

Correct Position

Correct Grip Incorrect Grip

Keep a firm grip

with both hands,

left thumb under

handle

• A good, firm grip on the saw with
both hands will help you maintain

control. Don't let go. Grip the rear

handle with your right hand whether

you are right or left handed. Wrap the
fingers of your left hand over and
around the front handlebar, and your

left thumb under the front handlebar.
Keep your left arm straight with the

elbow locked.

• Position your left hand on the front
handlebar so it is in a straight line

with your right hand on the rear han-
dle when making bucking cuts.

Stand slightly to the left side of the

saw to keep your body from being in
a direct line with the cutting chain.

• Stand with your weight evenly bal-

anced on both feet.

• Do not overreach. You could be drawn

or thrown off balance and lose control.

• Do not cut above shoulder height. It
is difficult to maintain control of saw

above shoulder height.

KICKBACK SAFETY FEATURES

_IWARNING: Tile following fea-
tures are included on your saw to help

reduce hazard of kickback; however,

such features will not totally eliminate
this danger. Do not rely only on safety

devices.

• Hand Guard: designed to reduce the

chance of your left hand contacting
the chain if your hand slips offthe

front handlebar.

• Position of front and rear handlebars:

designed with distance between

handles and "in-line" with each other.

The spread and "in-line" position of
the hands provided by this design
work together to give balance and

resistance in controlling the pivot of

the saw back toward the operator if

kickback occurs.

• Reduced-Kickback Guide Bar: de-

signed with a small radius tip which

reduces the size of the kickback

danger zone on the bar tip. This type

barhasbeendemonstratedtosignif-
icantlyreducethenumberandseri-

ousnessofkickbackswhentestedin
accordancewithANSIB175.1.

___& SmallRadius

TipGuideBar

L_J

Large Radius {_

Tip Guide Bar

• Low Kickback Chain has met kick-
back performance requirements

when tested on the representative
sample of these chain saws speci-

fied in ANSI B175.1.

Low Kickback Chain

/ Contoured Depth Gauge

,l_l_t_-.. -_ Elongated Guard Link

_. Deflects Kickback Force

_ And Allows Wood To

"_./" Gradually Ride Into Cutter

SAFETY NOTICE: Exposure to vibra-
tions through prolonged use of hand

tools could cause blood vessel or
nerve damage in the fingers, hands,

and joints of people prone to
circulation disorders or abnormal

swelling. Prolonged use in cold weath-
er has been linked to blood vessel

damage in otherwise healthy people. If
symptoms occur such as numbness,
pain, loss of strength, change in skin

color or texture, or loss of feeling in the
fingers, hands, or joints, discontinue

the use of this tool and seek medical
attention. An anti-vibration system
does not guarantee the avoidance of

these problems. Users who operate
power tools on a continual and regular

basis must closely monitor their physi-
cal condition and the condition of this

tool.

DOUBLE INSULATION

CONSTRUCTION

This unit is double insulated to help pro-
tect against electric shock. Double in-

sulation construction consists of two

separate "layers" of electrical insulation

instead of grounding.

Tools built with this insulation system are

not intended to be grounded. No
grounding means is provided on this
unit, nor should a means of grounding
be added to this unit. As a result, the ex-

tension cord used with this unit can be

plugged into any polarized 120 volt elec-

trical outlet.

Safety precautions must be observed

when operating any electrical tool. The

double insulation system only provides
added protection against injury resulting

from an internal electrical insulation
failure.

_lJ WARNING: All electrical repairs
to this unit, including housing, switch,

motor, etc., must be diagnosed and re-
paired by qualified service personnel.
Replacement parts for a double insu-

lated appliance must be identical to the
parts they replace. A double insulated
appliance is marked with the words

"double insulation" or "double insu-

lated". The symbol [] (square within a
square) may also be marked on the
appliance. Failure to have the unit re-

paired by Sears service personnel can
cause the double insulation construc-

tion to become ineffective and result in
serious injury.

STANDARDS: This product is listed by
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. in ac-
cordance with UL Standard 1662.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

dt_WARNING: Before using chain
saw, ensure all fasteners are secure.

CARTON CONTENTS
Model 358.341040

• Chain Saw (fully assembled)

• Bar Sheath

Examine parts for damage. Do not use
damaged parts.

NOTE: If you need assistance or find
parts missing or damaged, please call
1-800-235-5878.

ASSEMBLY

Your saw is fully assembled; no as-

sembly is necessary.

KNOWYOURSAW

READ THIS OPERATOR'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR

CHAIN SAW. Compare the illustrations with your unit to familiarize yourself with the
location of the various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future ref-

erence.

Oiler Actuator/ Chain Adjustment Bar Sprocket

Bar Oil Cap Screw Hole

Lock-out
Button _

Chain

TRIGGER SWITCH
The TRIGGER SWITCH is used to turn

on the unit. Squeeze the trigger switch
to operate the unit after lock-out
button has been pushed in. Release

the trigger to turn the unit off.
TRIGGER LOCK-OUT BUTTON

The TRIGGER LOCK-OUT BUTTON is a
control feature designed to prevent the

motor from being accidently started.
When the rear handle is gripped in a

normal cutting position, the trigger
lock-out button can be pushed in by

the thumb, permitting the index finger
to squeeze the trigger. It is not neces-
sary to maintain pressure on the trig-
ger lock-out button once the trigger

has been engaged.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Use only a voltage supply as specified

on your unit.
SELECT AN EXTENSION CORD

Extension cords are available for this

unit at Sears.

MINIMUM WIRE GAUGE

RECOMMENDATIONS

Volts

*American Wire Gauge

25 if, 50 ft. 1O0 ft.

(7.67 m) (15.24 m) (30.48 m)

120 A.W.G.* A.W.G.* A.W.G.*

16 16 14

Bar

Trigger Switch

Power Cord

BAR OIL CAP/OILER ACTUATOR

The BAR OIL CAP is used to access the

bar oil tank and pressed to supply oil

to chain.

CHAIN ADJUSTMENT SCREW

The CHAIN ADJUSTMENT SCREW is

used to adjust the chain tension.
POWER CORD

The POWER CORD is used to connect
the chain saw to an approved exten-

sion cord.
CHAIN TENSION

It is normal for a new chain to stretch
during first 15 minutes of operation.

You should check your chain tension
frequently. Readjust chain after every

15 minutes of operation.See CHECK
CHAIN TENSION under the SERVICE

AND ADJUSTMENTS section.
ATTACH THE EXTENSION CORD TO

YOUR CHAIN SAW
To prevent disconnection from unit, se-

cure extension cord to power cord as

shown in the following illustration.

BEFORE STARTING SAW

_WARNING: Be sure to read the
electrical safety information in the

SAFETY RULES section of this manual
before you begin, If you do not under-

stand the electrical safety information
do not attempt to use your unit. Seek

help from someone that does under-
stand the information or call the cus-

tomer assistance help line at

1-800-235-5878.

GUIDE BAR AND CHAIN OIL
The bar and chain require lubrication,
The manually-operated chain oiler pro-

vides lubrication to the chain and guide
bar. Be sure to fill the bar oil tank before

each cutting session, The oiler activator/
bar oil cap must be used regularly and
often enough to maintain a thin film of oil

on the bar and chain while saw is cut-
ting, It is recommended that the oiler

actuator/bar oil cap be operated every
ten (10) seconds and held for approxi-
mately three (3) seconds each time it is

pressed. For maximum guide bar and
chain life, we recommend you use

Craftsman chain saw bar oil.
If Craftsman bar oil is not available, you

may use a good grade SAE 30 oil until
you are able to obtain Craftsman brand.
The oil output is manually metered dur-

ing operation. Use a funnel to fill the
tank. Replace oil cap securely. Check oil

level after every 15 minutes of operation.

STOPPING YOUR SAW

• Release the trigger switch.

• If motor does not stop, disconnect
the extension cord. Discontinue use

of the unit until repaired by a Sears

Service Center.

STARTING YOUR SAW

1. Connect the saw to a power

source using the proper size exten-
sion cord (see SELECT AN EXTEN-

SION CORD).

2. Push in switch lock out button.

3. Squeeze and hold the trigger
switch.

OPERATING TIPS

• Check chain tension before first use
and after 1 minute of operation. See

CHECK CHAIN TENSION in the SER-
VICE AND ADJUSTMENTS section.

• Cut wood only. Do not cut metal,
plastics, masonry, non-wood building
materials, etc.

• Stop the saw if the chain strikes a
foreign object. Inspect the saw and
repair parts as necessary.

• Keep the chain out of dirt and sand.
Even a small amount of dirt will

quickly dull a chain and increase the
possibility of kickback.

• Practice cutting a few small logs using
the following steps. This will help you

get the "feel" of using your saw before
you begin a major sawing operation.

• Squeeze the trigger switch and al-
low unit to reach full speed before
cutting.

• Begin cutting with the saw frame
against the log.

• Keep the motor at full speed the en-
tire time you are cutting.

• Release trigger switch as soon as cut
is completed, allowing motor to stop.

• Keep the cord away from the cutting
area. Position cord so it will not be

caught on branches and the like
during cutting.

• To avoid losing control when cut is

complete, do not put pressure on
saw at end of cut.

• Stop motor before setting saw down.

TREE FELLING TECHNIQUES

Check for broken or dead branches

which can fall while cutting causing seri-

ous injury. Do not cut near buildings or
electrical wires if you do not know the
direction of tree fall, nor cut at night

since you will not be able to see well,
nor during bad weather such as rain,

snow, strong winds, etc. If the tree

makes contact with any utility line, the
utility complany should be notified im-
mediately.

• Carefully plan your sawing operation in
advance.

• Clear the work area. You need a clear
area all around the tree so you can

have secure footing.

• The chain saw operator should keep
on the uphill side of the terrain as the

tree is likely to roll or slide downhill
after it is felled.

• Study the natural conditions that can
cause the tree to fall in a particular
direction, such as:

• The wind direction and speed.

• The lean of the tree. The lean of a tree
might not be apparent due to uneven

or sloping terrain. Use a plumb or lev-
el to determine the direction of tree

lean.

• Weightandbranchesononeside.

• Surroundingtreesandobstacles.

• Lookfordecayandrot.Ifthetrunkis
rotted,itcansnapandfalltowardthe

operator.

• Makesurethereisenoughroomfor

thetreetofall.Maintainadistanceof
2-1/2treelengthsfromthenearest

personorotherobjects.Motornoise
candrownoutawarningcall.

• Removedirt,stones,loosebark,
nails,staples,andwirefromthetree

wherecutsaretobemade.

_'_"e Planaclearretreatpath

:t....U_ '-DirectionofFall

45 ° / ,_,

FELLING LARGE TREES

(6 inches in diameter or larger)

The notch method is used to fell large
trees. A notch is cut on the side of the

tree in the desired direction of fall. After
a felling cut is made on the opposite

side of tree, the tree will tend to fall in
the direction of the notch.

NOTE: If tree has large buttress roots,

remove them before making the notch.

If using saw to remove buttress roots,

keep saw chain from contacting
ground to prevent dulling of the chain.

NOTCH CUT AND FELLING TREE

• Make notch cut by cutting the top of
the notch first. Cut through 1/3 of the

diameter of the tree. Next complete
the notch by cutting the bottom. See

illustration. Once notch is cut, re-
move the wedge of wood from the

tree.
Firstcut _ 2" _ Felling cut here

Seco_)dcu._ j \ _inge

• After removing the wood from the
notch, make the felling cut on the op-
posite side of the notch. This is done
by making a cut about two inches

higher than the center of the notch.
This will leave enough uncut wood
between the felling cut and the notch

to form a hinge. This hinge will help
prevent the tree from falling in the
wrong direction.

Hinge holds tree on stump and helps
control fall

Opening
of felling

cut

Closing of
notch

NOTE: Before felling cut is complete,
use wedges to open the cut if neces-

sary to control the direction of fall. To

avoid kickback and chain damage, use

wood or plastic wedges, but never

steel or iron wedges.

• Be alert to signs that the tree is
ready to fall: cracking sounds, widen-
ing of the felling cut, or movement in

the upper branches.

• As tree starts to fall, stop saw, put it

down, and get away quickly on your

planned retreat path.

• DO NOT use your saw to cut down a
partially fallen tree. Be extremely cau-

tious with partially fallen trees that may

be poorly supported. When a tree

doesn't fall completely, set saw aside
and pull down tree with a cable winch,

block and tackle, or tractor.

CUTTING A FALLEN TREE
(BUCKING)

Bucking is tile term used for cutting a

fallen tree to the desired log size.
Al_ WARNING: Do not stand on the

log being cut. Any portion can roll
causing loss of footing and control. Do

not stand downhill of the log being cut.
IMPORTANT POINTS

• Cut only one log at a time.

• Cut shattered wood very carefully;

sharp pieces of wood could be flung
toward operator.

• Use a sawhorse to cut small logs.
Never allow another person to hold

the log while cutting and never hold
the log with your leg or foot.

• Do not cut in an area where logs,
limbs, and roots are tangled. Drag
logs into a clear area before cutting

them by pulling out exposed and
cleared logs first.

BUCKING TECHNIQUES

,i_ WARNING: If saw becomes

pinched or hung in a log, don't try to

force it out. You can lose control of the

saw, resulting in injury and/or damage
to the saw. Stop the saw; drive a
wedge of plastic or wood into cut until

the saw can be removed easily. Re-

startsawandcarefullyreenterthecut.

Donotuseametalwedge.Donotat-
tempttorestartyoursawwhenitis
pinchedorhunginalog.

Use a wedge to remove pinched saw,

(Refer to the illustration below for

your first and second cut)

• Your first cut should extend 1/3 of the
diameter of the log.

• Finish with your second cut.

_Cut

Turn saw OFF and use a plastic or
wooden wedge to force cut open.

Overcutting begins on the top side of
the log with the bottom of the saw

against the log. When overcutting use
light downward pressure.

Undercutting involves cutting on the
underside of the log with top of saw
against the log. When undercutting
use light upward pressure. Hold saw

firmly and maintain control. The saw
will tend to push back toward you.

WARNING: Never turn saw up-

side down to undercut. The saw can-
not be controlled in this position.

Always make your first cut on the com-
pression side of the log. The compres-

sion side of the log is where the pres-
sure of the log's weight is concentrated.

First cut on compression side of log

Second cut

Second cut

First cut on compression side of log

BUCKING WITHOUT A SUPPORT

• Overcut through 1/3of the diameter

of the log.

• Roll the log over and finish with a

second overcut.

• Watch for logs with a compression

side. See illustration above for cut-
ting logs with a compression side.

BUCKING USING A LOG OR
SUPPORT STAND

• Remember your first cut is always on

the compression side of the log.

", _ ._...__t Cut

Using a support standF_ 2; Cut

l_

1st Cut

LIMBING AND PRUNING

_IJWARNING: Be alert for and

guard against kickback. Do not allow

the moving chain to contact any other

branches or objects at the nose of the
guide bar when ]imbing or pruning. Al-

lowing such contact can result in seri-
ous iniu ry.

At_ WARNING: Never climb into a
tree to limb or prune. Do not stand on

ladders, platforms, a log, or in any po-

sition which can cause you to lose
your balance or control of the saw.

iMPORTANT POINTS

• Watch out for springpoles. Spring-
poles are small size limbs which can

whip toward you or pull you off bal-
ance. Use extreme caution when

cutting small size limbs.

• Be alert for springback from any
branches that are bent or under

pressure. Avoid being struck by the

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