Craftsman 358341160 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual

12 Amp/3.5 HP Motor

ELECTRIC CHAIN SAW

Model No.

358.341160 - 16 in. Bar

@

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Operating
Instructions before first use of this product.

For answers to your questions about this product:

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

WARNING: /

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

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

530088762 7/28/00

Warranty 2 Service and Adjustments 14
Safety Rules 2 Storage 15
Assembly 7 Troubleshooting Table 16
Operation 7 Spanish 17

Maintenance 12 Parts Ordering Back Cover

FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN ELECTRIC CHAIN SAW.
If this Craftsman Electric Chain Saw fails to perform properly due to a defect in

material or workmanship within (1) year from the date of purchase, Sears will re-
pair or replace it, free of charge.

This warranty excludes the bar and chain, which are expendable parts and be-
come worn during normal use.
WARRANTY SERVICE ISAVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN ELECTRIC

CHAIN SAW TO THE NEAREST SEARS STORE OR SERVICE CENTER INTHE UNITED
STATES.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights
which vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Inc., D/817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

_I_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.
_kWARNING: 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
weedcutting 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 steel4oed 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 jewel-
ry; they can get caught in moving

parts.

Hearing _ Safety Hat

Protection ''_- iwo-_.----- Eye

Snug _ Protection
Fitting -----_-,W_qL

Clot hing _" _ "_/H_o_VeY Duty

Safety _i_it_- Safety Chaps
Sh°es _. _

mqlm

• 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 me-

dication. You must be in good physical
condition and mentally alert. If you

have any condition that might be ag-
gravated by strenuous work, check

with doctor before operating. Watch

whatyouaredoing.Usecommon

sense.

• Donotstartcuttinguntilyouhavea
clearworkarea,securefooting,and

especiallyifyouarefellingatree,a
retreatpath.Keepworkareaclean.

OPERATEYOURSAWSAFELY

• DOnotoperatewithonehand.Seri-
ousinjurytotheoperator,helpers,or

bystandersmayresultfromone-
handedoperation.Achainsawisin-

tendedfortwo-handeduse.

• Donotoperatesawfromaladderor
inatree.

• Makesurethechainwillnotmake
contactwithanyobjectwhilestarting

thesaw.Neverstartthesawwhen
theguidebarisinacut.

• Donotforcechainsaw.Itwilldothe

jobbetterandsaferattheratefor
whichitwasintended.

• Donotputpressureonthesaw,es-
peciallyattheendofthecut.Doing

socancauseyoutolosecontrol

whenthecutiscompleted.

• Stopthesawbeforesettingitdown.

• Handcarrysawonlywhenmotoris
stopped.Carrythechainsawbythe

fronthandlewiththesawstopped,fin-

gerofftheswitch,theguidebarand
sawchaintothereaE

• Usetherighttool,cutwoodonly.
Don'tusechainsawforpurposenot
intended;forexample,don'tuse

chainsawforcuttingplastic,mason-
ry,non-woodbuildingmaterials.

• Donotoperateachainsawthatis
damaged,improperlyadjusted,or

notcompletelyandsecurelyas-
sembled.Alwaysreplacebar,chain,
handguard,orotherpartsimmedi-

atelyiftheybecomedamaged,bro-
ken,orareotherwiseremoved.

• Inspectchainsawcordsperiodically
andifdamaged,haverepairedbya

SearsServiceCenter.

MAINTAINYOURSAWIN GOOD

WORKINGORDER

• Haveallchainsawserviceper-

formedbyaSearsServiceCenter

excepttheitemslistedintheMAINTE-
NANCEsectionofthismanual.

• Makecertainsawchainstopsmov-
ingwhentriggerswitchisreleased.

• Keepthehandlesdryandcleanand

freefromoilandgrease.

• Keepoilcapandfastenerssecurely

tightened.

• Nonconformingreplacementcompo-
nentsortheremovalofsafetydevices

maycausedamagetotheunitand
possibleinjurytotheoperatororby-

standers.UseonlyCraftsmanacces-
soriesandreplacementpartsasrec-

ommended.Nevermodifyyoursaw.

• Maintainchainsawwithcare.

• Keepunitsharpandcleanforbetter
andsaferperformance.

• Followinstructionsforlubricatingand
changingaccessories.

• Unplugthechainsawfromthepower
sourcewhennotinuse,beforeservic-

ing,andwhenchangingaccessories
andattachments,suchassawchain

andguard.

• Checkfordamagedparts.Beforefur-

theruseofthechainsaw,aguardor

otherpartthatisdamagedshouldbe
carefullycheckedtodeterminethatit

willoperateproperlyandperformits

intendedfunction.Checkforalignment
ofmovingparts,bindingofmoving
parts,breakageofparts,mountingand

anyotherconditionsthatmayaffectits
operation.Aguardorotherpartthatis

damagedshouldbeproperlyrepaired
orreplacedbyaSearsServiceCenter

unlessotherwiseindicatedelsewhere
intheoperator'smanual.

•Whennotinuse,chainsawsshould
bestoredinadry,highorlocked-up

placeoutofthereachofchildren.

•Whenstoringsaw,unplugandusea
barsheathorcarryingcase.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

4_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 only 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-

tensioncord.Theapplianceplugwillfit

intoapolarizedextensioncordonly
oneway.Iftheplugdoesnotfitfully
intotheextensioncord,reversethe

plug.Iftheplugstilldoesnotfit,obtain
acorrectpolarizedextensioncord.A

polarizedextensioncordwillrequire

theuseofapolarizedwalloutlet.This

plugwillfitintothepolarizedwalloutlet
onlyoneway.Ifplugdoesnotfitfully

intothewalloutlet,reversetheplug.If

theplugstilldoesnotfit,contacta

qualifiedelectriciantoinstalltheprober

walloutlet.Donotchangetheequip-

mentplug,extensioncordreceptacle,
orextensioncordpluginanyway.

• Toreduceriskofelectricalshock,use
extensioncordsspecificallymarkedas

suitableforoutdoorappliances.The
electricalratingofthecordmustnotbe

lessthantheratingoftheunit.The
cordmustbemarkedwithsuffix"W-A"

(in Canada, "W"). Use a polarized
cord. Make sure your extension cord
is in good condition. Inspect extension

cord before use and replace if dam-
aged. Do not use a damaged cord.

Cord insulation must be intact with no
cracks or deterioration. Plug connec-

tors must be undamaged. An under-

sized extension cord will cause a drop
in line voltage resulting in loss d pow-

er and overheating. If in doubt, use the
next heavier gauge. The lower the
gauge number, the heavier the cord

(see SELECT AN EXTENSION CORD in

the OPERATIONsection). DO not use

multiple cords.

• Do not abuse cord. Never carry the
unit by the extension cord or yank

extension cord to disconnect unit.

• Secure extension cord to power cord

to prevent disconnection from unit.

• Do not use the unit if the switch does
not turn the unit on and off properly,

or if the lock-out does not work. Re-
pairs to the switch must be made by

a Sears Service Center.

• Keep extension cord clear of opera-

tor and obstacles at all times. Posi-
tion cord so that it will not be caught

on branches. Do not expose cords to
heat, oil, water, or sharp edges.

• To avoid the possibility of electric
shock, avoid body contact with any

grounded conductor, such as metal

fences or pipes.

• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
(GFCl) protection should be provided

on circuit or outlet to be used. Re-
ceptacles are available having built-

in GFCl protection and may be used

for this measure of safety. Inspect

chain saw cords periodically and if
damaged, have repaired by a Sears
Service Center.

GUARD AGAINST KICKBACK

Follow all safety rules to help avoid kick-
back and other forces which can result

in serious injury.

r Kickback Path

[

Avoid Obstructions

f

Clear The Working Area

a_IbWARNING: 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.

REDUCE THE CHANCE OF
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 clamp 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 Pull-In:

• 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:

Stand to the left of the _._

Thumb on
underside

of handlebar Y-'_k_

Never reverse ;. ,/
hand positions

q locked

• 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 cute.
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.

Elbow

KICKBACK SAFETY FEATURES

_kWARNING: The following fea r
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. Follow all safety rules to help
avoid kickback and other forces which

can result in serious injury.

• Hand Guard: designed to reduce the
chance of your left hand contacting

the chain if your hand slips off the
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
bar has been demonstrated to signif-
icantly reduce the number and seri-

ousness of kickbacks when tested in
accordance with ANSI B175.1.

_x"_"_& Sip _luiRd_d i_}aSr

Prolonged use in cold weather 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 tex-

ture, 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 physical
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 and appliances built with this in-

sulation system are not intended to be
grounded. No grounding means is pro-

vided on this unit, nor should a means

of grounding be added to this unit. As a
result, the extension cord used with this

unit can be plugged into any polarized
120 volt electrical 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.

• 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_i_.4,---- Elongated GuardLink

_. v"_ 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 circula-
tion disorders or abnormal swelling.

_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

41_WARNING: Before using chain

saw, ensure all fasteners are secure.
CARTON CONTENTS

Model 358.341160

• Chain Saw (fully assembled)

• Bar Sheath

damaged parts.
NOTE: If you need assistance or find

that parts are missing or damaged,

please call 1-800-235-5878

ASSEMBLY

Your unit is fully assembled; no assem-

bly is required.

KNOW YOUR SAW

READ THIS OPERATOR'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFOREOPERATING 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.

Examine parts for damage. Do not use

Bar Oil Cap _

Trigger Lock- o u¢---....._._,, _./,-_,_t_ z

Button_

Powe ocket
Cord " _ Trigger Switch 13arClamp `= Chain Hole

/_z" _I_ Chain Adjustment Screw

Hand Guard

TRIGGER SWITCH
The TRIGGER SWITCH is used to turn

on the unit. Squeeze the trigger switch
to operate the unit after lock-out but-

ton has been pushed forward. Release
the trigger to turn the unit off.

TRIGGER LOCK-OUT BU'B'ON
The TRIGGER LOCK-OUT button is a

control feature designed to prevent the

motor from being accidentally started.

When the rear handle is gripped in a

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

by the thumb, permitting the index fin-
ger to squeeze the trigger. It is not nec-
essary to maintain pressure on the

trigger 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.

BAR OIL CAP

The BAR OIL CAP is used to fill the bar

oil tank.
CHAIN ADJUSTMENT SCREW

The CHAIN ADJUSTMENT SCREW is

used to adjust the chain tension.
POWER CORD

The POWERCORD 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 30 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.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Volts

I MINIMUMWIRE GAUGE 1

25ft, 50ft, 100ft,

(7.67 M) (15,24 M) (30.48 M)

16 16 14 |

120 AWG.* AWG.* AWG*|

*American Wire Gauge

/

A'I-FACH 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.

Power. _Cord

Extension Cord

BEFORE STARTING SAW

_IbWARNING: Be sure to read the
electrical safety information in the safe-
ty rules section of this manual before

you begin. If you do not understand
the electrical safety information do not

attempt to use your unit. Seek help
from someone that does understand
the information or call the customer as-

sistance help line at 1-800-235-5878.
GUIDE BAR AND CHAIN OIL

The bar and chain require lubrication.
The chain oiler provides lubrication to

the chain and guide bar. Be sure to fill
the bar oil tank before each cutting ses-
sion. Lack of oil will quickly ruin the bar
and chain. Too little oil will cause over-

heating shown by smoke coming from
the chain and/or discoloration of the bar.

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

Check oil level after every 15 minutes of
operation.

STOPPING YOUR UNIT

• Release the trigger switch.

• If motor does not stop, disconnect

the extension cord. Discontinue use

of unit until repaired by a Sears Ser-

vice Center.

STARTING YOUR UNIT

1. Connect the saw to a power
source using the proper size exten-
sion cord (see SELECT AN EXTEN-

SION CORD in the OPERATION sec-

tion).

2. Grip both handles firmly.

3. Push and hold the trigger lock-oat
button with your right hand thumb.

4. 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 us-
ing the following steps. This will help

you get the "feel" of using your saw

before you begin a major sawing op-
eration.

• Squeeze trigger switch and allow 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 the trigger switch as soon

as the cut is completed, allowing the
motor to stop.

• Keep the cord away from the cutting

area. Position cord so it will not be
caught onbranches and the like dur-
ing cutting.

• To avoid losing control when cut is

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

• Stop the saw before setting it down.

TREE FELLING TECHNIQUES

A't _

I_WARNING: Check for broken or

dead branches which can fall while
cutting causing serious 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, or strong
winds, etc. If the tree does make con-

tact with any utility line, the utility com-

pany should be notified immediately.

• 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 conditions include:

• The wind direction and speed.

• The lean of the tree. The lean of a

tree might not be apparent due to un-

even or sloping terrain. Use a plumb
or level to determine the direction of

tree lean.

• Weight and branches on one side.

• Surrounding trees and obstacles.

• Look for decay and rot. If the trunk is
rotted, it can snap and fall toward the
operator.

• Make sure there is enough room for

the tree to fall. Maintain a distance of

2-1/2 tree lengths from the nearest
person or other objects. Noise can
drown out a warning call.

• Remove dirt, stones, loose bark,
nails, staples, and wire from the tree

where cuts are to be made.

_,_ Plan a clear retreat path

_.... O _ Direction of fall

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 the notch is cut re-
move the wedge of wood from the

tree.

First cut

Felling cut here

Notch

• 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
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 the term used for cutting a

fallen tree to the desired log size.

_JkWARNING:Donotstandonthe

logbeingcut.Anyportioncanroll

causinglossoffootingandcontrol.Do

notstanddownhillofthelogbeingcut.
IMPORTANTPOINTS

• Cutonlyonelogatatime.

• Cutshatteredwoodverycarefully;
sharppiecesofwoodcouldbeflung

towardoperator.

• Useasawhorsetocutsmalllogs.
Neverallowanotherpersontohold

thelogwhilecuttingandneverhold
thelogwithyourlegorfoot.

• Donotcutinanareawherelogs,
limbs,androotsaretangled.Drag
logsintoaclearareabeforecutting

thembypullingoutexposedand

clearedlogsfirst.

BUCKINGTECHNIQUES

_II_WARNING:Ifsawbecomes

pinchedorhunginalog,don'ttryto

forceitout.Youcanlosecontrolofthe
sawresultingininjuryand/ordamage

tothesaw.Stopthesaw,drivea
wedgeofplasticorwoodintothecut

untilthesawcanberemovedeasily.
Restartthesawandcarefullyreenter

thecut.Donotuseametalwedge.Do

notattempttorestartyoursawwhenit
ispinchedorhunginalog.

Use a wedge to remove pinched saw.

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.

Overcutting Undercutting

4¢II_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.

Firstcut on compression side of log

Second cut

/ Second cut

Firstcut on compression side of log

BUCKING WITHOUT A SUPPORT

• Overout through 1/3 of the diameter
of the log.

• Roll the log over and finish with a
second overcut.

• Watch for logs with a compression
side to prevent the saw from pinch-

ing. See illustration above for cutting
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.

(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.

Using a log forsupport

2nd Cut

_st CUl

Undercutting involvescutting 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.

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