Craftsman 944418451 Owner’s Manual
Instruction Manual
12 Amp/3.5 Peak HP Motor
ELECTRIC CHAIN SAW
Model No.
0944.418451 - 16 in. Bar
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Fran£ais
For Occasional Use Only
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
Sears Canada, Inc., Toronto, Ontario M5B 2B8
530164230 11/9/04
Warranty Statement 2 Service & Adjustments 14
Identification of Symbols 2 Parts Available 15
Safety Rules 3 Storage 15
Assembly 7 Troubleshooting Table 16
Operation 8 French 17
Maintenance 12 Parts Ordering Back Cover
LIMITED ONE (1) YEAR WARRANTY FOR CRAFTSMAN ELECTRIC CHAIN SAW
For one (1) year from date of purchase, Sears Canada, Inc. will repair or replace
free of charge, at Sears option, parts which are defective as a result of materials
or workmanship.
COMMERCIAL OR RENTAL USE:
If this Electric Chain Saw is used for commercial application, the warranty is void.
This warranty does NOT cover:
1. Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as chain,
chain bar, and operating bar without lubrication.
2. Pre-delivery set-up, installation of guide bar and chain.
WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE ELECTRIC CHAIN SAW TO
THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTRE/DEPARTMENT IN CANADA. THIS WARRAN-
TY APPLIES ONLY WHILE THIS PRODUCT IS IN USE IN CANADA.
This warranty is in addition to any statutory warranty and does not exclude or limit
legal rights you may have but shall run concurrently with applicable provincial
legislation. Furthermore, some provinces do NOT allow limitation on how long an
implied warranty will last so the above limitations may not apply to you.
Sears Canada, Ontario MSB 2B8
Double insulated -
saw can be( _gerous!Care-
_i _1) WARNIN_ This chain
_ _ Read and fol y pre-
less or improper use can
cause serio or even fatal
injury,
cautions in the instruction
manual. Failure to do so can
result in seri_ ' 1jury.
When servicing use
only identical re-
placement parts. Re-
place damaged cord
immediately,
To reduce shock
hazard, do not ex-
pose unit to water or
operate on wet
ground,
@
Measured maximum kickback
value, without chain brake, for
the bar and chain combination
on the label. There may be other
replacement components for
achieving kickback protection.
Always use two hands when operating the chain saw.
Contact of the guide bar tip with any object should be
avoided. Tip contact may cause the guide bar to move
suddenIy upward and backward, which may cause
serious injury.
Hearing protection
should be worn,
_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 the risk of
accidents. 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 follow
the safety rules, precautions, and op-
erating instructions found in this
manual.
• Dress properly. Wear protective gear.
Always use steel-toed safety footwear
with non-slip soles; snug-fitting cloth-
ing; heaw-duty, non-slip gloves; eye
protection such as non-fogging,
vented goggles or face screen; an ap-
proved safety hard hat; and sound
barriers (ear plugs or mufflers) to pro-
tect your hearing. Regular users
should have hearing checked regularly
as chain saw noise can damage hear-
ing.
• Secure hair above shoulder length. Do
not wear loose clothing or jewelry.
They can get caught in moving parts.
Hearing ,_..,_- Safety Hat
Protection_'_ Im ..........Eye
Snug Protection
Fitting Heavy Dut_
Clothing Gloves
Safety
Shoes _
• Keep all parts of your body away
from the chain when the saw is run-
ning.
• Keep children away. Do not let visi-
tors contact chain saw or extension
cord. All visitors should be kept at
least 30 feet (10 meters) away from
work area.
_. Safety Chaps
• Do not handle or operate a chain saw
when you are fatigued, ill, or 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 common
sense.
• Do not start cutting until you have a
clear work area, secure footing, and
especially if you are felling a tree, a
retreat path. Keep work area clean.
OPERATE YOUR SAW SAFELY
• Do not operate with one band. 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 try to start the saw
when the guide bar is in a cut.
• Do not 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, espe-
cially at the end of a cut. Doing so can
cause you to lose control when 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, do not use a
chain saw for cutting plastic, masonry,
or 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 Centre.
MAINTAIN YOUR SAW IN GOOD
WORKING ORDER
• Have all chain saw service per-
formed by a Sears Service Centre
excepttheitemslistedintheMAINTE-
NANCEsectionofthismanual.
• Makecertainsawchainstopsmov-
ingwhenthetriggerswitchisre-
leased.
• Keepthehandlesdryandcleanand
freefromoilandgrease.
• Keepoilcapandfastenerssecurely
tightened.
• Nonconformingreplacementcompo-
nentsortheremovalofsafetyde-
vicesmaycausedamagetotheunit
andpossibleinjurytotheoperatoror
by-standers.UseonlyCraftsman
accessoriesandreplacementparts
asrecommended.Nevermodify
yoursaw.
• Maintainchainsawwithcare.
• Keeptoolssharpandcleanforbetter
andsaferperformance.
• Followinstructionsforlubricatingand
changingaccessories.
• Unplugthechainsawfromthepow-
ersourcewhennotinuse,before
servicingandwhenchangingacces-
soriesandattachments,suchassaw
chainandguard.
• Checkdamagedparts.Beforefurther
useofthechainsaw,aguardorother
partthatisdamagedshouldbecare-
fullycheckedtodeterminethatitwill
operateproperlyandperformitsin-
tendedfunction.Checkforalignment
ofmovingparts,bindingofmoving
parts,breakageofparts,mountingand
anyotherconditionsthatmayaffectits
operation.Aguardorotherpartthatis
damagedshouldbeproperlyrepaired
orreplacedbyaSearsServiceCentre
unlessotherwiseindicatedelsewhere
intheinstructionmanual.
• Whennotinuse,chainsawsshould
bestoredinadry,andhighorlocked-
upplace,outofthereachofchildren.
• Whenstoringsaw,unplugandusea
scabbardorcarryingcase.
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. If the plug still does not fit, obtain
a correct polarized extension cord. A
polarized extension cord will require
the use of a polarized wall outlet. This
plug will fit into the polarized wall outlet
only one way. If plug does not fit fully
into the wall outlet, reverse the plug. If
the plug still does not fit, contact a
qualified electrician to install the proper
wall outlet. Do not change the equip-
ment plug, extension cord receptacle,
or extension cord plug in any way.
• To reduce risk of electrical shock, use
extension cords specifically marked as
suitable for outdoor appliances. The
electrical rating of the cord must not be
less than the rating of the unit. The
cord must be marked with suffix 'MT".
Use a polarized cord. Make sure your
extension cord is in good condition.
Inspect extension cord before use and
replace if damaged. Do not use a
damaged cord. Cord insulation must
be intact with no cracks or deteriora-
tion. Plug connectors must be undam-
aged. An undersized extension cord
will cause a drop in line voltage result-
ing in loss of power and overheating. If
in doubt, use the next heavier gauge.
The lower the gauge number, the
heavier the cord (see SELECT AN EX-
TENSION CORD in the OPERATION sec-
tion). 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 ifthe 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 Centre.
• Keep extension cord clear of opera-
tor and obstacles at all times. Posi-
tion cord so that it will not be caught
onbranches.Donotexposecordsto
heat,oil,water,orsharpedges.
• Toavoidthepossibilityofelectric
shock,avoidbodycontactwithany
groundedconductor,suchasmetal
fencesorpipes.
• GroundFaultCircuitInterrupter(GFCI)
protectionshouldbeprovidedoncir-
cuitoroutlettobeused.Receptacles
areavailablehavingbuilt-inGFCI
protectionandmaybeusedforthis
measureofsafety.Inspectchainsaw
cordsperiodicallyandifdamaged,
haverepairedbyaSearsService
Centre.
GUARDAGAINSTKICKBACK
Followallsafetyrulestohelpavoid
kickbackandotherforceswhichcan
resultinseriousinjury.
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
KickbackPath
Avoid Obstructions
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 KICK-
BACK
• 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.
AvoidPull-In:
• Alwaysbegincuttingwiththesawat
fullspeedandthesawhousing
againstwood.
• Usewedgesmadeofplasticor
wood.Neverusemetaltoholdthe
cutopen.
MAINTAINCONTROL:
Thefollowingprecautionsshouldbe
followedtominimizekickback.
Standtotheleftofthes_
Thumbon ,,_ _;_
underside / _['_ "]
of handlebar k,t_\
Never reverse iil
hand positions
Elbow
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 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
_WARNING: The 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. 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 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. This type bar has been
demonstrated to significantly reduce
the number and seriousness of kick-
backs when tested in accordance
with ANS! B175.1.
I_-_ Small Radius
I
_ _._"_& 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
,_1_:_... _,_ Elongated Guard Link
_ Deflects Kickback Force
_ And Allows Wood To
•v _ Gradually Ride Into Cutter
CHAIN BRAKE AND CKA ANGLE
• Chain Brake: designed to stop the
chain in the event of kickback.
,4I_ WARNING: WE DO NOT REP-
RESENT AND YOU SHOULD NOT AS-
SUME THAT THE CHAIN BRAKE WiLL
PROTECT YOU IN THE EVENT OF A
KICKBACK. Kickback is a lightning fast
action which throws the bar and rotat-
ing chain back and up toward the op-
erator. Kickback can be caused by al-
lowing contact of the bar tip in the
danger zone with any hard object.
Kickback can also be caused by
pinching the saw chain along the top
of the guide bar. This action may push
the guide bar rapidly back toward the
operator. Either of these events may
causeyoutolosecontrolofthesaw
whichcouldresultinseriousinjuryor
evendeath.DONOTRELYUPONANY
OFTHESAFETYDEVICESBUILTINTO
YOURSAW.YOUSHOULDUSETHE
SAWPROPERLYANDCAREFULLYTO
AVOIDKICKBACK.Reduced-kickback
guidebarsandlow-kickbacksaw
chainsreducethechanceandmagni-
tudeofkickbackandarerecom-
mended.Yoursawhasalowkickback
chainandbarasoriginalequipment.
ated without a chain brake. When pur-
chasing replacements, considerations
should be given to the lower CKA val-
ues. In all cases, lower CKA values
represent a safer operating environ-
ment for the user.
• Tip contact in some cases may
• Pinching the saw chain along the tip
Repairsonachainbrakeshouldbe
madebyanauthorizedSearsService
Centre.Takeyourunittotheplaceof
purchaseortoyournearestSearsSer-
viceCentre.
A(_WARNING: Computed Kickback
Angle (CKA) listed on your saw and
listed in the following CKA Table repre-
sents the angle of kickback your bar
and chain combinations will have
when tested in accordance with CSA
and ANSI standards. Computed
angles represented in the CKA column
indicate total energy and angle associ-
Computed kickback angle (CKA) Table
BAR
MODEL P/N Lenqth
C944.418451 71-36366 16"
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 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 texture, or loss of
feeling in the fingers, hands, or joints,
discontinue the use of this tool and seek
medical attention. An anti-vibration sys-
tem 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 built with this insulation system are
not intended to be grounded. No
grounding means is provided on this
• Either of these reactions may cause
The following guide bar and chain com-
binations meet kickback requirements of
CSA Z62.1 & Z62.3 and ANSI B175.1
when used on saws listed in this manu-
al. Use of bar and chain combinations
other than those listed is not recom-
mended and may not meet the CKA re-
quirements per standard.
CHAIN P/N chain brake
7t -3629 20°
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 standard 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.
,_ 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.
cause a lightning fast REACTION,
kicking the guide bar up and back
toward the operator.
of the guide bar may push the guide
bar rapidly back towards the opera-
tor.
you to lose control of the saw which
could result in serious injury. Do not
rely exclusively upon safety devices
built into your saw.
CKA without
STANDARDS: This product is listed by
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. in ac-
cordance with UL Standard 1662 and
CSA Standards Z62.1 and Z62.3 and
ANSI B175.1.
ANSI B175.1-2000 "American Nation-
al Standard for Powered Tools - Safe-
ty Requirements"
CSA Z62.1 "Chain Saws - Occupa-
tional Health and Safety"
CSA Z62.3 "Chain Saw Kickback Oc-
cupational Health and Safety"
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
CARTON CONTENTS
Check carton contents against the fol-
lowing list.
Model C944.418451
• Chain Saw (fully assembled)
• Bar Sheath
• Bar and Chain Oil
• Extra Chain
Examine parts for damage. Do not use
damac )arts.
KNOW YOUR SAW
READ THIS INSTRUCTION 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.
Bar Oil Cap IFI _ Hand Guard/Chain Brake
Trigger Lockout _--_._J_Z] Chain Adjustment Screw
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 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 lock-out
button can be pushed in by the thumb,
permitting the index finger to squeeze
the trigger. It is not necessary to main-
tain pressure on the lock-out button
once the trigger has been engaged.
NOTE: If you need assistance or find
parts missing or damaged, please call
1-800-235-5878.
ASSEMBLY
Your saw is fully assembled; no
assembly is necessary.
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 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 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.
OPERATINGINSTRUCTIONS
Useonlyavoltagesupplyasspecified
onyourunit.
SELECTANEXTENSION CORD
Extension cords are available for this
unit at Sears.
MINIMUM WIRE GAUGE
RECOMMENDATIONS
Volts
*American Wire Gauge
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.
___Power Cord
BEFORE STARTING SAW
_WARNING: Be sure to read tile
electrical safety information in the
SAFETY RULES section of this manual
before you begin. Ifyou 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 chain oiler provides lubrication to
the chain and guide bar. Be sure to fill
the bar oil tank before each cutting ses-
sion. 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.
CHAIN BRAKE
Ensure chain brake is disengaged by
pulling the front hand guard back to-
ward the front handle as far as pos-
sible. The chain brake must be disen-
gaged before cutting with the saw.
STOPPING YOUR SAW
• Release the trigger switch.
• If motor does not stop, activate teh
25ft. 50ft. 100 ft.
(7.67 M) (15.24 M) (30.48 M)
120 A.W.G.* A.W.G.* A.W.G.*
chain brake and disconnect the ex-
16 16 14
Extension Cord
tension cord. Discontinue use of the
unit until repaired by a Sears Service
Centre.
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. Grip both handles firmly.
3. Push and hold the trigger lock-out
button with your right hand thumb.
4. Squeeze and hold the trigger
switch.
CHAIN BRAKE
Aid, WARNING: WE DO NOT REP-
RESENT AND YOU SHOULD NOT AS-
SUME THAT THE CHAIN BRAKE WILL
PROTECT YOU IN THE EVENT OF A KICK-
BACK. Kickback is a lightning fast action
which throws the bar and rotating chain
back and up toward the operator. Kick-
back can be caused by allowing contact
of the bar tip in the danger zone with
any hard object. Kickback can also be
caused by pinching the saw chain along
the top of the guide bar. This action
may push the guide bar rapidly back to-
ward the operator. Either of these
events may cause you to lose control of
the saw which could result in serious in-
jury or even death. DO NOT RELYUPON
ANY OF THE SAFETY DEVICES BUILT
INTOYOUR SAW. YOU SHOULD USE THE
SAW PROPERLY AND CAREFULLY TO
AVOID KICKBACK. Reduced-kickback
guide bars and low-kickback saw
chains reduce the chance and magni-
tude of kickback and are recommended.
Your saw has a low kickback chain and
bar as original equipment. If the brake
band is worn too thin it may break when
the chain brake is triggered. With a bro-
ken brake band, the chain brake will not
stop the chain. The chain brake must be
replaced if any part is worn to less than
1/32" thick. Repairs on a chain brake
should be made by your Sears Service
Centre. Take your unit to the place of
purchase or to the nearest Sears Ser-
vice Centre.
• This saw is equipped with a chain
brake. The brake is designed to stop
the chain if kickback occurs.
• The inertia-activated chain brake is
activated if the front hand guard is
pushed forward, either manually (by
hand) or automatically (by sudden
movement).
• Ifthebrakeisalreadyactivated,itis
disengagedbypullingthefronthand
guardbacktowardthefronthandle
asfaraspossible.
• Whencuttingwiththesaw,thechain
brakemustbedisengaged.
Disengaged
Engaged
Braking function control
CAUTION: The chain brake must be
checked several times daily. The engine
must be running when performing this
procedure. This is the only instance
when the saw should be placed on the
ground with the engine running.
Place the saw on firm ground. Hold the
handles with both hands and apply full
throttle. Activate the chain brake by turn-
ing your left wrist against the hand guard
without releasing your grip around the
front handle. The chain should stop im-
mediately.
Inertia activating function control
_,WARNING: When performing the
following procedure, the engine must
be turned off.
Hold the chain saw approximately 14"
(35 cm) above a stump or other wooden
surface. Release your grip on the front
handle and use the weight of the saw to
let the tip of the guide bar fall forward
and contact the stump. When the tip of
the bar hits the stump, the brake should
activate.
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 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
entire 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 cut-
ting area. Position cord so it will
not be caught in 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 se-
rious 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 contact with any utility line,
the utility company 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 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 level to determine the di-
rection 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. Motor 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.
10
_'e Planaclearretreatpath
:t.... U"_"_ DirectionofFall
45 ° /
.,o0
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 the 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.
Firstcut _ 2" _ Felling cut here
Secol_clcui j \ _._ Hinge
• After removing the wood, make the
felling cut on the opposite 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 fell-
ing 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
out
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 the term used for cutting a
fallen tree to the desired log size.
Ai_ 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
,_ 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 the cut
until the saw can be removed easily.
Restart the saw and carefully reenter
the cut. Do not use a metal wedge. Do
not attempt to restart your saw when it
is pinched or hung in a log.
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