Homelite EL12, EL16 User Manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
EL12 and EL16
ELECTRIC CHAINSAWS
®
FIRST EDITION
PART NO. 17957-A
Printed in U.S.A.
Price $1.00
HOMELITE EL12 AND EL16
ELECTRIC CHAINSAW
SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNINGS
WARNING ICON G 001
IMPORTANT: Make certain you read and understand all Safety Warnings on pages 2 through 4. Improper use of this chain saw can cause severe injury or death from fire, electrical shock, body contact with moving chain, or falling wood.
BEFORE OPERATING CHAIN SAW
1. Read and understand this owner’s manual before operating chain saw.
2. Use chain saw for cutting wood only. Do not use for cutting any non-wood items.
3. Only well-instructed adults should op­erate chain saw. Never allow children to operate chain saw.
4. Use only electrical voltage noted on model plate of chain saw.
5. Use only extension cords marked for outdoor use. See page 8 for extension cord requirements.
6. Do not operate chain saw
• while under the influence of alcohol,
medication, or drugs
• in rain or in damp or wet areas
• where highly flammable liquids or
gases are present
• if saw is damaged, adjusted wrong,
or not fully assembled
• if trigger does not turn saw on and
off. Chain must stop moving when you release trigger. Have faulty switch replaced by authorized service center.
• while tired or in a hurry
• while in tree or on a ladder unless
trained to do so
7. Wear snug-fitting clothes when oper­ating chain saw. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. They can get caught in moving saw chain.
8. Wear the following safety gear when operating chain saw.
• heavy-duty gloves (wear rubber
gloves when working outdoors)
• steel-toed safety footwear with non-
skid soles
• eye protection such as safety glasses,
goggles, or face screen
• safety hard hat
• ear mufflers or ear plugs
• hair covering to contain long hair
• face or dust mask (if working in dusty
areas)
9. Before cutting, always provide the fol­lowing:
• clear work area
• secure footing
• planned retreat path from falling tree
10. Inspect tree before cutting down. Make sure there are no dead limbs or branches that may fall on you.
CHAIN SAW OPERATION
1. Stay alert. Use common sense while operating chain saw.
2. Keep work area clean. Cluttered areas invite injuries.
3. Be aware of extension cord while op­erating chain saw. Be careful not to trip over cord.
4. Keep children, animals, and bystand­ers away from chain saw and extension cord. Only chain saw user should be in work area.
5. Do not cut down a tree unless you are trained or have expert help.
6. If two or more persons perform buck­ing and felling operations at the same time, provide plenty of distance be­tween operations. Provide distance of at least twice the height of tree being felled.
7. Secure wood you are cutting by using clamps or chocks.
8. Grip chain saw firmly with both hands. Never operate chain saw with one hand. Never use hand guard as handle.
9. Keep finger off trigger until ready to make cut.
10. Before starting chain saw, make sure chain is not touching anything.
11. Avoid body contact with grounded ob­jects such as pipes, fences, and metal posts.
2
12. Keep all parts of body away from chain when saw is running.
13. Do not force chain saw while cutting. Apply light pressure.
14. Cut small brush and saplings with ex­treme care. Slender material may catch in chain and be whipped toward you. This could also pull you off balance.
15. When cutting limb or tree trunk that is under tension, use extreme caution. Be alert for wood springing back. When wood tension is released, limb could spring back and strike operator caus­ing severe injury or death.
16. Carry chain saw from one place to an­other
• with chain saw unplugged
• by holding front handle (never use
hand guard as handle)
• with finger off trigger
• with guide bar and chain to rear
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OWNER’S MANUAL
SAFETY INFORMATION
Continued
WARNINGS
WARNING ICON G 001
IMPORTANT: Make certain you read and understand all Safety Warnings on pages 2 thru 4. Im­proper use of this chain saw can cause severe injury or death from fire, electrical shock, body con­tact with moving chain or falling wood.
KICKBACK
Avoid Kickback. Kickback can cause you to lose control of chain saw. Kickback can cause severe injury or death.
Kickback Safety Devices On This Saw
This saw has a Dual Raker low-kickback chain, reduced kickback guide bar, and a SAFE•T•TIP® anti-kickback device mounted to tip of guide bar. These items reduce the chance of kickback. Kickback can still occur with this saw. Do not remove SAFE•T•TIP® anti-kickback device from tip of guide bar. Do not let tip of guide bar touch anything when chain is moving.
Properly install front hand guard. This item can reduce injuries from kickback. Follow assembly instructions on page 6. Do not remove front hand guard. Do not replace front hand guard with substitute.
Cause Of Kickback
Kickback may occur when nose or tip of guide bar touches an object while chain is moving. If chain cutter catches on object, a sudden reverse action will result. The guide bar will kick up and back towards operator.
Kickback may also occur when wood pinches chain at guide bar nose. A sudden reverse action will also result.
The following steps will reduce the risk of kickback.
• Do not remove SAFE•T•TIP® anti-kick­back device from tip of guide bar.
• Use both hands to grip saw while saw is running. Use firm grip. Thumbs and
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fingers must wrap around saw handles.
•Keep all safety items in place on saw. Make sure they work properly.
• Do not overreach or cut above shoulder height.
• Keep solid footing and balance
• Stand slightly to left side of saw. This keeps your body from being in direct line with chain.
• Do not let guide bar nose touch anything when chain is moving (see Figure 1).
Direction
Do Not Let Guide Bar Touch Here
90° Quadrant
Figure 1 - Kickback Hazard Example. Do Not Let Nose of Guide Bar Touch Object While Chain is Moving
•Never try cutting through two logs at same time. Only cut one log at a time.
• Do not bury guide bar nose or try plunge cut (boring into wood using guide bar nose).
•Watch for shifting of wood or other forces that may pinch chain.
• Use extreme caution when re-entering a previous cut.
• Use low-kickback chain and guide bar supplied with this chain saw. Only re­place these parts with chains and guide bars listed in this manual.
• Never use dull or loose chain. Keep chain sharp and tensioned correctly.
3
Saw Maintenance and Kickback Safety
Follow maintenance instructions in this manual. Proper cleaning of saw along with chain and guide bar maintainance can re­duce chances of kickback. Inspect and main­tain saw after each use. This will increase the service life of your saw. with proper sharpening, risk of kickback can increase with each sharpening.
Note:
Even
PUSHBACK AND PULL-IN
Avoid pushback and pull-in. These hazards can cause you to lose control of chain saw. Pushback or pull-in can cause severe injury.
Cause Of Pushback and Pull-In
Pushback may occur while cutting with top of guide bar. Pushback will force saw back towards you. Pull-in may occur while cut­ting with bottom of guide bar. Pull-in will force saw in towards wood you are cutting. These hazards can occur if chain is pinched, caught or contacts a non-wood object.
The following steps will reduce the risk of pushback or pull-in.
• Use both hands to grip saw while saw is running. Use firm grip. Thumbs and fingers must wrap around saw handles.
• Do not overreach or cut above shoulder height.
• Keep solid footing and balance.
• Stand slightly to left side of saw. This keeps your body from being in direct line with chain.
• Have saw running at full speed before starting a cut.
• When cutting, make sure spike of saw is against wood (pull-in only). See Prod- uct Identification, page 4, to locate spike.
• Never try cutting through two logs at same time. Only cut one log at a time.
•Watch for shifting of log or other forces that may pinch chain.
• Use extreme caution when re-entering a previous cut.
• Do not twist saw when removing guide bar from undercut.
• Use wedges made of plastic, wood, or light alloy (never steel or iron) to hold cut open.
Continued
HOMELITE EL12 AND EL16
ELECTRIC CHAINSAW
SAFETY INFORMATION
Continued
WARNINGS
WARNING ICON G 001
IMPORTANT: Make certain you read and understand all Safety Warnings on pages 2 through 4. Improper use of this chain saw can cause severe injury or death from fire, electrical shock, body contact with moving chain, or falling wood.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE OF CHAIN SAW
1. Unplug chain saw from power source
• when not in use
• before moving from one place to an­other
• before servicing
• before changing accessories or at­tachments
2. Inspect chain saw before and after each use. Check saw closely if guard or other part has been damaged. Check for any damage that may affect operator safety or operation of saw. Check for align­ment or binding of moving parts. Check for broken or damaged parts. Do not use chain saw if damage affects safety or operation. Have damage repaired by authorized service center.
3. Maintain chain saw with care.
• Never expose saw to rain.
• Keep chain sharp, clean, and lubri-
cated.
• Follow steps outlined in this manual
to sharpen chain.
•Keep handles dry, clean, and free of
oil.
• Keep all screws and nuts tight.
• Inspect power cord often. If dam-
aged, have repaired by authorized service center.
• Never carry chain saw by power
cord.
• Never yank power cord to unplug it.
• Keep power cord from heat, oil, and
sharp edges.
• Inspect extension cords often and
replace if damaged.
4. When servicing, use only identical re-
placement parts.
5. Always store chain saw
• in a high or locked place, out of children’s reach
• in a dry place
• in a carrying case or with scabbard over guide bar
Keep this manual for reference. It is your guide to safe and proper operation of this chain saw.
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Rear Handle
Rear Hand Guard
Power Cord
Front Handle
Motor Housing
Figure 2 - Electric Chain Saw
UNPACKING
1. Remove all items from carton.
2. Check all items for any shipping dam­age. If you find any damage or if any parts are missing, promptly inform dealer where you bought chain saw.
Front Hand Guard
Saw Chain
Spike
Oil Level Sight Hole (located on saw body, hidden by front handle)
Oil Cap
Switch Lockout
Trigger
Safe•T•Tip Anti-Kickback Device
Guide Bar
Scabbard
®
4
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OWNER’S MANUAL
CHAIN SAW NAMES AND TERMS
Bucking Process of cutting a felled tree or log into lengths.
Felling Process of cutting down a tree. Felling Cut Final cut when felling a tree.
Make this cut on opposite side of tree from notching cut.
Front Handle Located at front of saw body.
Front Hand Guard Shield between front handle and guide bar. Protects left hand while using saw.
Guide Bar Metal bar that extends from saw body. The guide bar supports and guides chain.
Guide Bar Nose Tip or end of guide bar. Kickback Quick backward and upward
motion of guide bar. Kickback may occur when tip of guide bar touches an object while chain is moving. The guide bar will kick up and back towards operator.
Limbing Process of cutting limb(s) from a felled tree.
Low-Kickback Chain Chain that re- duces chance of kickback as required by ANSI B175.1.
Normal Cutting Position Stance used while making bucking and felling cuts.
Notching Cut Notch cut in tree that directs fall of tree.
Oiler Control System for oiling guide bar and chain.
Power Head Chain saw without chain and guide bar. Also known as saw body.
Pushback (Kickback, Pinch) Rapid pushback of chain saw. Pushback may oc­cur if chain along top of guide bar is pinched, caught or contacts a foreign object.
Rear Handle Handle located at rear of saw body.
Reduced Kickback Guide Bar Guide bar that reduces chance of kickback.
Replacement Chain Chain that com- plies with ANSI B175.1 when used with a specific saw. It may not meet ANSI require­ments when used with other saws.
Saw Chain (Chain) Loop of chain having cutting teeth for cutting wood. The motor drives chain. The guide bar supports chain.
Spiked Bumper (Spike) Pointed teeth at front of saw body beside guide bar. Keep spiked bumper in contact with wood when felling or bucking. It helps maintain posi­tion of saw while cutting.
Sprocket Toothed wheel that drives chain. Switch Device that completes or interrupts
electrical circuit to motor of saw. Switch Linkage This device connects
switch to trigger. It moves switch when you squeeze trigger.
Switch Lockout Device that reduces ac­cidental starting of saw.
Trigger Device that turns saw on and off. Squeezing trigger turns saw on.
Releasing trigger turns saw off. Trimming (Pruning) Process of cutting
limb(s) from a living tree. Undercut An upward cut from underside
of log or limb. This is done while in normal cutting position and cutting with top of guide bar.
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HOMELITE EL12 AND EL16
ELECTRIC CHAINSAW
ASSEMBLY
WARNING: Cutting edges on chain are sharp. Use protective gloves when handling chain.
IMPORTANT: Do not clamp chain saw in vise during assembly.
The plastic hardware bag should include:
• two guide bar bolts
• two guide bar nuts
• one Phillips-head tapping screw
1. Lay chain out flat.
2. Install front hand guard onto saw body. Do this by pressing two mounting stand-outs on hand guard into hex­shaped holes in saw body (see Figure 3).
3 Insert tapping screw through hand
guard and into saw handle. Tighten screw firmly.
4. Turn adjusting screw counterclockwise (see Figure 4). Continue to turn adjust­ing screw until adjusting block is to rear of adjusting plate.
5. Install guide bar onto saw body. Place rear of guide bar between adjusting plate and sprocket support.
IMPORTANT:
justing block into oval adjusting hole on guide bar.
6. Line up holes on sprocket support with center slot on guide bar and holes in saw body.
7. Insert guide bar bolts through front hand guard, saw body, center slot of guide bar, and sprocket support. Attach guide bar nuts to guide bar bolts.
IMPORTANT:
finger tight only. Make sure adjusting block is in oval adjusting hole on guide bar.
8. Place chain around drive sprocket, then along top groove of guide bar and around guide bar nose. sure cutting edges of chain are facing the right direction. Position chain so cutting edges on top of guide bar face guide bar nose (see Figure 3).
9. Adjust saw chain tension. Follow steps under Saw Chain Tension Adjustment, page 7.
Make sure to insert ad-
Tighten guide bar nuts
Note:
Make
CAUTION: Do not place chain on saw backwards. If chain is backwards, saw will vibrate badly and will not cut.
Tapping Screw
Guide Bar Bolts
Mounting Stand-Outs
Figure 3 - Assembling Guide Bar, Chain, and Hand Guard
Adjusting
Block
Figure 4 - Part Locations For Assembling Guide Bar
Front Hand Guard
Towards Guide Bar Nose
Adjusting
Plate
Adjusting Screw
Sprocket Support
Cutting Edge
Cutting Edge
Drive Sprocket
Saw Chain
Guide Bar
Adjusting Hole
Guide Bar Nuts
6
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SAW CHAIN TENSION ADJUSTMENT
WARNING: Unplug chain saw from power source before adjust­ing saw chain tension.
WARNING: Cutting edges on chain are sharp. Use protective gloves when handling chain.
WARNING: Maintain proper chain tension always. A loose chain will increase the risk of kickback. A loose chain may jump out of guide bar groove. This may injure operator and damage chain. A loose chain will cause chain, guide bar and sprocket to wear rapidly.
OWNER’S MANUAL
Figure 5 - Turning Adjusting Screw
Guide Bar Nuts
1. Before adjusting chain, make sure guide bar nuts are only finger tight. Also make sure adjusting block is in oval adjusting hole on guide bar.
2. Turn adjusting screw clockwise until all slack is out of chain (see Figure 5).
Note:
There should be no gap between side links of chain and bottom of guide bar (see Figure 6).
3. Wearing protective gloves, move chain around guide bar. Chain should move freely. If chain does not move freely, loosen chain by turning adjusting screw counterclockwise.
4. After chain tension is correct, tighten guide bar nuts firmly. If not, guide bar will move and loosen chain tension. This will increase the risk of kickback. This can also damage saw. chain will stretch. Check new chain after first few minutes of operation. Allow chain to cool down. Readjust chain tension.
Note:
A new
Guide Bar
Guide Bar
Gap
Incorrect Tension
Figure 6 - Saw Chain Adjustment
Correct Tension
FILLING OIL TANK
1. Remove oil cap.
2. Fill oil tank with SAE #30 motor oil. #10 oil. For temperatures above 75°F, use SAE #40 oil.
3. Replace oil cap at once. Tighten oil cap firmly for good seal. This will avoid oil seep­age from tank.
4. Wipe off excess oil.
Note:
It is normal for oil to seep when saw is not in use. Empty oil tank after each use to
prevent seepage.
Note:
For temperatures below 30°F, use SAE
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7
HOMELITE EL12 AND EL16
ELECTRIC CHAINSAW
OPERATING CHAIN SAW
WARNING: Read and under­stand this owner’s manual be­fore operating this saw. Make certain you read and understand all Safety Warnings. Improper use of this chain saw can cause se­vere injury or death from fire, electrical shock or body contact with moving chain, or falling wood.
EXTENSION CORDS
Use proper extension cords with this saw. Use only extension cords marked for out­door use. The cord must be marked with suffix W-A following the cord type designa­tion.
Example:
Use proper sized cord with this saw. Cord must be heavy enough to carry current needed. An undersized cord will cause volt­age drop at saw. Saw will lose power and overheat. Follow cord size requirements listed below.
Cord Length AWG Cord Size
25 feet 16
50 feet 16 100 feet 14 150 feet 12
Keep cord away from cutting area. Make sure cord does not catch on branches or logs during cutting. Inspect cords often. Replace damaged cords.
The extension cord may come undone from the power cord during use. To avoid this, make a knot with the two cords as shown in Figure 7 below.
Extension Cord
SJTW-A.
Chain Saw Power Cord
OILING CHAIN
Always check oil level before using saw. To oil chain, press oil cap. Oil will feed onto guide bar and chain. Press oil cap at least once before each cut. Check oil level often by looking at oil level sight hole. Oil level sight hole is on left side of saw, between front handle and front hand guard.
Figure 8 - Pressing Oil Cap to Oil Chain
CUTTING WITH THE CHAIN SAW
1. Connect saw to extension cord. Con­nect extension cord to power supply.
2. Make sure section of log to be cut is not laying on ground. This will keep chain from touching ground as it cuts through log. Touching ground with moving chain will dull chain.
3. Use both hands to grip saw. Always use left hand to grip front handle and right hand to grip rear handle. Use firm grip. Thumbs and fingers must wrap around saw handles (see Figure 9).
4. Make sure your footing is firm. Keep feet apart. Divide your weight evenly on both feet.
5. When ready to make a cut, press in switch lockout with right thumb and squeeze trigger (see Figure 9). This will turn saw on. Releasing trigger will turn saw off. Make sure saw is running at full speed before starting a cut.
6. When starting a cut, place moving chain against wood. Hold saw firmly in place to avoid possible bouncing or skating (sideways movement) of saw.
7. Guide saw using light pressure. Do
not force saw. The motor will overload and can burn out.
8. Remove saw from a cut with saw
running at full speed. Stop saw by releasing trigger. Make sure chain has stopped before setting saw down.
9. Practice until you can maintain a
steady, even cutting rate.
Switch Lockout
Figure 7 - Tying Extension Cord and Power Cord in Knot
Figure 9 - Switch Lockout and Trigger Location
8
Trigger
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OWNER’S MANUAL
OPERATING CHAIN SAW
Continued
FELLING A TREE (Cutting Down a Tree)
WARNING:
• Avoid kickback. Kickback can result in severe injury or death. See KICKBACK, page 3 to avoid risk of kickback.
• Do not fell a tree without ample skill or expert help.
• Keep children, animals, and bystanders away from area when felling a tree.
• If two or more persons per­form bucking and felling op­erations at the same time, pro­vide ample distance between operations. Provide distance of at least twice the height of tree being felled.
WARNING: When felling a tree, be aware of your surround­ings. Do not endanger any per­son, strike utility lines, or cause property damage. If tree strikes utility lines, contact utility com­pany at once.
Felling is the process of cutting down a tree. Make sure your footing is firm. Keep feet apart. Divide your weight evenly on both feet. Follow directions below to fell a tree.
Before Felling a Tree
1. Before felling, inspect tree. Make sure there are no dead limbs or branches that may fall on you. Study natural lean of tree, location of larger branches, and wind direction. This will help you judge which way tree will fall.
2. Clear work area around tree.
3. Plan and clear a retreat path before fell­ing. Make retreat path opposite to planned direction of fall of tree and at 45° angle (see Figure 10).
Retreat Path
Direction of Fall
45°
Retreat Path
Figure 10 - Retreat Path From Tree
4. Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples, and wire from tree where you will make felling cuts.
5. Stay on uphill side when felling tree. Tree could roll or slide downhill after falling.
Tree
FELLING PROCEDURE
Felling Notch
A properly placed felling notch will deter­mine direction tree will fall. Place felling notch on side of tree in direction you want tree to fall (see Figure 11). Follow direc­tions on page 16 to create a felling notch.
1. Make lower notch cut as close to ground as possible. Hold saw so guide bar is horizontal. Cut 1/3 the diameter of tree trunk (see Figure 11). ways make this horizontal lower notch cut first. If you make this cut second, tree can pinch chain or guide bar.
2. Start upper notch cut the same distance above first cut as first cut is deep.
Example:
inches deep, start upper notch cut eight inches above it. Cut downward at 45° angle. The upper notch cut should meet end of lower notch cut (see Figure 11).
3. Remove tree trunk wedge created by notching cuts.
WARNING: Do not cut all the way through tree. Leave about two inches of tree diameter un­cut directly behind felling notch (see Figure 11). This uncut por­tion acts as a hinge. The hinge helps keep tree from twisting and falling in wrong direction.
If lower notch cut is eight
Note:
Al-
Direction of Fall
3rd Cut ­Felling Cut
2"
Figure 11 - Felling A Tree
2"
Hinge
2nd Cut ­Upper Notch Cut
1st Cut ­Lower Notch Cut
Felling Cut
1. Make felling cut two inches higher than lower notch cut and on opposite side of tree (see Figure 11). Keep felling cut parallel to lower notch cut.
2. Cut towards notch.
3. As felling cut nears hinge, tree should begin to fall. wedges into felling cut to control di­rection of fall. If tree settles back and pinches chain, drive wedges into fell­ing cut to remove saw. Only use wedges made of wood, plastic, or aluminum. Never use wedge made of steel. This could cause kickback and damage to chain.
4. When tree begins to fall, quickly
• remove saw from felling cut
•release trigger to turn saw off
• put saw down
• exit area using retreat path
WARNING: Be alert for falling overhead limbs. Watch your foot­ing while exiting area.
Note:
If needed, drive
Continued
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9
HOMELITE EL12 AND EL16
ELECTRIC CHAINSAW
OPERATING CHAIN SAW
Continued
LIMBING A TREE
WARNING: Avoid kickback. Kickback can result in severe in­jury or death. See 3, to avoid risk of kickback.
WARNING: When cutting limb that is under tension, use extreme caution. Be alert for wood spring­ing back. When wood tension is released, limb could spring back and strike operator causing se­vere injury or death.
Limbing is removing branches from a fallen tree. Make sure your footing is firm. Keep feet apart. Divide your weight evenly on both feet. Do not remove larger limbs under tree that support log off ground. Remove each limb with one cut (see Figure 12). Clear cut limbs from work area often. This will help maintain a safe work area.
Make sure you start your cut where limb will not pinch saw during cutting. To avoid pinching, start cut on freely hanging limbs from above limb. Start cut on limbs under tension from under limb. If pinch occurs, turn saw off, lift limb, and remove saw.
Kickback
, page
BUCKING A LOG
WARNING: Avoid kickback. Kickback can result in severe in­jury or death. See 3, to avoid risk of kickback.
WARNING:
• If on slope, make sure log will
not roll down hill. Secure log by using wooden stakes. Drive wooden stakes into ground on downhill side of log. Stand on uphill side of log while cutting. Log may roll after cutting.
• Never try cutting through two
logs at same time. This could increase the risk of kickback.
• While cutting log, never hold
log with your hand, leg, or foot.
• While cutting log, never allow
another person to hold log.
• Turn off and unplug saw be-
fore moving from one place to another.
Bucking a log is cutting a log into sections. Make sure your footing is firm. Keep feet apart. Divide your weight evenly on both feet. When possible, raise log or section off ground. Do this by using limbs, logs, chocks, etc.
When cutting through log, maintain control by reducing cutting pressure near end of cut. Do not relax your grip on chain saw handles. Do not let moving chain touch ground. Ground will dull moving chain. After cut­ting through log, release trigger to turn saw off before moving saw.
Follow directions below to buck a log.
Kickback
, page
Entire Length Of Log On Ground
Cut log from top (see Figure 13).
Figure 13 - Bucking Log With Entire Length On Ground
Log Supported On One End
1. Make first cut on underside of log (see Figure 14). Use top of guide bar to make this cut. Cut 1/3 through diam­eter of log. This cut will keep section from splintering when cut.
2. Make second cut directly above first cut. Cut down to meet first cut. This cut will keep log from pinching guide bar and chain.
2nd Cut
1st Cut
Figure 14 - Bucking Log When Log Is Supported On One End
Figure 12 - Limbing A Tree
10
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OWNER’S MANUAL
OPERATING CHAIN SAW
Continued
Log Supported On Both Ends
1. Make first cut from above log (see Fig­ure 15). Cut 1/3 through diameter of log. This cut will keep section from splintering when cut.
2. Make second cut on underside of log, directly under first cut. Use top of guide bar to make this cut. Cut up to meet first cut. This will keep log from pinch­ing guide bar and chain.
1st Cut
TRIMMING A TREE (PRUNING)
WARNING: Avoid kickback. Kickback can result in severe in­jury or death. See 3, to avoid risk of kickback.
WARNING: Do not operate chain saw while
• in a tree
• on a ladder or any other un-
stable surface
• in any awkward position You may lose control of saw caus­ing severe injury.
WARNING: Do not cut limbs higher than your shoulders.
Kickback
, page
CAUTION: Seek professional help if facing conditions beyond your ability.
Trimming a tree is the process of cutting limbs from a living tree. Make sure your footing is firm. Keep feet apart. Divide your weight evenly on both feet. Follow direc­tions below to trim a tree.
1. Make first cut six inches from tree trunk on underside of limb. Use top of guide bar to make this cut. Cut 1/3 through diameter of limb (see Figure 16).
2. Move two to four inches farther out on limb. Make second cut from above limb. Continue cut until you cut limb off.
3. Make third cut as close to tree trunk as possible on underside of limb stub. Use top of guide bar to make this cut. Cut 1/3 through diameter of stub.
4. Make fourth cut directly above third cut. Cut down to meet third cut. This will remove limb stub.
2nd Cut
Figure 15 - Bucking Log When Log Is Supported On Both Ends
4th Cut - Final Stub Cut
3rd Cut - Stub Undercut (to avoid splintering)
Figure 16 - Cutting A Limb
2nd Cut - Pruning Cut (to avoid pinching)
6"
2" to 4"
1st Cut - Pruning Undercut (to avoid splintering)
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HOMELITE EL12 AND EL16
ELECTRIC CHAINSAW
CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
NOTICE: Below are instructions for servicing your chain saw. Any servicing not mentioned below should be done by an authorized service center.
CLEANING SAW BODY
WARNING: Unplug chain saw from power source before ser­vicing. Severe injury or death could occur from electrical shock or body contact with moving chain.
WARNING: Cutting edges on chain are sharp. Use protective gloves when handling chain.
WARNING: When cleaning saw body,
• do not submerge saw in any
liquids
• do not use products that con-
tain ammonia, chlorine, or abrasives
• do not use chlorinated clean-
ing solvents, carbon tetrachlo­ride, kerosene, or gasoline
Guide Bar Groove
Guide Bar
Normal Guide Bar
Figure 17 - Guide Bar Cross Section Showing Uneven Bar Wear
Guide Bar With
Uneven Wear
Guide Bar Groove
Guide Bar
Normal Guide Bar Maintenance
1. Remove guide bar from chain saw.
2. Remove sawdust from guide bar groove periodically. Use putty knife or wire.
3. Clean oil slots after each day of use.
4. Remove burrs from sides of guide bar. Use flat file to make side edges square.
Flat File
Cleaning Groove With Putty Knife
Oil Slot
Burr
Keep saw body clean. Use a soft cloth damp­ened with a mild soap and water mixture. Wipe saw body to clean.
CARE OF GUIDE BAR
Uneven bar wear causes most guide bar problems. Incorrect sharpening of chain cut­ter and depth gauge settings often cause this. When bar wears unevenly, it widens guide bar groove (see Figure 17). This causes chain clatter and rivet popping. Saw will not cut straight. Replace guide bar if this occurs.
Inspect guide bar before sharpening chain. A worn or damaged guide bar is unsafe. A worn or damaged guide bar will damage chain. It will also make cutting harder.
Guide Bar
Figure 18 - Guide Bar Maintenance
Replace guide bar when
• bar is bent or cracked
• inside groove of bar is badly worn
Note:
When replacing guide bar, see Replacement Parts and Accessories, page 14 for
proper bar.
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OWNER’S MANUAL
CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
Continued
SHARPENING YOUR HOMELITE® DUAL RAKER SAW CHAIN
WARNING: Unplug chain saw from power source before ser­vicing. Severe injury or death could occur from electrical shock or body contact with moving chain.
WARNING: Cutting edges on chain are sharp. Use protective gloves when handling chain.
Kickback-suppressing type 35-MD50 semi­chisel tooth, 3/8" pitch, Dual Raker saw chain has two rakers (depth gauges) instead of just one gauge preceding each tooth. When chain contact is made within the kickback zone of a guide bar nose, the two rakers provide sufficient support to prevent the cutters from pulling themselves deeply into the wood. Thus the tendency toward a violent kickback reaction is suppressed or reduced.
Keep chain sharp. Your saw will cut faster and more safely. A dull chain will cause undue sprocket, guide bar, chain and motor wear. If you must force chain into wood and cutting creates only sawdust with few large chips, chain is dull.
Sharpening Cutters
Use file holder for 30° filing.
1.
Adjust chain for proper tension (see Saw Chain Tension Adjustment, page 7).
2. Clamp guide bar in vise to hold saw
Note:
steady.
3. Press 5/32" round file (attached to file holder) into groove between top plate and depth gauges on chain. File holder should rest on top plate of cutter tooth (see Figures 19 and 20). midpoint of guide bar.
Do not clamp chain.
Note:
File at
30° Guide Mark
Filing Direction
FILE HOLDER
4. Hold file holder level. Make sure 30° mark on file holder is parallel to center of guide bar (see Figure 19). This will insure that you file cutters at 30° angle.
5. File from inside towards outside of cut­ter until sharp. Only file in this one di­rection (see Figure 19).
Note:
three strokes with file should sharpen cutter.
6. After sharpening each cutter, move chain forward to sharpen next cutter. File all cutters on one side of chain.
7. Move to other side of chain and repeat process.
File Holder
5/32" Round File
Note: This illustration shows file holder placement and filing direction for sharpening cutters on left side of chain.
Two or
Items Needed to Sharpen Chain
Purchase these items from your local dealer, hardware store, or chain saw supplies outlet.
ITEM PART NO.
File Holder ........................... DA-92617-A
Includes Round
File - 5/32" (4 mm) dia. ..... D-92604-A
Round File -
1/8" (3.2 mm) dia. ............. 92605
Flat File -
(for depth gauges) ..........D-92609-A
Depth Gauge Filing
Tool - .020" (0.5mm) .....D-92630-C
099732
Figure 19 - File and File Holder Placement On Chain
Left Side of Chain
Depth Gauges
Groove
Top Plate
(left side of chain)
Figure 20 - Chain Part Locations
13
Groove
Top Plate
(right side of chain)
Right Side of Chain
Continued
HOMELITE EL12 AND EL16
ELECTRIC CHAINSAW
MAINTENANCE
Continued
Filing Cutter Depth Gauges
The cutter depth gauge clearance is reduced as cutters are sharpened. After every second or third sharpening, reset cutter depth gauges.
1. Place depth gauge filing tool firmly across top of two cutters. Make sure depth gauges enters slot in depth gauge filing tool (see Figure 21).
2. Use medium flat file. File depth gauges level with depth gauge filing tool.
3. Remove depth gauge filing tool. With flat file, round off front corner of cutter depth gauges (see Figure 22).
Depth Gauges
Flat File
Depth Gauge
Filing Tool
Depth Gauge Slot
Figure 21 - Depth Gauge Filing Tool On Chain
Front Corner
STORAGECLEANING AND
If storing saw for more than 30 days, follow steps below.
1. Drain oil tank.
2. Remove and clean guide bar and chain. Clean guide bar and chain by soaking in petroleum based solvent or mild soap and water mixture.
3. Dry guide bar and chain.
4. Place chain in container filled with oil. This will prevent rust.
5. Wipe a thin coating of oil over surface of guide bar.
6. Wipe off outside of saw body. Do this with soft cloth dampened with a mild soap and water mixture.
7. Store chain saw
• in a high or locked place, out of chil-
dren 's reach
• in a dry place
• in a carrying case or with scabbard
over guide bar
REPAIR SERVICE
Note:
Only use original replacement parts. This will protect your warranty coverage for parts replaced under warranty.
Warranty Service
If saw requires warranty service, return it to nearest authorized service center. You must show proof of purchase. If faulty materials or workmanship caused damage, we will repair or replace saw without charge.
REPLACEMENT PARTS AND ACCESSORIES
WARNING: Use only replace­ment parts and accessories de­scribed in this manual. Use of other parts or accessories could damage saw or injure operator.
Purchase these parts and accessories from your local dealer.
EL-12
Part Number Description
NE-12001-G7 Guide Bar, 12" H1-N7245-AH Saw Chain, 12"
(Type 35-MD50-45)
EL-16
Part Number Description
NE-16001-G7 Guide Bar, 16" H1-N7255-AH Saw Chain, 16"
(Type 35-MD50-55)
Figure 22 - Round Off Front Corner Of Depth Gauges
After several hand filings, have authorized service center or sharpening service ma­chine sharpen chain. This will insure even filing.
Replacing Saw Chain
Replace chain when cutters are too worn to sharpen or when chain breaks. Only use Dual Raker low-kickback chain noted in this manual. Replacement Parts and Accessories.
Note:
For proper chain, see
Non-Warranty Service
If saw requires service, return it to nearest authorized service center. Repairs will be billed to you at regular repair list prices.
Note:
Normal wear, misuse, abuse, neglect,
or accidental damage is not covered under warranty.
14
099732
OWNER’S MANUAL
TROUBLESHOOTING
OBSERVED PROBLEM
Saw runs, but does not cut.
Saw does not cut unless heavily forced. Cutting produces only sawdust with few large chips.
Saw runs slow. Saw stalls easily.
Motor of saw does not run when you squeeze trigger.
WARNING: Unplug chain saw from power source before servicing. Severe injury or death could occur from electrical shock or body contact with moving chain.
POSSIBLE CAUSE
1. Chain assembled backwards on guide bar
1. Chain is dull
1. Low power supply voltage
1. Switch lockout not pressed in to release trigger
2. Extension cord connections loose
3. Open line fuse or circuit breaker
4. Bad motor brushes
5. Open wiring circuit on saw
REMEDY
1. See Assembly, page 6
1. See Sharpening your Homelite Raker Saw Chain, page 13
1. Extension cord wire size too small. See Extension Cords, page 8
1. Press in switch lockout before squeez­ing trigger
2. Check cord connections
3. Check line fuse or circuit breaker
4. Have repaired by authorized service center
5. Have repaired by authorized service center
®
Dual
Motor of saw runs, but chain does not move.
Chain does not get oil.
Chain comes off guide bar.
Saw smokes.
Saw leaks oil.
1. Gear train failure
1. Clogged oil slot in guide bar
2. Oil is too thick
1. Chain is loose
2. Guide bar and chain not assembled right
1. Saw damaged. Do not use saw.
1. Oil cap is not secure.
1. Have repaired by authorized service center
1. Remove guide bar and clean oil slot
2. Use correct weight of oil. See Filling Oil Tank, page 7
1. Tighten chain. See Saw Chain Tension Adjustment, page 7
2. See Assembly, page 6
1. Have repaired by authorized service center
1. Tighten oil cap. when not in use.
Note:
Empty oil tank
099732
15
SYMBOL DEFINITIONS
G 018
THIS SYMBOL INDICATES DANGER OR WARNING.
WARNING ICON G 001
THIS SAFE•T•TIP DEVICE ON YOUR BAR NOSE PREVENTS KICKBACK
DO NOT USE ONE-HANDED.
DANGER! BEWARE OF KICK­BACK.
READ YOUR PRODUCT LITERATURE.
HOLD SAW PROPERLY WITH BOTH HANDS.
AVOID BAR NOSE CONTACT.
WEAR HEARING AND EYE PROTECTION DEVICES.
DIAGONAL LINE ACROSS A SYMBOL “PROHIBITED” OR “TO BE AVOIDED.”
CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE
FOR THE LOCATION OF YOUR NEAREST HOMELITE SERVICING DEALER IN THE UNITED STATES, PUERTO RICO AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.
CALL: 1-800-242-4672
NOTE: DEALER INFORMATION, TECHNICAL ADVICE AND PRODUCT INFORMATION
CAN BE OBTAINED AT THIS NUMBER.
HEADQUARTERS
HOMELITE DIVISION OF TEXTRON INC.
P.O. BOX 7047
CHARLOTTE, N.C. 28241
OVERSEAS OFFICES
NETHERLANDS
DIVISION OF TEXTRON ATLANTIC
(HDQS. — Europe, Africa and Middle East)
2153 GB Nieuw Vennnep
FRANCE
HOMELITE TEXTRON
UNE DIVISION DE TEXTRON
S.A.R.L.
Z.I. du vert-Galant
Rue du Chateau/Rue de la Garenne
95310 Saint=Quen-L’Aumone
France
HOMELITE TEXTRON
Haverstraat 24
The Netehrlands
AUSTRALIA
HOMELITE DIVISION OF TEXTRON PACIFIC LIMITED
HEADQUARTERS
22 Terra - Cotta Drive
Blackburn, 3130
Victoria, Australia
CANADIAN OFFICES
HOMELITE
HDIVISION OF TEXTRON CANADA LIMITED
212-214 590 Ebury Place
Annacis Island
delta, British Columbia
V3M 6K7
595 Canarctic Drive
Downsview (Toronto)
Ontario, Canada
M3J 2P9
1850 55th Avenue
Lacine, Quebec, Canada
H8T 3J5
16520-111th Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
T5M 3V8
691 Malenfant Blve.
Dieppe Industrial Park
Dieppe, New Brunswick
E1A 5T8
099732 01
NOT A UPC
Homelite Division of Textron Inc.
G 015
11921
099732-01 REV. E 9/97
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