Homelite EL16B User Manual
OWNER’S MANUAL
EL16B
ELECTRIC CHAINSAW
WARNING ICON G 001
FIRST EDITION
PART NO. 19432
Printed in U.S.A.
CSA classification for these models is 2C; the consumer chainsaw, intended for general use
by home owners, cottagers, etc., and for such general applications as clearing, pruning,
cutting firewood, etc.
HOMELITE EL18B
ELECTRIC CHAINSAW
IMPORTANT: Read and understand this manual before assembling or operating this chain saw.
Improper use of saw can cause
severe injury. Keep this manual
for future reference.
SAFETY
INFORMATION
!
WARNINGS
WARNING ICON G 001
IMPORTANT: 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. First-time user
should obtain informed, practical instruction in addition to reading this
manual. Practice cutting logs on a saw
horse or cradle.
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
person.
• 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 if 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.
2
10. Before starting chain saw, make sure
chain is not touching anything.
11. Avoid body contact with grounded objects such as pipes, wire fences, and
metal posts.
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. Do not activate the chain brake to stop
saw . Al ways release trigger to stop saw .
17. Carry chain saw from one place to another
• with chain saw unplugged
• by holding front handle (never use
front hand guard as handle)
• with finger off trigger
• with guide bar and chain to rear
• with scabbard in place
101473
OWNER’S MANUAL
!
WARNINGS
WARNING ICON G 001
IMPORTANT: 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.
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.
This saw has a chain brake. When kickback
occurs, the front hand guard is moved forward by the back of operator’s left hand.
This stops the saw chain quickly, reducing
the chance of serious injury.
Never hold the chain saw by the front hand
guard.
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
fingers must wrap around saw handles.
• Keep all safety items in place on saw.
Make sure they work properly.
101473
• 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
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.
Do Not Let
Guide Bar Nose
Touch Here
3
Saw Maintenance and Kickback
Safety
Follow maintenance instructions in this
manual. Proper cleaning of saw along with
chain and guide bar maintenance can reduce
chances of kickback. Inspect and maintain
saw after each use. This will increase the
service life of your saw.
proper sharpening, risk of kickback can
increase with each sharpening.
Note:
Even with
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 EL18B
ELECTRIC CHAINSAW
!
WARNINGS
WARNING ICON G 001
IMPORTANT: 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 an-
other
• before servicing
• before changing accessories or at-
tachments
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
that switch turns motor on and off.
Check chain brake. Check for broken
or damaged parts. Do not use chain saw
if damage affects safety or operation.
Have damage repaired by authorized
service person.
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 person.
• 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.
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.
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Front Hand Guard/Chain Brake
Saw
Chain
Rear
Handle
Spike
Rear Hand
Guard
Power Cord
Oil Level Sight Hole
(located on saw body,
hidden by front handle)
Oil Cap
Front
Handle
Safe•T•Tip
Anti-Kickback
Device
Guide Bar
Switch
Lockout
®
Motor
Housing
Figure 2 - Electric Chain Saw
4
Trigger
101473
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 Hand Guard Shield between front
handle and guide bar. Protects left hand
while using saw. When kickback occurs, the
front hand guard is moved forward by the
back of operator’s left hand. This stops the
saw chain quickly, reducing the chance of
serious injury.
Front Handle Located at front of saw
body.
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 reduces
chance of kickback as required by CSA
Standard Z62.3.
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 complies
with CSA Standard Z62.3. when used with
a specific saw. It may not meet CSA Standard 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.
101473
5
HOMELITE EL18B
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.
1. Lay chain out flat.
2. Remove guide bar nuts from guide bar
bolts (see Figure 3).
3. Turn adjusting screw counterclockwise
(see Figure 4). Continue to turn adjusting screw until adjusting block is to rear
of adjusting plate.
4. 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.
5. Attach guide bar nuts to guide bar bolts.
IMPORTANT:
finger tight only. Make sure adjusting
block is in oval adjusting hole on guide
bar.
6. 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).
Make sure to insert ad-
Tighten guide bar nuts
Note:
Make
Cutting
Edge
Towards Guide
Bar Nose
Saw
Chain
Drive
Sprocket
Sprocket
Support
Figure 3 - Assembling Guide Bar, Chain, and Hand Guard
Sprocket
Support
Adjusting
Block
Guide Bar
Bolts
Guide Bar
Nuts
Guide
Bar
Adjusting
Hole
Adjusting
Plate
Adjusting
Screw
CAUTION: Do not place chain
on saw backwards. If chain is
backwards, saw will vibrate badly
and will not cut.
7. Adjust saw chain tension. Follow steps
under Saw Chain Tension Adjustment,
page 7.
Figure 4 - Part Locations for Assembling Guide Bar
6
101473
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
Note:
For pre-assembled models, the saw
chain tension is properly set at factory. A
new chain will stretch. Check new chain
after first few minutes of operation. Allow
chain to cool down. Follow steps below to
readjust saw chain tension.
1. Before adjusting chain, make sure
guide bar nuts are only finger tight (see
Figure 3, page 6). Also make sure adjusting block is in oval adjusting hole
on guide bar (see Figures 3 and 4, page
6).
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. W earing protective glo ves, 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.
SAE #10 oil. For temperatures above 24°C (75˚F), use SAE #40 oil.
3. Replace oil cap at once. Tighten oil cap firmly for good seal. This will a void 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, tighten oil cap, and
store upside down after each use to prevent seepage.
Note:
For temperatures below -1°C (30˚F), use
101473
7
HOMELITE EL18B
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 cord with this chain
saw. Use only extension cords marked for
outdoor use. Use an extension cord no less
than 1.5 mm2 (14SWG) at distances up to 30
meters (100 feet). The cord must be marked
with suffix W-A following the cord type
marking.
Use an extension cord heavy enough to
carry the current your saw will draw. An
undersized cord will cause a voltage drop at
the saw, loss of power, and overheating.
Follow cord size requirements listed below.
Cord Length SWG Cord Size
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
Figure 7 - Tying Extension Cord and Power
Cord in Knot
Example
25 feet 16
50 feet 16
100 feet 14
150 feet 12
: 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 sight level hole. Oil sight
level 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 . Alw ays 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).
Front Hand
Guard
Figure 9 - Front Hand Guard, Switch
Lockout, and Trigger Location
4. Make sure your footing is firm. Keep
feet apart. Divide your weight evenly
on both feet. Stand slightly to left side
of saw . This keeps your body from being in direct line with chain.
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.
Switch Lockout
Trigger
8
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 ov erload and
can burn out.
8. Remove saw from a cut with saw running at full speed. Stop saw by releasing trigger. Do not use the chain br ake.
Make sure chain has stopped before
setting saw down.
9. Practice until you can maintain a steady,
even cutting rate.
CHAIN BRAKE
The chain brake quickly stops the saw chain.
Kickback causes the back of operator’s left
hand to contact front hand guard (see Figure
10). When front hand guard moves forward,
the saw chain stops. This reduces the chance
of serious injury during kickback. When the
chain brake activates, release trigger at once.
STOP
Figure 10 - The chain brake quickly
stopping the saw chain
To reset chain brake, release trigger and
move front hand guard back into position.
You must release trigger first. If not, the saw
will start when you reset the front hand
guard.
Note:
Test chain brake before each use.
Firmly grip saw with both hands. With saw
running, move front hand guard forward
with back of left hand. Keep both hands on
the handles. Saw chain should stop. If chain
brake does not work, have saw repaired by
authorized service person.
CAUTION: Do not use the
chain brake to stop and start your
saw. Quick repeated stops may
cause overheating of the chain
brake. Damage to the chain brake
will occur.
101473
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
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.
CAUTION: Seek professional
help if facing conditions beyond
your ability.
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 11).
, page 3 to avoid
Retreat
Path
Direction
of Fall
45°
Retreat
Path
Figure 11 - 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 12). Follow directions below 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 12).
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:
timeters deep (eight inches), start upper notch cut 20 centimeters (eight
inches) above it. Cut downward at 45°
angle. The upper notch cut should meet
end of lower notch cut (see Figure 12).
3. Remove tree trunk wedge created by
notching cuts.
If lower notch cut is 20 cen-
Felling Cut
1. Make felling cut five centimeters (two
inches) higher than lower notch cut and
on opposite side of tree (see Figure 12).
Keep felling cut parallel to lower notch
cut.
2. Cut towards notch.
Note:
Al-
WARNING: Do not cut all the
way through tree. Leave about
five centimeters (two inches) of
tree diameter uncut directly behind felling notch (see Figure 12).
This uncut portion acts as a hinge.
The hinge helps keep tree from
twisting and falling in wrong direction.
Direction of Fall
3rd Cut Felling Cut
5 cm
(2")
Figure 12 - Felling A Tree
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.
5 cm
(2")
Hinge
Note:
If needed, drive
2nd Cut Upper
Notch Cut
1st Cut Lower
Notch Cut
Continued
101473
9
HOMELITE EL18B
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.
CAUTION: Seek professional
help if facing conditions beyond
your ability.
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 13).
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.
CAUTION: Seek professional
help if facing conditions beyond
your ability.
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. Stand slightly to left of saw. This keeps
your body from being in direct line with
chain. 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 14).
Figure 14 - Bucking Log With Entire
Length On Ground
Log Supported On One End
1. Make first cut on underside of log (see
Figure 15). 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 15 - Bucking Log When Log Is
Supported On One End
Figure 13 - Limbing A Tree
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