Husqvarna 115 13 82-49 User Manual

Oper ator’s manual (EPA III)

Manuel d’utilisation (EPA III)

Manual de instrucciones (EPA III)

455e Rancher

455 Rancher 460 Rancher

Please r ead the operator’s manual carefully and make sure you understand the instructions before using the machine.

Lire attentivement et bien assimiler le manuel d’utilisation avant d’utiliser la machine.

Lea detenidamente el manual de instrucciones y asegúrese de entender su contenido antes de utilizar la máquina.

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FFFFrrrreeeennnncccchhhh ((((44445555----88889999))

SSSSppppaaaannnniiiisssshhhh ((((99990000----111133333333))

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mo v

KEY T O SYMBOLS

Symbols on the mac hine:

ARNING! Chain saws can be dangerous!

Careless or improper use can result in

ious or fatal injury to the operator or

ser others.

Please read the operator’s manual carefully and mak understand the instructions before using the machine.

Always wear:

• Approved protective helmet

• Approved hearing protection

• Protective goggles or a visor

Both of the operator used to oper

Never operate a chain saw holding it with one hand only

Contact of the guide bar tip with any object m

Tip contact ma y cause the guide bar to

e suddenly upw ard and bac kw ard (so-called kic kbac k), which ma y cause ser ious injur y .

Recommended cutting equipment in this

xample: - Bar length 20

e inches - Max tooth count for the bar nose sprocket is 11T - Chain type Husqvarna H80

Other approved bar and chain combinations in Oper

Measured maximum kickback value with

ake for the bar and chain combination

br on the label.

Measured maximum kickback value without tr and chain combination on the label.

e sure you

′

s hands must be

ate the chain saw.

ust be avoided.

iggering the brake, for the bar

ator’s Manual.

Symbols in the operator’ s manual:

Switch off the engine b y moving the

witch to the STOP position

stop s before carrying out any checks or maintenance.

Always wear approved protective glo

Regular cleaning is required.

Visual check.

Protective goggles or a visor must be w

Refuelling.

Filling with oil and adjusting oil ﬂow.

The chain brake must be engaged when the chain sa

WARNING! Kickback may occur when the nose or tip of the guide bar touches an object, and cause a lightning

ast reverse reaction, kicking the guide

f bar up and towards the operator. May cause serious personal injury.

ves.

orn.

w is started.

Other symbols/decals on the mac hine refer to special cer

tiﬁcation requirements for certain markets.

–

English

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KEY T O SYMBOLS

ou will ﬁnd the following labels on your chain saw:

Canada

EPA III

Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission control de nonroad engine repair establishment or individual.

vices and system may be performed by any

The engine exhaust from this product contains chemical known to the State

of California to cause cancer, birth

defects or other reproductive harm.

The Emissions Compliance P eriod referred to on the Emission Compliance label indicates the n operating hours for which the engine has been shown to meet Federal emissions requirements.

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umber of

English

–

Contents

KEY TO SYMBOLS

Symbols on the machine: ...................................... 2

Symbols in the operator’s manual: ........................ 2

CONTENTS

Contents ............................................................... 4

INTR ODUCTION

Dear customer! ..................................................... 5

WHA T IS WHAT?

What is what on the chain sa w? ........................... 6

GENERAL SAFETY PRECA UTIONS

Bef ore using a new chain saw .............................. 7

Important .............................................................. 7

Always use common sense .................................. 7

Personal protective equipment ............................. 8

Machine

′

s safety equipment ................................. 8

Cutting equipment ................................................. 11

ASSEMBL Y

Fitting the bar and chain ....................................... 18

FUEL HANDLING

Fuel ....................................................................... 20

Fueling .................................................................. 21

Fuel safety ............................................................ 21

ARTING AND STOPPING

Star ting and stopping ............................................ 22

ORKING TECHNIQUES

Bef ore use: ............................................................ 24

General working instructions ................................ 24

How to avoid kickback ........................................... 31

MAINTENANCE

Gener al ................................................................. 32

Carburetor adjustment .......................................... 32

Checking, maintaining and servicing chain saw saf

ety equipment .................................................. 33

Mufﬂer ................................................................... 35

Starter ................................................................... 36

Air ﬁlter .................................................................. 37

Spark plug ............................................................. 37

Lubricating the bar tip sprocket ............................. 37

Needle bearing lubrication .................................... 37

Adjustment of the oil pump ................................... 38

Cooling system ..................................................... 38

”Air Injection” centrifugal cleaning ......................... 38

Winter use ............................................................. 38

Maintenance schedule .......................................... 40

TECHNICAL D ATA

echnical data ....................................................... 41

Saw chain ﬁling and ﬁle gauges ........................... 42

FEDERAL EMISSION CONTR OL WARRANTY ST

ATEMENT

OUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS 43

AMERICAN ST ANDARD SAFETY

UTIONS

PRECA

Saf ety precautions for chain saw users ................ 44

–

English

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ODUCTION

INTR

Dear customer!

Cong ratulations on your choice to buy a Husqvarna product! Husqvarna is based on a tradition that dates back to 1689, when the Sw of muskets. The location was logical, since water power was harnessed from the Huskvarna River to create the waterpowered plant. During over 300 years of continuous operation, the Husqvarna factory has produced a lot of different products, from wood stoves to modern kitchen appliances, sewing machines, bicycles , motorcycles etc. In 1956, the ﬁrst motor driven lawn mowers appeared, followed by chain saws in 1959, and it is within this area Husqvarna is working today.

Today Husqvarna is one of the leading manufacturers in the world of forest and garden products, with quality as our highest pr well as for building and construction industry.

Your purchase gives you access to professional help with repairs and service whenever this may be necessary. If the retailer who sells y

It is our wish that you will be satisﬁed with your product and that it will be your companion for a long time. Think of this oper the second-hand v or buyer gets the operator

Thank you for using a Husqvarna product.

Husqvarna AB has a policy of continuous product development and therefore reserves the right to modify the design and appear

For customer assistance, contact us at our website: www.usa.husqvarna.com

edish King Karl XI ordered the construction of a factory on the banks of the Huskvarna River, for production

iority. We develop, manufacture and market high quality motor driven products for forestry and gardening as

our machine is not one of our authorized dealers, ask for the address of your nearest servicing dealer.

ator

′

s manual as a valuable document. By following its

alue of the machine can be extended. If y ou ever lend or sell this machine , make sure that the borrower

′

s manual, so they will also know how to properly maintain and use it.

ance of products without prior notice.

′

content (using, service, maintenance etc) the life span and

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English –

23 31 32

WHA T IS WHA

What is what on the c hain saw?

Cylinder cover 2 Starter handle 3 Air purge 4 Stop switch (Ignition on/off switch.) 5 Rear handle 6 Choke control/Start throttle lock 7 Fuel tank 8 Adjuster screws carburetor 9 Starter 10 Chain oil tank 11 Throttle lockout 12 Decompression valve 13 Front handle 14 Front hand guard 15 Mufﬂer 16 Bar tip sprocket

–

English

17 Chain 18 Bar 19 Bumper spike 20 Chain tensioning screw 21 Chain catcher 22 Oil pump adjustment screw 23 Clutch cover 24 Right hand guard 25 Throttle control 26 Operator’s manual (EPA) 27 Combination spanner 28 Bar guard 29 Information and warning decal 30 Product and serial number plate 31 Knob (455e Rancher) 32 Chain tensioner wheel (455e Rancher)

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GENERAL SAFETY PRECA UTIONS

•

Bef ore using a new chain saw

Please read this manual carefully.

• Check that the cutting equipment is correctly ﬁtted and adjusted.

See instructions under the heading

Assembly.

• Refuel and start the chain saw. See the instructions under the headings Fuel Handling and Star Stopping.

• Do not use the chain saw until sufﬁcient chain oil has reached the chain. Lubricating cutting equipment.

• Long-term exposure to noise can result in permanent

ing impairment. So always use approv ed hearing

hear protection.

See instructions under the heading

ARNING! Under no circumstances may the design of the machine be modiﬁed without the permission of the manufacturer. Always use genuine accessories. Non-authorized modiﬁcations and/or accessories can result in serious personal injury or the death of the operator or others. Your warranty may not cover damage or liability caused by the use of nonauthorized accessories or replacement parts.

ARNING! A chain saw is a dangerous tool if used carelessly or incorrectly and can cause serious, even fatal injuries. It is very important that you read and understand the contents of this operator’s manual.

ting and

Impor tant

IMPORTANT! The machine is only designed for cutting wood. You should only use the saw with the bar and chain

combinations w data.

Never use the machine if you are fatigued, while under the inﬂuence of alcohol or dr that could affect your vision, alertness, coordination or judgement.

Wear personal protective equipment. See instructions under the heading ”P

Do not modify this product or use it if it appears to have been modiﬁed b

Never use a machine that is faulty. Carry out the checks, maintenance and service instructions described in this manual. Some maintenance and service measures must be carried out by trained and qualiﬁed specialists. See instructions under the heading Maintenance.

Never use any accessories other than those recommended in this man the headings Cutting equipment and Technical data.

CAUTION! Always wear protective glasses or a face visor to reduce the risk of injury from thrown objects. A chain saw is capable of throwing objects, such as wood chips, small pieces of wood, etc, at great force. This can result in serious injury, especially to the eyes.

e recommend in the chapter Technical

ugs, medication or anything

ersonal protective equipment”.

y others.

ual. See instructions under

WARNING! Running an engine in a conﬁned or badly ventilated area can result in death due to asphyxiation or carbon monoxide poisoning.

ARNING! The inside of the mufﬂer contain chemicals that may be

carcinogenic. Avoid contact with these elements in the event of a damaged mufﬂer.

WARNING! Long term inhalation of the engine’s exhaust fumes, chain oil mist

and dust from sawdust can represent a health risk.

WARNING! The ignition system of this machine produces an electromagnetic

ﬁeld during operation. This ﬁeld may under some circumstances interfere with pacemakers. To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury, we recommend persons with pacemakers to consult their physician and the pacemaker manufacturer before operating this machine.

115 13 82-49 Re v .1 2009-08-21

WARNING! Faulty cutting equipment or the wrong combination of bar and saw chain increases the risk of kickback! Only use the bar/saw chain combinations we recommend, and follow the ﬁling instructions. See instructions under the heading Technical data.

Always use common sense

It is not possib can face when using a chain saw. Always exercise care and use your common sense. Avoid all situations which you consider to be beyond your capability. If you still feel uncertain about operating procedures after reading these instructions, you should consult an expert before continuing. Do not hesitate to contact your dealer or us if you have any questions about the use of the chain saw. We will willingly be of service and provide you with advice as well as help you to use your chain saw both efﬁciently and safely. Attend a training course in chain saw usage if possible. Your dealer, forestry school or your library can

le to cover every conceivab le situation you

English

–

GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

provide information about which training materials and courses are available.

Work is constantly in progress to improv e the design and technology - impro efﬁciency. Visit your dealer regularly to see whether you can beneﬁt from new features that have been introduced.

Personal protective equipment

vements that increase your safety and

WARNING! Most chain saw accidents happen when the chain touches the operator. You must use approved personal protective equipment whenever you use the machine. Per sonal protective equipment cannot eliminate the risk of injury but it will reduce the degree of injury if an accident does happen. Ask your dealer for help in choosing the right equipment.

• Fire Extinguisher and Shovel

Generally clothes should be close-ﬁtting without restr

icting your freedom of movement.

IMPORT ANT! Sparks can come from the mufﬂer , the bar and chain or other sources. Always have ﬁre extinguishing tools available if you should need them. Help prevent forest ﬁres.

Machine′′′′s safety equipment

In this section the machine’s safety features and their function are explained. For inspection and maintenance see instructions under the heading Checking, maintaining and servicing chain saw safety equipment. See instructions under the heading, What is what?, to ﬁnd where these parts are located on your machine.

The life span of the machine can be reduced and the risk of accidents can increase if machine maintenance is not

ied out correctly and if service and/or repairs are not

carr carried out professionally. If you need further information please contact your nearest servicing dealer.

WARNING! Never use a machine with defective safety components. Safety equipment must be inspected and maintained. See instructions under the heading Checking, maintaining and servicing chain saw safety equipment. If your machine does not pass all the checks, take the saw to a servicing dealer for repair.

• Approved protective helmet

• Hearing protection

• Protective goggles or a visor

• Gloves with saw protection

• Trousers with saw protection

• Boots with saw protection, steel toe-cap and non-slip sole

• Always have a ﬁrst aid kit nearby.

8 – English

Chain brake and front hand guard

Your chain saw is equipped with a chain brake that is designed to stop the chain if you get a kickback. The chain brake reduces the risk of accidents, but only you can prevent them.

Take care when using your saw and make sure the

kback zone of the bar never touches any object.

kic

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GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

• The chain brake (A) can either be activated manually (by your left hand) or automatically by the inertia release mechanism.

• The brake is applied when the front hand guard (B) is

• This movement activates a spring-loaded mechanism

orwards.

pushed f

that tightens the br drive system (D) (clutch drum).

ake band (C) around the engine

• To release the chain brake pull the front hand guard kwards, towards the front handle.

bac

• Kickback can be very sudden and violent. Most

kickbacks are minor and do not always activate the chain brake. If this happens you should hold the chain saw ﬁrmly and not let go.

• The front hand guard is not designed solely to activate the chain br reduces the risk of your left hand hitting the chain if you lose grip of the front handle.

• The chain brake must be engaged when the chain sa

• Use the chain brake as a ”parking brake” when star reduce the risk of moving chain accidentally hitting your leg or anyone or anything close by.

ake. Another important feature is that it

w is started to prevent the saw chain from rotating.

ting and when moving over short distances, to

• The way the chain brake is activ ated, either manually or automatically b depends on the force of the kickback and the position of the chain saw in relation to the object that the kickback zone of the bar strikes.

If you get a violent kickback while the kickbac k zone of the bar is f designed to be activated by the inertia in the kickback direction.

If the kickback is less violent or the kickback zone of the bar is closer to y be activated manually by the movement of your left hand.

• In the felling position the left hand is in a position that

es manual activation of the chain brake

mak impossible. With this type of grip, that is when the left hand is placed so that it cannot affect the movement

y the inertia release mechanism,

arthest away from you the chain brake is

ou the chain brake is designed to

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English – 9

GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

of the front hand guard, the chain brake can only be activated by the inertia action.

Will my hand always activate the chain brake during a kickback?

No. It takes a certain force to move the hand guard forward. If your hand only lightly touches the front guard or slips over it, the force ma y not be enough to trigger the chain brake. You should also maintain a ﬁrm grip of the chain saw handles while working. If you do and experience a kickback, your hand may never leave the front handle and will not activate the chain brake, or the chain brake will only activate after the saw has swung around a considerable distance. In such instances, the chain brake might not have enough time to stop the saw chain before it touches you.

There are also certain positions in which your hand cannot reach the front hand guard to activ brake; for example, when the saw chain is held in felling position.

Will my inertia activated chain brake always activate during kickback in the event of a kickback?

No. First y our brak e m ust be in w orking order . T esting the brake is simple, see instructions under the heading Checking, maintaining and servicing chain saw safety equipment. We recommend you do bef ore you begin each work session. Second the kickback must be strong enough to activate the chain brake. If the chain brake is too sensitive it would activate all the time which would be a nuisance.

Will my chain brake always protect me from injury in the event of a kickback?

No. First, the chain brake must be in working order to provide the intended protection. Second, it must be activated during the kickback as described above to stop the saw chain. Third, the chain brake ma y be activated b ut if the bar is too close to you the brake might not have enough time to slow down and stop the chain before the chain saw hits you.

Only you and proper working technique can eliminate kickback and its danger.

ate the chain

Throttle lockout

The throttle lockout is designed to prevent accidental operation of the throttle control. When you press the lock (A) (i.e. when you g rasp the handle) it releases the throttle control (B). When you release the handle the throttle control and the throttle lockout both move back to their original positions. This arrangement means that the throttle control is automatically locked at the idle setting.

Chain catcher

The chain catcher is designed to catch the chain if it snaps or jumps off. This should not happen if the chain is properly tensioned (see instructions under the heading Assembly) and if the bar and chain are properly serviced and maintained (see instructions under the heading General working instructions).

Right hand guard

Apart from protecting your hand if the chain jumps or snaps, the right hand guard stops branches and twigs from interfering with your grip on the rear handle.

Vibration damping system

Your machine is equipped with a vibration damping system that is designed to reduce vibration and make operation easier.

10 – English

The machine transfer of vibration between the engine unit/cutting equipment and the machine

′s vibration damping system reduces the

′s handle unit. The body of the

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GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

chain saw, including the cutting equipment, is insulated from the handles by vibration damping units.

Cutting hardwoods (most broadleaf trees) creates more

ation than cutting softwoods (most conifers). Cutting

vibr with cutting equipment that is blunt or faulty (wrong type or badly sharpened) will increase the vibration level.

WARNING! Overexposure to vibration can lead to circulatory damage or nerve

damage in people who have impaired circulation. Contact your doctor if you experience symptoms of overexposure to vibration. Such symptoms include numbness, loss of feeling, tingling, pricking, pain, loss of strength, changes in skin colour or condition. These symptoms normally appear in the ﬁngers, hands or wrists. These symptoms may be increased in cold temperatures.

Stop switch

Use the stop switch to switch off the engine.

CAUTION! The mufﬂer gets very hot during and after use. This also applies during idling. Be aware of the ﬁre hazard, especially when working near ﬂammable substances and/or vapours.

WARNING! Never use a saw without a mufﬂer, or with a damaged mufﬂer. A damaged mufﬂer may substantially increase the noise level and the ﬁre hazard. Keep ﬁre ﬁghting equipment handy. If a spark arrestor screen is required in your area, never use the saw without or with a broken spark arrestor screen.

Cutting equipment

This section describes how to choose and maintain your cutting equipment in order to:

• Reduce the risk of kickback.

• Reduce the risk of the saw chain breaking or jumping off the bar

• Obtain optimal cutting performance.

• Extend the life of cutting equipment.

• Avoid increasing vibration levels.

General rules

• Only use cutting equipment recommended by us! See instructions under the heading Technical data.

Mufﬂer

The mufﬂer is designed to keep noise levels to a minim um and to direct exhaust fumes away from the user.

WARNING! The exhaust fumes from the engine are hot and may contain sparks

which can start a ﬁre. Never start the machine indoors or near combustible material!

In areas with a hot, dry climate there is a high risk of ﬁres. These areas are sometimes subject to go requiring among other things the mufﬂer must be equipped with an approved type of spark arrestor screen.

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vernment rules

•

Keep the chain’s cutting teeth properly sharpened! Follow our instructions and use the recommended ﬁle gauge.

sharpened chain increases the risk of accidents.

•

Maintain the correct depth gauge setting! Follow our instructions and use the recommended depth gauge clearance.

the risk of kickback.

Keep the chain properly tensioned! If the chain is

• slack it is more likely to jump off and lead to increased wear on the bar, chain and drive sprocket.

A damaged or badly

Too large a clearance increases

English – 11

GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

• Keep cutting equipment well lubricated and

properly maintained!

more likely to break and lead to increased wear on the bar, chain and drive sprocket.

Cutting equipment designed to reduce kickback

A poorly lubricated chain is

• Number of teeth on bar tip sprocket (T).

• Chain pitch (inches). The spacing between the drive links of the chain must match the spacing of the teeth on the bar tip sprocket and drive sprocket.

WARNING! Faulty cutting equipment or the wrong combination of bar and saw

chain increases the risk of kickback! Only use the bar/saw chain combinations we recommend, and follow the ﬁling instructions. See instructions under the heading Technical data.

The only way to avoid kickback is to make sure that the kickback zone of the bar never touches anything.

By using cutting equipment with ”built-in” kickback reduction and keeping the chain sharp and wellmaintained you can reduce the effects of kickback.

Bar

The smaller the tip radius the lower the chance of kickback.

Chain

A chain is made up of a number of links, which are available in standard and low-kickback versions.

IMPORTANT! No saw chain design eliminates the danger of kickback.

WARNING! Any contact with a rotating saw chain can cause extremely serious

injuries.

Some terms that describe the bar and chain

To maintain the safety features of the cutting equipment, you should replace a worn or damaged bar or chain with a bar and chain combinations recommended by Husqvarna. See instructions under the heading Technical Data for a list of replacement bar and chain combinations we recommend.

Bar

• Length (inches/cm)

• Number of drive links. The number of drive links is

mined by the length of the bar, the chain pitch

deter and the number of teeth on the bar tip sprocket.

• Bar groove width (inches/mm). The groove in the bar

ust match the width of the chain drive links.

• Chain oil hole and hole for chain tensioner. The bar

ust be matched to the chain saw design.

Chain

• Chain pitch (inches)

• Drive link width (mm/inches)

• Number of drive links.

12 – English

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GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Sharpening your chain and adjusting depth gauge setting

General information on sharpening cutting teeth

• Never use a blunt chain. When the chain is blunt you have to exert more pressure to force the bar through the wood and the chips will be very small. If the chain is very blunt it will produce wood powder and no chips or shavings.

• A sharp chain eats its way through the wood and produces long, thic

k chips or shavings.

gauge. This will help you obtain the maximum kickback reduction and cutting performance from your chain.

See instructions under the heading Technical data for inf

ormation about sharpening your chain.

WARNING! Departure from the sharpening instructions considerably increases the risk of kickback.

Sharpening cutting teeth

• The cutting part of the chain is called the cutter and consists of a cutting tooth (A) and the depth gauge

The cutters cutting depth is determined by the

(B). difference in height between the two (depth gauge setting).

When you sharpen a cutting tooth there are four important factors to remember.

1 Filing angle

2 Cutting angle

3 File position

4 Round ﬁle diameter

To sharpen cutting teeth you will need a round ﬁle and a ﬁle gauge. See instructions under the heading Technical data for information on the size of ﬁle and gauge that are recommended for the chain ﬁtted to your chain saw.

• Check that the chain is correctly tensioned. A slack chain will mo sharpen correctly.

• Always ﬁle cutting teeth from the inside face. Reduce the pressure on the retur one side ﬁrst, then turn the chain saw and ﬁle the teeth on the other side.

• File all the teeth to the same length. When the length of the cutting teeth is reduced to 0.16 inch (4 mm) the chain is w

ve sideways, making it more difﬁcult to

n stroke. File all the teeth on

orn out and should be replaced.

It is very difﬁcult to sharpen a chain correctly without the

ight equipment. We recommend that you use our ﬁle

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English – 13

GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

General advice on adjusting depth gauge setting

• When you sharpen the cutting tooth (A) the depth gauge setting (C) will decrease. To maintain optimal cutting performance the depth gauge (B) has to be ﬁled down to achieve the recommended depth gauge setting. See instructions under the heading Technical data to ﬁnd the correct depth gauge setting for your particular chain.

WARNING! The risk of kickback is increased if the depth gauge setting is

too large!

Adjustment of depth gauge setting

• The cutting teeth should be newly sharpened before adjusting the depth gauge setting. We recommend that you adjust the depth gauge setting every third time you sharpen the cutting teeth. NOTE! This recommendation assumes that the length of the cutting teeth is not reduced excessively.

• You will need a ﬂat ﬁle and a depth gauge tool. We recommend that y acheive the correct depth gauge setting and bevel f or the depth gauge.

ou use our depth gauge tool to

Tensioning the chain

WARNING! A slack chain may jump off the bar and cause serious or even fatal injury.

The more you use a chain the longer it becomes. It is therefore important to adjust the chain regularly to take up the slack.

Check the chain tension every time you refuel. NOTE! A

w chain has a running-in period during which you

ne should check the tension more frequently.

Tension the chain as tightly as possible, but not so tight

ou cannot pull it round freely by hand.

that y

455 Rancher, 460

• Loosen the bar nuts that hold the clutch cover/chain brake. Use the combination spanner . Then tighten the bar nuts by hand as tight as you can.

• Place the depth gauge tool over the chain. Detailed ormation regarding the use of the depth gauge tool,

inf will be found on the package for the depth gauge tool. Use the ﬂat ﬁle to ﬁle off the tip of the depth gauge that protrudes through the depth gauge tool. The depth gauge setting is correct when you no longer feel resistance as you draw the ﬁle along the depth gauge tool.

14 – English

• Raise the tip of the bar and stretch the chain by tightening the chain tensioning scre combination spanner. Tighten the chain until it does not sag from the underside of the bar.

• Use the combination spanner to tighten the bar nuts while lifting the tip of the bar at the same time that you can pull the chain round freely by hand and that it does not sag from the underside of the bar.

The position of the chain tensioning screw on our chain saws varies from model to model. See instructions under the heading What is what? to ﬁnd out where it is on your model.

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w using the

. Check

GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

455e Rancher

• Release the knob by folding it out.

• Turn the knob anti clockwise to loosen the bar cover.

• Adjust the tension on the chain by turning the wheel down (+) for tighter tension and up (-) to loosen the tension.

Lubricating cutting equipment

WARNING! Poor lubrication of cutting equipment may cause the chain to snap, which could lead to serious, even fatal injuries.

Chain oil

Chain oil must demonstrate good adhesion to the chain and also maintain its ﬂow characteristics regardless of whether it is warm summer or cold winter weather.

As a chain saw manufacturer we ha ve dev eloped an optimal chain oil which has a vegetable oil base. We recommend the use of our own oil for both maximum chain life and to minimise environmental damage. If our own chain oil is not available, standard chain oil is recommended.

Never use waste oil! Using waste oil can be dangerous to you and damage the machine and environment.

IMPORTANT! When using vegetable based saw chain oil, dismantle and clean the groove in the bar and saw chain before long-term storage. Otherwise there is a risk of the saw chain oil oxidizing, which will result in the saw chain becoming stiff and the bar tip sprocket jamming.

Filling with chain oil

•

All our chain saws have an automatic chain lubrication system. On some models the oil ﬂow is also adjustable.

• Tighten the bar clutch by turning the knob clockwise.

• Fold the knob back in to lock the tensioning.

115 13 82-49 Rev.1 2009-08-21

• The saw chain oil tank and the fuel tank are designed so that the fuel runs out before the saw chain oil.

However, this safety feature requires that you use the

ight sort of chain oil (if the oil is too thin it will run out

r before the fuel), and that you adjust the carburetor as recommended (a lean mixture may mean that the fuel lasts longer than the oil) and that you also use the recommended cutting equipment (a bar that is too long will use more chain oil).

Checking chain lubrication

• Check the chain lubrication each time you refuel. See instructions under the heading Lubricating the bar tip sprocket.

Aim the tip of the bar at a light coloured surface about 20 cm (8 inches) a throttle you should see a distinct line of oil on the light surface.

way. After 1 minute running at 3/4

English – 15

GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

If the chain lubrication is not working:

• Check that the oil channel in the bar is not obstructed. Clean if necessar

Checking wear on cutting equipment

Check the chain daily for:

• Check that the groove in the edge of the bar is clean. Clean if necessar

• Check that the bar tip sprocket turns freely and that the lubr Clean and lubricate if necessary.

If the chain lubrication system is still not working after

ying out the above checks and associated measures

carr you should contact your servicing dealer.

Chain drive sprocket

The clutch drum is ﬁtted with one of the following drive sprockets:

A Spur sprocket (the chain sprocket is welded on the

um)

dr B Rim sprocket (replaceable)

icating hole in the tip sprocket is not blocked.

• Visible cracks in rivets and links.

• Whether the chain is stiff.

• Whether rivets and links are badly worn. Replace the saw chain if it exhibits any of the points

abo

ve.

We recommend you compare the existing chain with a new chain to decide how badly the existing chain is worn.

When the length of the cutting teeth has worn down to only 0.16 inch (4 mm) the chain must be replaced.

Bar

Check regularly:

• Whether there are burrs on the edges of the bar. Remo

ve these with a ﬁle if necessary.

• Whether the groove in the bar has become badly

orn. Replace the bar if necessary.

• Whether the tip of the bar is uneven or badly worn. If a hollo

w forms on the underside of the bar tip this is

due to running with a slack chain.

Regularly check the degree of wear on the drive sprocket. Replace if w whenever you replace the chain.

Needle bearing lubrication

Both versions of sprockets have a needle bearing on the drive shaft, which has to be greased regularly (once a week). CA UTION! Use only high quality bearing grease or engine oil.

See instructions under the heading Maintenance, Needle bear

16 – English

ear is excessive. Replace the drive sprocket

ing lubrication.

115 13 82-49 Rev.1 2009-08-21

GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

• To prolong the life of the bar you should turn it over daily.

WARNING! Most chain saw accidents happen when the chain touches the

operator. Wear personal protective equipment. See

instructions under the heading ”Personal protective equipment”.

Do not tackle any job that you feel you are not adequately trained for. See instructions under the headings Personal protective equipment, How to avoid kickback, Cutting equipment and General working instructions.

Avoid situations where there is a risk of kickback. See instructions under the heading Machine

Use the recommended protective equipment and check its condition. See instructions under the heading General working instructions.

Check that all the chain saw safety features are working. See instructions under the headings General working instructions and General safety precautions.

′′

s safety equipment.

115 13 82-49 Rev.1 2009-08-21

English – 17

Fitting the bar and chain

WARNING! Always wear gloves, when working with the chain.

ASSEMBLY

should be tensioned until it does not sag from the underside of the bar.

455 Rancher, 460 Rancher

Check that the chain brake is in disengaged position by moving the front hand guard towards the front handle.

Remove the bar nuts and remove the clutch co ver (chain

ake). Take off the transportation ring (A).

Fit the bar over the bar bolts. Place the bar in its rearmost

Place the chain over the drive sprocket locate it

position. in the groove on the bar . Begin on the top edge of the bar.

Make sure that the edges of the cutting links are facing

orward on the top edge of the bar.

f Fit the clutch cover and locate the chain adjuster pin in the

hole in the bar. Check that the drive links of the chain ﬁt correctly over the drive sprocket and that the chain is correctly located in the groove in the bar. Tighten the bar nuts ﬁnger tight.

Tension the chain by turning the chain tensioning screw

kwise using the combination spanner. The chain

cloc

The chain is correctly tensioned when it does not sag from the underside of the bar hand. Hold up the bar tip and tighten the bar nuts with the combination spanner.

When ﬁtting a new chain, the chain tension has to be

ked frequently until the chain is run-in. Check the

chec chain tension regularly. A correctly tensioned chain ensures good cutting performance and long life.

, but can still be turned easily by

455e Rancher

Check that the chain brake is in disengaged position by moving the front hand guard towards the front handle.

Remove the knob and remove the clutch cover (chain brake). Take off the transportation ring.

18 – English

115 13 82-49 Rev.1 2009-08-21

ASSEMBLY

Fit the bar over the bar bolts. Place the bar in its rearmost position. Place the chain over the drive sprocket locate it in the groove on the bar . Begin on the top edge of the bar.

Make sure that the edges of the cutting links are facing

orward on the top edge of the bar.

f Fit the clutch cover and locate the chain adjuster pin in the

hole in the bar. Check that the drive links of the chain ﬁt correctly over the drive sprocket and that the chain is correctly located in the groove in the bar. Tighten the bar nuts ﬁnger tight.

Tension the chain by turning the wheel down (+). The chain should be tensioned until it does not sag from the underside of the bar

The chain is correctly tensioned when it does not sag from the underside of the bar hand. Hold up the bar tip and tighten the bar knob by turning the knob clockwise.

When ﬁtting a new chain, the chain tension has to be

ked frequently until the chain is run-in. Check the

chec chain tension regularly. A correctly tensioned chain ensures good cutting performance and long life.

115 13 82-49 Rev.1 2009-08-21

, but can still be turned easily by

English – 19

FUEL HANDLING

Fuel

Note! The machine is equipped with a two-stroke engine and must always be run using a mixture of gasoline and two-stroke oil. It is important to accurately measure the amount of oil to be mixed to ensure that the correct mixture is obtained. When mixing small amounts of fuel, even small inaccuracies can drastically affect the ratio of the mixture.

WARNING! Always ensure there is adequate ventilation when handling fuel.

Gasoline

• Use good quality unleaded gasoline.

•

CAUTION! Engines equipped with catalytic converters must be run on unleaded fuel mixtures.

converter and it will no longer serve its purpose. The green fuel cap on saws ﬁtted with catalytic converters means that only unleaded gasoline can be used.

• The lowest recommended octane grade is 87 ((R octane grade than 87 so-called knocking can occur. This gives rise to a high engine temperature and increased bearing load, which can result in serious engine damage.

• When working with continuous high revs (e.g. limbing) a higher octane is recommended.

Environment fuel

HUSQVARNA recommends the use of alkylate fuel or environmental fuel for four-stroke engines blended with two-stroke oil as set out below. Note that carburetor adjustment may be necessary when changing the type of fuel (see instructions under the heading Carburetor).

Running-in

Avoid running at a too high speed for extended periods during the ﬁrst 10 hours.

Two-stroke oil

• For best results and performance use HUSQVARNA two-stroke engine oil, which is specially formulated for our air-cooled two stroke-engines.

• Never use two-stroke oil intended for water-cooled engines TCW).

• Never use oil intended for four-stroke engines.

Leaded gasoline will destroy the catalytic

ON+MON)/2). If you run the engine on a lower

, sometimes referred to as outboard oil (rated

Mixing ratio

1:50 (2%) for all engines.

Gasoline, litre Two-stroke oil, litre

2% (1:50)

5 10 0,43/0,20 15 0,30 20 0,40 US gallon US ﬂ. oz. 1 2 1/2 6 1/2 5 12 7/8

0,10

2 1/2

Mixing

• Always mix the gasoline and oil in a clean container intended for fuel.

• Always start by ﬁlling half the amount of the gasoline to be used. (shake) the fuel mixture. Add the remaining amount of gasoline.

• Mix (shake) the fuel mixture thoroughly before ﬁlling the machine’s fuel tank.

• Do not mix more than one month’s supply of fuel at a time

• If the machine is not used for some time the fuel tank should be emptied and cleaned.

Then add the entire amount of oil. Mix

Chain oil

• We recommend the use of special oil (chain oil) with good adhesion characteristics.

20 – English

• Never use waste oil. This results in damage to the oil

, the bar and the chain.

pump

• It is important to use oil of the right grade (suitable viscosity range) to suit the air temperature.

115 13 82-49 Rev.1 2009-08-21

FUEL HANDLING

• In temperatures below 32°F (0°C) some oils become too viscous. This can ov erload the oil pump and result in damage to the oil pump components.

• Contact your service agent when choosing chain oil.

Fueling

WARNING! Taking the following precautions, will lessen the risk of ﬁre:

Do not smoke and do not place any hot objects in the vicinity of fuel.

Always stop the engine and let it cool for a few minutes before refuelling.

When refuelling, open the fuel cap slowly so that any excess pressure is released gently.

Tighten the fuel cap carefully after refuelling.

Always move the machine awa y from the refuelling area before starting.

Clean the area around the fuel cap. Clean the fuel and chain oil tanks regularly. The fuel ﬁlter must be replaced at least once a year. Contamination in the tanks causes malfunction. Make sure the fuel is well mixed by shaking the container before refuelling. The capacities of the chain oil tank and fuel tank are carefully matched. You should therefore always ﬁll the chain oil tank and fuel tank at the same time.

WARNING! Fuel and fuel vapor are highl y ﬂammable. Take care when handling fuel

and chain oil. Be aware of the risks of ﬁre, explosion and those associated with inhalation.

Fuel safety

• Never refuel the machine while the engine is running.

• Make sure there is plenty of ventilation when refuelling or mixing fuel (gasoline and 2-strok

e oil).

• Move the machine at least 10 ft (3 m) from the refuelling point bef

• Never start the machine:

1 If you have spilled fuel or chain oil on the machine.

Wipe off the spillage and allo evaporate.

2 If you have spilled fuel on yourself or your clothes,

change y has come in contact with fuel. Use soap and water.

3 If the machine is leaking fuel. Check regularly for leaks

from the fuel cap and fuel lines

WARNING! Never use a machine with visible damage to the spark plug guard and ignition cable. A risk of sparking arises, which can cause a ﬁre.

ore starting it.

w remaining fuel to

our clothes. Wash any part of your body that

Transport and storage

• Always store the chain saw and fuel so that there is no risk of leakages or fumes coming into contact with sparks or naked ﬂames from electrical equipment, electric motors, relays/switches, boilers and the like.

• Always store fuel in an approved container designed

or that purpose.

• For longer periods of storage or for transport of the chain saw, the fuel and chain oil tanks should be emptied. Ask where you can dispose of waste fuel and chain oil at your local gas station.

• Ensure the machine is cleaned and that a complete

vice is carried out before long-term storage.

ser

• The bar guard must always be ﬁtted to the cutting attachment when the machine is being transported or in storage, in order to prevent accident contact with the sharp chain. Even a non-moving chain can cause serious cuts to yourself or persons you bump into with an exposed chain.

Long-term storage

Empty the fuel/oil tanks in a well ventilated area. Store the fuel in approved cans in a safe place. Fit the bar guard. Clean the machine. See instructions under the heading Maintenance schedule.

115 13 82-49 Rev.1 2009-08-21

English – 21

STARTING AND STOPPING

Starting and stopping

WARNING! Note the following before starting:

The chain brake must be engaged when the chain saw is started to reduce the chance of contact with the moving chain during starting.

Never start a chain saw unless the bar, chain and all covers are ﬁtted correctly. Otherwise the clutch can come loose and cause personal injuries.

Place the machine on ﬁrm ground. Make sure you have a secure footing and that the chain cannot touch anything.

Keep people and animals well away from the working area.

Never wrap the starter cord around your hand.

Starting: The chain brake should be activated when

starting the chain saw. Activate the chain brake by pushing the front hand guard forwards.

starting the machine. Once the machine has started the valve will automatically return to its original setting.

Pull the starter handle (D): Pull the starter handle with

your right hand and pull out the starter cord slowly until you feel a resistance (as the starter pawls engage) then pull ﬁrmly and rapidly until the engine ﬁres. Push in the choke control as soon as the engine ﬁres which can be heard through a "puff" sound. Keep on pulling the cord powerfully until the engine starts.

Warm engine

Ignition; choke (A): The correct choke/start throttle

setting for warm starting is obtained by moving the choke control to the choke position and then pushing it in again.

Cold engine

Stopswitch; choke (A): Set the choke control in the

choke position by pull the choke control outwards. This automatically sets the stop switch to the start position.

Air purge (B): Press the air purge repeatedly (at least 6 times) until fuel begins to ﬁll the bulb. The bulb need not be completely ﬁlled.

Decompression valve (C): Press the valve to reduce the

pressure in the cylinder and make starting easier. You should always use the decompression valve when

22 – English

Start throttle: The correct choke/start throttle setting is obtained by moving the control as stated above.

Air purge (B): Press the air purge repeatedly (at least 6 times) until fuel begins to ﬁll the bulb. The bulb need not be completely ﬁlled.

Decompression valve (C): Press the valve to reduce the pressure in the cylinder and make starting easier. You should always use the decompression valve when starting the machine. Once the machine has started the valve will automatically return to its original setting.

Pull the starter handle (D): Pull the starter handle with your right hand and pull out the starter cord slowly until you feel a resistance (as the starter pawls engage) then pull ﬁrmly and rapidly until the engine ﬁres.

As the chain brake is still engaged the speed of the engine must be set to idling as soon as possible, this is achiev ed

115 13 82-49 Rev.1 2009-08-21

STARTING AND STOPPING

by disengaging the throttle lock. Disengagement is done by gently touching on the throttle trigger. This prevents unnecessary wear to the clutch, clutch drum and brake band.

Allow the machine to idle a few seconds before giving full

throttle CAUTION! Do not pull the starter cord all the way out and

do not let go of the starter handle when the cord is fully extended. This can damage the machine.

drop start. This method is very dangerous because you may lose control of the saw.

• Never start the machine indoors. Exhaust fumes can be dangerous if inhaled.

• Observe your surroundings and make sure that there

isk of people or animals coming into contact with

is no r the cutting equipment.

Note! Pull the front hand guard towards the front handle. The chain br use.

• Never start a chain saw unless the bar, chain and all

• The chain brake should be activated when starting. Se

ake is now disengaged. Y our saw is ready f or

WARNING! Long term inhalation of the engine’s exhaust fumes, chain oil mist

and dust from sawdust can represent a health risk.

vers are ﬁtted correctly. See instructions under the

co heading Assembly. Without a bar and chain attached to the chain saw the clutch can come loose and cause serious injury.

uctions under the heading Start and stop. Do not

instr

• Always hold the saw with both hands. The right hand should be on the rear handle front handle. All people, whether right or left handed, should use this grip. Use a ﬁrm grip with thumbs and ﬁngers encircling the chain saw handles.

, and the left hand on the

Stopping

Stop the engine by switching off the ignition.

115 13 82-49 Rev.1 2009-08-21

English – 23

Before use:

WORKING TECHNIQUES

• To make sure that none of the above might come within reach of y

our saw or be injured by falling trees.

1 Check that the chain brake works correctly and is not

damaged. 2 Check that the rear right hand guard is not damaged. 3 Check that the throttle lockout works correctly and is

not damaged. 4 Check that the stop switch works correctly and is not

damaged. 5 Check that all handles are free from oil. 6 Check that the anti vibration system works and is not

damaged. 7 Check that the mufﬂer is securely attached and not

damaged. 8 Check that all parts of the chain saw are tightened

correctly and that the 9 Check that the chain catcher is in place and not

damaged. 10 Check the chain tension.

y are not damaged or missing.

General working instructions

IMPORTANT! This section describes basic safety rules for using a

chain sa

w. This information is never a substitute for professional skills and experience. If you get into a situation where you feel unsafe, stop and seek expert advice. Contact your chain sa w dealer, service agent or an experienced chain saw user. Do not attempt an y task that you are not sure you can handle!

Before using a chain saw you must understand the

ects of kickback and how to avoid them. See

eff instructions under the heading How to avoid kickback.

Before using a chain saw you must understand the

erence between cutting with the top and bottom

diff edges of the bar. See instructions under the headings How to avoid kickbac k and Machine’ s saf ety equipment.

Wear personal protective equipment. See instructions under the heading ”Personal protective equipment”.

CAUTION! Follow the instructions abov e, but do not use a

w in a situation where you cannot call for help in

chain sa case of an accident.

2 Do not use the machine in bad weather, such as

3 Take great care when removing small branches and

4 Make sure you can move and stand saf ely. Check the

5 Take great care when cutting a tree that is under

og, heavy rain, strong wind, intense cold, etc.

dense f Working in bad weather is tiring and often brings added risks, such as icy ground, unpredictable felling direction, etc.

void cutting bushes (i.e. cutting many small branches

a at the same time). Small branches can be grab bed by the chain and thrown back at you, causing serious injury.

area around y branches, ditches, etc.) in case you have to move suddenly. Take great care when working on sloping ground.

tension. to its normal position before or after being cut. If you position yourself incorrectly or make the cut in the wrong place the tree may hit you or the machine and cause you to lose control. Both situations can cause serious personal injury.

ou for possible obstacles (roots, rocks,

A tree that is under tension may spring back

Basic safety rules

1 Look around you:

• T o ensure that people , animals or other things cannot aff

ect your control of the machine.

24 – English

6 Before moving your chain saw switch off the engine

k the chain using the chain brake. Carry the

and loc chain saw with the bar and chain pointing backwards.

115 13 82-49 Rev.1 2009-08-21

WORKING TECHNIQUES

Fit a guard to the bar before transporting the chain saw or carrying it for any distance.

7 When you put the chain saw on the ground, lock the

w chain using the chain brake and ensure you have

sa a constant view of the machine. Switch the engine off before leaving your chain saw for any length of time.

General rules

1 If you understand what kickback is and how it happens

then you can reduce or eliminate the element of surprise. By being prepared you reduce the risk. Kickback is usually quite mild, but it can sometimes be very sudden and violent.

2 Always hold the chain saw ﬁrmly with your right hand

on the rear handle and y handle. Wrap your ﬁngers and thumbs around the handles. You should use this grip whether you are right-handed or left-handed. This grip minimizes the effect of kickback and lets you keep the chain saw under control.

Do not let go of the handles!

our left hand on the front

log or one piece at a time. Remove the cut pieces to keep your working area safe.

Never use the chain saw above shoulder height

and avoid cutting with the tip of the bar . Ne ver use the chain saw one-handed!

5 In order to keep control of your saw, always maintain

a ﬁrm foothold. Nev er work on a ladder , in a tree or on any other insecure support.

3 Most kickback accidents happen during limbing. Mak e

sure you are standing ﬁrmly and that there is nothing in the way that might make you trip or lose your balance.

Lack of concentration can lead to kickback if the

kback zone of the bar accidentally touches a

kic branch, nearby tree or some other object.

Have control over the workpiece. If the pieces you intend to cut are small and light, the saw chain and be thrown towards you. Even if this does not need to be a danger, you may be surprised and lose control of the saw. Ne ver saw stac ked logs or branches without ﬁrst separating them. Only sa w one

115 13 82-49 Rev.1 2009-08-21

y can jam in the

6 Always use a fast cutting speed, i.e. full throttle. 7 T ak e great care when y ou cut with the top edge of the

bar, i.e. when cutting from the underside of the object. This is known as cutting with a pushing chain. The chain tries to push the chain saw back towards the user. If the saw chain is jamming, the saw may be pushed back at you.

English – 25

WORKING TECHNIQUES

8 Unless the user resists this pushing force there is a

risk that the chain saw will move so far backw ards that only the kickback zone of the bar is in contact with the tree, which can lead to a kickback.

Cutting with the bottom edge of the bar, i.e. from the top of the object do a pulling chain. In this case the chain saw pulls itself towards the tree and the front edge of the chain saw body rests naturally on the trunk when cutting. Cutting with a pulling chain gives the operator better control over the chain saw and the position of the kickback zone.

9 Follow the instructions on sharpening and maintaining

our bar and chain. When you replace the bar and

y chain use only combinations that are recommended by us. See instructions under the headings Cutting equipment and Technical data.

Basic cutting technique

WARNING! Never use a chain saw by holding it with one hand. A chain saw is

not safely controlled with one hand. Always have a secure, ﬁrm grip around the handles with both hands.

General

• Always use full throttle when cutting!

• Reduce the speed to idle after every cut (running the engine f

or too long at full throttle without any load, i.e. without any resistance from the chain during cutting, can lead to serious engine damage).

• Cutting from above = Cutting with a pulling chain.

• Cutting from below = Cutting with pushing chain. Cutting with a pushing chain increases the risk of

kickback. See instructions under the heading How to avoid kickback.

Terms

Cutting = General term for cutting through wood. Limbing = Cutting branches off a felled tree. Splitting = When the object you are cutting breaks off

bef

ore the cut is complete.

wnwards, is known as cutting with

There are ﬁve important factors you should consider before making a cut:

1 Make sure the cutting equipment will not jam in the

cut.

2 Make sure the object you are cutting will not split.

3 Make sure the chain will not strike the ground or any

other object dur

4 Is there a risk of kickback?

5 Do the conditions and surrounding terrain affect how

ely you can stand and move about?

saf

T wo factors decide whether the chain will jam or the object

ou are cutting will split: the ﬁrst is how the object is

that y supported before and after cutting, and the second is whether it is in tension.

In most cases you can avoid these problems b y cutting in

o stages; from the top and from the bottom. You need to

tw support the object so that it will not trap the chain or split during cutting.

IMPORTANT! If the chain jams in the cut: stop the engine! Don’t try to pull the chain saw free. If you do y ou may be injured by the chain when the chain saw suddenly breaks free. Use a le ver to open up the cut and free the chain saw.

The following instructions describe how to handle the common situations you are likely to encounter when using a chain saw.

ing or after cutting.

26 – English

115 13 82-49 Rev.1 2009-08-21

WORKING TECHNIQUES

Limbing

When limbing thick branches you should use the same approach as for cutting.

Cut difﬁcult branches piece by piece.

If it is possible (can you turn the log?) stop cutting about 2/3 of the w

Turn the log and ﬁnish the cut from the opposite side.

ay through the log.

Cutting

WARNING! Never attempt to cut logs while they are in a pile or when a couple

of logs are lying together. Such procedures drastically increase the risk of kickback which can result in a serious or fatal injury.

If you have a pile of logs, each log you attempt to cut should be removed from the pile, placed on a saw horse or runners and cut individually.

Remove the cut pieces from the cutting area. By leaving them in the cutting area, y inadvertently getting a kickback, as well as increasing the risk of losing your balance while working.

The log is lying on the ground. There is little risk of the chain jamming or the object splitting. However there is a risk that the chain will touch the ground when you ﬁnish the cut.

ou increase the risk for

The log is supported at one end. There is a high risk that it will split.

Start by cutting from below (about 1/3 of the way through).

Finish by cutting from above so that the two cuts meet.

The log is supported at both ends. There is a high risk that the chain will jam.

Start by cutting from above (about 1/3 of the way through).

Cut all the way through the log from above. Avoid letting the chain touch the g full throttle but be prepared for what might happen.

115 13 82-49 Rev.1 2009-08-21

round as you ﬁnish the cut. Maintain

Finish by cutting from below so that the two cuts meet.

English – 27

WORKING TECHNIQUES

Tree felling technique

IMPORTANT! It takes a lot of experience to fell a tree. Inexperienced users of chain saws should not fell trees. Do not attempt any task beyond your experience level!

Safe distance

The safe distance between a tree that is to be felled and anyone else working nearby is at least 2 1/2 tree lengths. Make sure that no-one else is in this ”risk zone” before or during felling.

Felling direction

The aim is to fell the tree in a position where you can limb and cross-cut the log as easily as possible. You want it to fall in a location where you can stand and move about safely.

Once you have decided which wa y you want the tree to fall

ou must judge which way the tree would fall naturally.

y Several factors affect this:

• Lean of the tree

• Bend

• Wind direction

• Arrangement of branches

• Weight of snow

• Obstacles within the reach of the tree: for example, other trees

• Look for signs of damage and rot in the stem, this makes it more probably that the tree will break and start to fall before you expect it to.

, power lines, roads and buildings.

The main point to avoid is letting the tree fall onto another

. It is very dangerous to remove a trapped tree and

tree there is high accident risk. See instructions under the heading Freeing a tree that has fallen badly.

IMPORTANT! During critical felling operations, hearing protectors should be lifted immediately when sawing is completed so that sounds and warning signals can be heard.

Clearing the trunk and preparing your retreat

Delimb the stem up to shoulder height. It is safer to work from the top down and to have the tree between you and the saw.

Remove any undergrowth from the base of the tree and

k the area for obstacles (stones, branches, holes,

chec etc.) so that you have a clear path of retreat when the tree starts to fall. Your path of retreat should be roughly 135 degrees away from the intended felling direction.

Y ou ma y ﬁnd you are f orced to let the tree f all in its natural direction because it is impossib make it fall in the direction you ﬁrst intended.

Another very important factor, which does not affect the

elling direction but does affect your saf ety , is to make sure

f the tree has no damaged or dead branches that might break off and hit you during felling.

28 – English

le or dangerous to try to

Danger zone

Felling direction

Retreat path

Danger zone

Retreat path

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WORKING TECHNIQUES

Felling

WARNING! Unless you have special training we advise you not to fell trees

with a diameter larger than the bar length of your saw!

Felling is done using three cuts. First you make the directional cuts, which consist of the top cut and the bottom cut, then you ﬁnish with the felling cut. By placing these cuts correctly you can control the felling direction very accurately.

Directional cuts

To make the directional cuts you begin with the top cut. Stand to the right of the tree and cut on the pull stroke.

Next make the bottom cut so that it ﬁnishes exactly at the end of the top cut.

Felling cut

The felling cut is made from the opposite side of the tree and it must be perfectly horizontal. Stand on the left side of the tree and cut on the pull stroke.

Make the felling cut about 1.5-2 inches (3-5 cm) above the bottom directional cut.

Finish the felling cut parallel with the directional cut line so that the distance betw trunk diameter. The uncut section of the trunk is called the felling hinge.

The felling hinge controls the direction that the tree falls in.

een them is at least 1/10 of the

The directional cuts should run 1/4 of the diameter through the tr bottom cut should be 45

The line where the two cuts meet is called the directional cut line right angles (90

115 13 82-49 Rev.1 2009-08-21

unk and the angle between the top cut and

°.

. This line should be perfectly horizontal and at

°) to the chosen felling direction.

All control over the felling direction is lost if the felling hinge is too narro cuts and felling cut are badly placed.

When the felling cut and directional cut are complete the tree should star wedge or breaking bar.

w or non-existent, or if the directional

t to fall by itself or with the aid of a felling

English – 29

WORKING TECHNIQUES

We recommend that you use a bar that is longer than the diameter of the tree, so that you can make the felling cut and directional cuts with single cutting strokes. See instructions under the heading Technical data section to ﬁnd out which lengths of bar are recommended for your saw.

The safest method is to use a winch.

• Tractor-mounted

• Portable

There are methods for felling trees with a diameter larger than the bar length. much greater risk that the kickback zone of the bar will come into contact with the tree.

However these methods involve a

Freeing a tree that has fallen badly

Freeing a ”trapped tree”

It is very dangerous to remove a trapped tree and there is high accident risk.

Never try to fell the tree that is trapped.

Never work in the risk zone of the hanging trapped tree.

Cutting trees and branches that are in tension

Preparations: Work out which side is in tension and where the point of maximum tension is (i.e. where it would break if it was bent even more).

Decide which is the safest way to release the tension and

ou are able to do it safely. In complicated

whether y situations the only safe method is to put aside your chain saw and use a winch.

General advice:

Position yourself so that you will be clear of the tree or branch when the tension is released.

Make one or more cuts at or near the point of maximum tension.

Make as many cuts of sufﬁcient depth as necessary to reduce the tension and make the tree or branch break at the point of maximum tension.

Never cut straight through a tree or branch that is in tension!

If you must cut across tree/limb, make two to three cuts, one inch apart, one to two inches deep.

30 – English

Continue to cut deeper until tree/limb bends and tension is released.

Cut tree/limb from outside the bend, after tension has been released.

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