Makita DCS34 User Manual

Owner’ s and Safety Manual

for Gasoline Chain Saws (page 2 - 33)

Manuel d’emploi et de sécurité

de tronçonneuses thermiques (page 34 - 65)

DCS 34

WARNING!

Read and understand this Manual. Always follow safety precautions in the Owner’s and Safety Manual.

Improper use can cause serious injury!

The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause

cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Preserve this Manual carefully!

ATTENTION!

Suivez toujours les conseils de sécurité du présent manuel d’emploi et de sécurité. Une utilisation

incorrecte de la tronçonneuse peut entraîner des blessures graves! Conservez avec soin ce manuel! Les gaz d’échappement émis par ce produit contiennent des produits chimiques connus par l’Etat de Californie pour provoquer le cancer, des défauts de naissance ou autres dommages de reproduction.

Lisez et comprenez ce manuel.

WARNING !

Careless or improper use of this product can cause serious or even fatal injury. Before operating a chain saw or other MAKITA products it is important that you read, fully understand and carefully follow the instructions outlined in this owners manual. Kickback may cause severe or fatal injury and is one of many potential dangers in operating a chain saw. Kickback and other safety related precautions are described in detail within this owners manual. Additional owners manuals are available from MAKITA U.S.A., INC., 14930-C Northam Street, La Mirada, CA 90638-5753, USA, Telephone: (714) 522 80 88 and MAKITA CANADA INC.,1950 Forbes Street, Whitby, Ontario, L1N 7B7, Canada, Telephone: (905) 571 22 00.

This product complies with: American National Standard Institute B 175.1-1991 chain saw safety standard.

Canadian Standards Association Z62.1-95 chain saw safety standard.

Z62.3-96 chain saw kickback standard.

Society of Automotive Engineers SAEJ 335-Jun 95 „Multiposition small

engine exhaust system fire ignition suppression”

With the purchase of this chain saw you have chosen a German quality product. Important instructions for the assembly and operation of this saw are given in this manual. For your own safety, we ask you to read the accident prevention instructions very carefully before putting your chain saw into operation, as incorrect handling can, despite all precautions, lead to accidents. With a little care and attention you will have good service and lasting satisfaction from this first-rate product. The following industrial property rights apply: DE 19722629.

MAKITA DCS 34

Contents Page

Delivery inventory 3 Symbols 3 Safety precautions 4-15 Denomination of components 16 Technical data 17 Approved bar and chain combinations 17 Mounting the guide bar and saw chain 18-19 Checking the chain tension 20 Safety chain brake 20 Fuel / Refuelling 21-22 Checking the chain lubrication 23 Starting the engine 24 Stopping the engine 24 Checking the safety chain brake 25

The MAKITA DCS 34 will be delivered in a protective cardboard box to prevent transport damage. Cardboard is a basic raw material and is consequently reuseable or suitable for recycling (waste paper recycling).

Contents Page

Set idle speed 25 Sharpening the saw chain 26-27 Cleaning the brake band and sprocket 28 Cleaning the guide bar 28 Replacing the saw chain 29 Replacing the suction head 29 Cleaning the air filter 29 Replacing the spark plug 30 Replacing / cleaning the spark arrester screen 30 Instructions for periodic maintenance 31 Service, spare parts and guarantee 31-32 Troubleshooting 32 Extract from the spare parts list 33

RE Y

Delivery inventory

1. Chain saw

2. Guide bar

3. Saw chain

4. Chain protection cover

5. Assembly tool

6. Owner’s and Safety Manual (not shown)

In case one of the parts listed should not be included in the delivery inventory, please consult your sales agent.

Symbols

You will notice the following symbols on the chain saw and in the Owner’s and Safety Manual:

Read Owner’s and Safety Manual and follow the warningand safety precautions!

Particular care and caution!

Forbidden!

STOP

Stop engine!

Start the engine

Caution, kickback!

STOP

Wear protective helmet, eye and ear protection!

Wear protective gloves!

No smoking!

No open fire!

Combination Start/Stop (I/O) switch, choke

Direction of chain travel

Chaine brake

Fuel and oil mixture

Chain oil fill

First aid

Recycling

RE Y

Further symbols see page 5.

Safety precautions for chain saw operators

Additional safety precautions

While operating the chain saw please observe the following rules:

a) Contact of the guide bar nose with any object

should be avoided.

b) Tip contact may cause the guide bar to move

suddenly upward and backward, which may cause serious or fatal injury.

c) Always operate the chain saw with both hands.

WARNING!

Read and follow all safety precautions in the owner’s manual. Failure to follow instructions could result in serious injury. It is recommended to lend the chain saw only to people who are experienced in working with chain saws. Always hand over the Owner‘s and Safety Manual.

WARNING!

This chain saw is capable of severe kickback that could result in serious injury to the operator. Do not operate this chain saw unless you have extraordinary cutting needs and experience in and special training for dealing with kickback. Chain saws with significantly reduced kickback potential are available.

The following additional safety precautions should be observed by all users of chain saws:

1. Do not operate a chain saw when you are fatigued.

2. Use safety footwear; snug-fitting clothing; protective gloves; and eye, hearing, and head protection devices.

3. Use caution when handling fuel. Move the chain saw at least 10 feet (3 m) from the fueling point before starting the engine.

4. Do not allow other persons to be near the chain saw when starting or cutting with the chain saw. Keep bystanders and animals out of the work area.

5. Do not start cutting until you have a clear work area, secure footing, and a planned retreat path from the falling tree.

6. Keep all parts of your body away from the saw chain when the engine is running.

7. Before you start the engine, make sure that the saw chain is not contacting anything.

8. Carry the chain saw with the engine stopped, the guide bar and saw chain to the rear, and the muffler away from your body.

WARNING!

Kickback may occur when the nose or tip of the guide bar touches an object, or when the wood closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut. This contact may abruptly stop the saw chain and in some cases may cause a lightning fast reverse reaction, kicking the guide bar up and back towards the user, or push the guide bar back towards the operator. Kickback may cause you to lose control of the saw.

As a chain saw user, you can take several steps to reduce the risk of a kickback and potential injury.

A. With a basic understanding of kickback, you

can reduce or eliminate the element of surprise. It is a sudden surprise that contributes to accidents.

B. Keep a good firm grip on the saw with both

hands, your right hand on the rear grip and your left hand on the tubular handle, when the engine is running. Use a firm grip with thumbs and fingers encircling the chain saw handles. A firm grip can neutralize kickback and help you maintain control of the saw. Don’t let go!

C. Make sure that the area in which you are

cutting is free from obstructions. Do not let the nose of the guide bar contact the log, branch, or any other obstructions which could be hit

while you are operating the saw. D. Do not overreach or cut above shoulder height. E. Follow manufacturer’s sharpening and main-

tenance instructions for the saw chain. F. Only use replacement bars and chains speci-

fied by the manufacturer or the equivalent.

9. Do not operate a chain saw that is damaged, is improperly adjusted, or is not completely and securely assembled. Be sure that the saw chain stops moving when the throttle control trigger is released.

10. Shut off the engine before setting it down.

11. Use extreme caution when cutting small size brush and saplings because slender material may catch the saw chain and be whipped towardyou or pull you off balance.

12. When cutting a limb that is under tension be alert for springback so that you will not be struck when the tension on the wood fibers is released.

13. Keep the handles dry, clean, and free of oil or fuel mixture.

14. Operate the chain saw only in well-ventilated areas.

15. Do not operate a chain saw in a tree unless you have been specifically trained to do so.

16. All chain saw service, other than the items listed in the owner’s manual maintenance instructions, should be performed by MAKITA . (For example, if improper tools are used to remove the flywheel or if an improper tool is used to hold the flywheel in order to remove the clutch structural damage to the flywheel could occur and could subsequently cause the flywheel to burst.)

17. When transporting your chain saw, use the chain protection cover.

18. Low kickback bars and low kickback chains are designed to reduce the risk of kickback injury. Ask your MAKITA dealer about these devices.

General Safety Precautions

The use of any chain saw may be hazardous. At full throttle chain speed can reach 45 mph (20 m/s). It is important that you read; fully understand and observe the following safety precautions and warnings. Read the owner’s manual and the safety instructions periodically.

WARNING !

Reactive forces, including kickback, can be dangerous. Careless or improper use of any chain saw may cause serious or fatal injury.

Have your MAKITA dealer show you how to operate your chain saw. Observe all applicable local safety regulations, standards and ordinances.

max. CKA 21

XXX.YYY.ZZZ

Maximum Computed Kickback Angle (CKA)* without using the chain brake when using the recommended bar and chain combinations

(In this example the CKA is 21°).

Contact of the guide bar tip with any object should be avoided! Tip contact may cause the guide bar to move suddenly upward and backward, which may cause serious injury!

Always use two hands when operating the chain saw!

Reduced Kickback Bar and Chain combination that has been evaluated with the power head to achieve kickback protection (according to ANSI and CSA standards).

WARNING!

Minors should never be allowed to use a chain saw. Bystanders, especially children and animals should not be allowed in the area where a chain saw is in use (fig. 1). Never let the saw run unattended. Store it in a locked place away from children. Fill the fuel tank to 7/8 th full (see storing the saw). Do not lend your chain saw without this owner’s manual. Be sure that anyone using your saw understands the information given.

Proper use of a chain saw involves

1. the operator

2. the saw

3. the use of the saw.

Discription of symbols used on chain saws:

CSA Z 62.1-95 and

Z 62.3-96 Class 1C

ANSI B175.1-1991

CUS

LISTED

45M6 Chain Saw listed in accordance with

American National Standard Safety Specifications for Gasoline Powered Chain Saws (ANSI B 175.1-1991).

CSA Z 62.1-95 and Z 62.3-96, Class 1C

Compliance with CSA -Standards

Compliance with ANSI -Standard

* The Computed Kickback Angle is a calculated value from energies measured on a test bench. It is

not the angle of the guide bar moved upward in case of a KICKBACK.

The operator

Physical Condition

You must be in good physical condition and mental health and not under the influence of any substance (drugs, alcohol), which might impair vision, dexterity

or judgment.

WARNING !

Prolonged use of chain saws exposing the operator to vibrations may produce Whitefinger disease (Raynaud’s phenomenon). This phenomenon reduces the hand’s ability to feel and regulate temperature, produces numbness and burning sensations and may cause nerve and circulation damage and tissue necrosis.

All MAKITA saws are therefore provided with an antivibration system which is essential for those using chain saws on a regular or sustained basis. Antivibration systems do not guarantee that you will not sustain Whitefinger disesase, however, they reduce this danger considerably. Nevertheless, continual and regular users should observe their hands and fingers and in case of any abnormal symptoms, seek medical advice immediately.

Proper clothing

Clothing must be sturdy and snug-fitting, but allow complete freedom of movement. Avoid loose-fitting jackets, scarfs, neckties, jewelry, flared or cuffed pants, or anything that could become entangled with the saw or brush. Wear overalls or jeans with a reinforced cutting resistant insert (fig. 3).

Protect your hands with gloves when handling saw and saw chain. Heavy-duty, nonslip gloves improve your grip and protect your hands. Good footing is most important in chain saw work.

The saw

Parts of the chain saw: illustrations and description of parts see page 16.

WARNING !

Never modify a chain saw in any way. Only attachments supplied by MAKITA or expressly approved by MAKITA for use with the specific saw are authorized.

WARNING !

Bow guide bars substantially increase the potential for kickback and severe or fatal injury due to the greater kickback zone of the bow design. Bow guide bars are not recommended for use on MAKITA chain saws nor are they approved by the ANSI B 175.1-1991 chain saw safety standard.

The use of the saw

Wear sturdy boots with nonslip soles. Steel-toed safety boots are recommended.

Proper eye protection is a must. Non-fogging, vented goggles and a face screen is recommended. Their use reduces the risk of eye and facial injury.

Wear an approved safety hard hat to protect your head. Chain saw noise may damage your hearing. Always wear noise protection equipment (ear plugs or ear muffs) to protect your hearing.

Continual and regular users should have their hearing checked regularly.

Transporting the chain saw

WARNING!

Always stop the engine before putting a chain saw down or carrying it. Carrying a chain saw with the engine running is extremely dangerous. Accidental acceleration of the engine can cause the chain to rotate. Avoid touching the hot muffler.

By hand: When carrying your saw by hand, the engine must be stopped and the saw must be in the proper position. The chain protection cover should be over the chain and the guide bar must point backwards. When carrying your saw the bar should be behind you (fig. 4).

Wear protective helmet, eye and ear protection!

By vehicle: When transporting in a vehicle, keep chain and bar covered with the chain guard. Properly secure your saw to prevent turnover, fuel spillage and damage to the saw. Make sure the saw is not exposed to heat or sparks.

Chain saw operating instructions

For assembly follow the procedure in the appropriate section "Mounting Guide Bar and Chain" of this manual. MAKITA chain, guide bar and sprocket must match each other (see the appropriate section in this manual).

WARNING!

Proper tension of the chain is extremely important. In order to avoid false setting the tensioning procedure must be followed as described in this manual. Always make sure the hexagonal nut(s) for the sprocket guard is (are) tightened securely after tensioning the chain. Check chain tension once more after having tightened the nuts and thereafter at regular intervals (always before starting to work). If the chain becomes loose while cutting, shut off the engine and then tighten. Never try to tighten the chain while the engine is running!

Fueling

Your MAKITA saw uses on oil-gasoline mixture for fuel (see chapter "Fuel" of this manual).

Wipe off any spilled fuel before starting your saw and check for leakage.

Check for fuel leakage while refueling and during operation. If fuel or oil leakage is found, do not start or run the engine until leak is fixed and spilled fuel has been wiped away. Clothing with fuel on it has to be changed immediately (this is a danger to your life!). Avoid skin contact with fuel. Never loosen or remove the cap of the fuel tank while the engine is running.

Starting

Do not drop start. This method is very dangerous because you may lose control of the saw (fig. 6).

WARNING!

Gasoline is an extremely flammable fuel. Use extreme caution when handling gasoline or fuel mix. Do not smoke or bring any sparks or flame near the fuel (fig. 5).

Fueling instructions

Fuel your chain saw in well ventilated areas or outdoors. Always shut off the engine and allow it to cool before refueling. Select bare ground for fueling and move the chain saw at least 10 feet (3 m) from fueling spot before starting the engine (fig. 5a).

Place the chain saw on firm ground or other solid surface in an open area. Maintain a good balance and secure footing. Place your right foot through the rear handle opening and firmly grasp the front handle with your left hand (fig. 6a).

Be absolutely sure that guide bar and chain are clear of you or all other obstructions and objects, including the ground, because when the engine starts in semithrottle position, engine speed will be fast enough for the clutch to engage the sprocket and turn the chain which may cause a kickback. Never attempt to start the saw when the guide bar is in a cut or kerf.

10 feet

When you pull the starter grip, don’t wrap the starter rope around your hands. Do not allow the grip to snap back, but guide the starter rope slowly back to permit the rope to rewind properly. Failure to follow this procedure may result in injury to hand or fingers and may damage the starter mechanism.

Important adjustments

WARNING!

At correct idle speed, chain should not turn. For directions to adjust idle speed, see the appropriate section of this instruction manual.

Do not use a saw with incorrect idle speed adjustment. Adjust the idle speed yourself according to the appropriate section of this manual.

Have your MAKITA dealer check your saw and make proper adjustments or repairs.

Check the saw chain tension frequently, especially just after installing a new chain. New chains may stretch more during their initial use. A properly adjusted saw chain can be pulled freely around the guide bar by hand without sagging. Always stop the engine and wear gloves when checking or adjusting the chain tension.

Working conditions

Wrap your fingers tightly around the handles, keeping the handles cradled between your thumb and forefinger (fig. 7). With your hands in this position, you can best oppose and absorb the push, pull and kickback forces of your saw without having it slip out of your grip (see section of reactive forces). Make sure your chain saw handle and grip are in good condition and free of moisture, pitch, oil or grease.

Always start a cut with the chain running at full speed and the spike bar in contact with the wood.

WARNING!

Never use the saw with one hand. You cannot control reactive forces (see pages 9 to 11) and may lose control of the saw.

Operate your chain saw only outdoors. Operate the saw under good visibility and daylight conditions only.

WARNING!

Take extreme care in wet and freezing weather (rain, snow, ice). Put off the work when the weather is windy, stormy or rainfall is heavy. Clear the area where you are working.

WARNING!

Avoid stumbling on obstacles such as stumps, roots or rocks and watch out for holes or ditches. Be extremely cautious when working on slopes or uneven ground. There is increased danger of slipping on freshly debarked logs.

Cutting instructions

Always hold the saw firmly with both hands when the engine is running. Place your left hand on the tubular handle and your right hand on grip and throttle lever. Left-handers should follow these instructions too.

WARNING!

Do not operate your chain saw in semi-throttle position. Cutting in this position does not permit the operator proper control of the saw or chain speed.

WARNING!

Never come too close to a rotating chain with your hands or body.

WARNING!

Do not cut any material other than wood or wooden objects.

Use your chain saw for cutting only. It is not designed for prying or shoveling away limbs, roots or other objects.

When sawing, make sure that the saw chain does not touch any foreign materials such as rocks, nails and the like (fig. 8). Such objects may be flung off, damage the saw chain or cause the saw to kick back.

In order to keep control of your saw, always maintain a firm foothold. Never work on a ladder, in a tree or on any other insecure support. Never use the saw above shoulder height (fig. 9).

Position the chain saw in such a way that your body is clear of the cutting attachment whenever the engine is running (fig. 10).

Don’t put pressure on the saw when reaching the end of a cut. The pressure may cause the bar and rotating chain to pop out of the cut or kerf, go out of control and strike the operator or some other object. If the rotating chain strikes some other object a reactive force (see pages 10 to 12 ) may cause the chain to strike the operator.

Reactive forces during the cut, including kickback

WARNING!

Reactive forces, that may occur during any cut are kickback, pushback and pull-in. Reactive forces can be dangerous! In any chain saw, the powerful force used to cut wood can be reversed (and work against the operator).

If the rotating chain is suddenly stopped by contact with any solid object like a log or branch or is pinched, the reactive forces instantly occur. These reactive forces may result in loss of control which may, in turn, cause serious or fatal injury. An understanding of the causes of these reactive forces may help you avoid loss of control.

The most common reactive forces are

- kickback,

- pushback,

- pull-in.

Kickback:

Kickback occurs when the upper quadrant of the bar nose contacts a solid object in the wood or is pinched (fig. 11). The reaction of the cutting force of the chain causes a rotational force of the chain saw in the direc tion opposite to the chain movement, mainly in the plane of the bar. This may fling the bar in an uncontrolled arc towards the operator.

This reaction can occur in a fraction of a second and under some circumstances, cause the guide bar and chain to strike the operator with enough force to cause severe or fatal injury. It may also occur during limbing. It also occurs when the nose of the guide bar is pinched unexpectedly, unintentionally contacts solid material in the wood (fig.12) or is incorrectly used to begin a plunge or boring cut.

The greater the force of the kickback reaction, the more difficult it becomes for the operator to control the saw.

Many factors influence the occurence and force of the kickback reaction. The type of bar and saw chain you use is a factor in the force of the kickback reaction.

The speed of contact at which the cutter contacts the object.

Kickback force increase with the rate of impact.

The contact angle between the nose of the bar and the foreign object (fig. 11).

Kickback is most pronounced in the upper quadrant of the bar nose.

MAKITA chain types are designed to reduce kickback forces.

The depth gauges:

Improper lowering of the depth gauges also increases the risk of a kickback.

To avoid kickback

The best protection from personal-injury that may result from kickback is to avoid kickback situations:

1. Hold the chain saw firmly with both hands and maintain a secure grip.

Saw chain cutter sharpness:

WARNING!

A dull improperly sharpened chain may increase the risk of kickback. Always cut with a properly sharpened chain.

Devices for reducing the risk of kickback injury

MAKITA have developed a special chain brake to reduce the risk of kickbacks.

This chain brake increases the safety factor on the job, e.g. when the saw suddenly kicks upwards the chain stops rotating within a fraction of a second. A deflection guard on the disengaging lever of the chain brake and a loop rear handle ensure that the operator’s hands are fully protected at all times.

Kickback tendency increases as the radius or size of the guide bar nose increases. MAKITA have developed guide bars with small nose radius, to reduce the kickback tendency.

WARNING!

No chain brake prevents kickback. These brakes are designed only to stop the chain, if activated. To ensure a proper operation of the chain brake, it must be properly maintained. Furthermore, there must be a sufficient distance between the operator and the bar to ensure that the chain brake has sufficient time to activate and stop the chain before potential contact with the operator.

2. Be aware of the location of the guide bar nose at all times.

3. Never bring the nose of the guide bar in contact with any object. Do not cut limbs with the nose of the guide bar. Be especially careful with small, tough limbs, small size brush and saplings which may easily catch the chain.

4. Don’t overreach.

5. Don’t cut above shoulder height.

6. Begin cutting and continue at full throttle.

7. Cut only one log at a time.

8. Use extreme caution when re-entering a previous

cut.

9. Do not attempt plunge cuts (see page 13) if you are not experienced with these cutting techniques.

10. Be alert for shifting of the log or other forces that may cause the cut to close and pinch the chain.

11. Maintain saw chain properly. Cut with a correctly sharpened, properly tensioned chain at all times.

12. Stand to the side of the cutting path of the chain saw.

Pushback:

To avoid pull-in

Pushback occurs when the chain on the top of the bar is suddenly stopped when it is pinched, caught or encounters a foreign object in the wood. The reaction of the chain drives the saw straight back toward the operator causing loss of saw control. Pushback frequently occurs when the top of the bar is used for cutting (fig. 14).

To avoid pushback

1. Be alert to forces or situations that may cause material to pinch the top of the chain.

2. Do not cut more than one log at a time.

3. Do not twist the saw when withdrawing the bar from a plunge cut or under buck cut (figures 25 to 27 and 33, pages 13 and 14), because the chain can pinch.

Pull-in:

Pull-in occurs when the chain on the bottom of the bar is suddenly stopped. The chain on the bottom of the bar stops when it is pinched, caught or encounters a foreign object in the wood (see fig. 15). The reaction of the chain pulls the saw forward, causing the operator to lose control.

1. Always start a cut with the chain rotating at full speed and the spike bar in contact with the wood.

2. Pull-in may also be prevented by using plastic wedges to open the kerf or cut.

Cutting techniques

Felling

Felling is cutting down a tree. Before felling a tree, consider carefully all conditions

which may affect the direction of fall, including: The intended direction of the fall.

The neutral lean of the tree. Any unusually heavy limb structure. Surrounding trees and obstacles. The wind direction and speed.

WARNING!

Always observe the general condition of the tree. Look for decay and rot in the trunk. If it is rotted inside, it could snap and fall toward the operator while being cut. Also look for broken or dead branches which could vibrate loose and fall on the operator. When felling on a slope, the operator should stand on the up-hill side.

Pull-in frequently occurs when the spike bar of the saw is not held securely against the tree or limb and when the chain is not rotating at full speed before it contacts the wood.

WARNING!

Use extreme caution when cutting small size brush and saplings which may easily catch the chain and pull you off balance.

When felling in the vicinity of roads, railways and power lines, etc., take extra precautions (see fig.

16). Inform the police, utility company or railway authority before beginning to cut.

45°

= cutting down area

When felling, maintain a distance of at least 2 1/2 tree lengths from the nearest person (see fig. 17)

Note:

The noise of your engine may drown any warning call.

Felling instructions:

First cut

Second cut

If the tree has large buttress roots, cut into the largest buttresses vertically first (horizontally next) and remove (fig. 20).

Direction of fall

First clear the tree base and work area from interfering limbs and brush and clean its lower portion with an axe (see fig. 18).

45°

Then, establish a path of escape and remove all obstacles. This path should be opposite to the planned direction of the fall of the tree and at a 45° angle (fig.

19). An alternate path must also be selected. Place all tools and equipment a safe distance away from the tree, but not on the escape path.

Felling cut

(4cm)

1/10∅

Hinge Felling notch

1/5∅

Felling notch

Hinge

Then, determine the placement of the felling notch (fig. 21). The felling notch when properly placed determines the direction in which the tree will fall. It is made perpendicular to the line of fall and should be as close to the ground as possible. Cut the felling notch to a depth of about one-fifth to one-fourth of the trunk diameter (fig. 22). It should be in no case higher than it is deep. Make the felling notch very carefully.

Begin the felling cut slighty higher than the felling notch and on the opposite side of the tree (fig. 22). Then cut horizontally through towards the felling notch. Apply the chain saw with its spikes directly behind the uncut portion of wood and cut toward the notch (fig.

23). Leave approximately 1/10 of the tree diameter uncut! This is the hinge (fig. 23). Do not cut through the hinge because you could lose control of the direction of the fall. Drive wedges into the felling cut where necessary to control the direction of the fall. Wedges should be of wood, light alloy or plastic - never of steel, which can cause kickback and damage to the chain.

Always keep to the side of the falling tree. When the tree starts to fall, shut off the engine, withdraw the bar and walk away on the pre-planned escape path. Watch out for falling limbs.

WARNING!

Be extremely careful with partially fallen trees which are poorly supported.

Plunge-Cut Method

Timber having a diameter more than twice the length of the guide bar requires the use of the plunge-cut method before making the felling cut. First, cut a large, wide notch. Make a plunge cut in the center of the notch. The plunge cut is made with the guide bar nose. Begin the plunge cut by applying the lower portion of the guide bar nose to the tree at an angle (fig. 25). Cut until depth of the kerf is about the same as the width of the guide bar (fig. 26). Next, align the saw in the direction in which the

When the tree hangs or for some other reason does not fall completely, set the saw aside and pull the tree down with a cable winch, block and tackle or tractor. If you try to cut it down with your saw, you may be injured.

Sectioning Method

WARNING!

Felling a tree that has a diameter greater than the length of the guide bar requires use of either the sectioning or plunge-cut method. These methods are extremely dangerous because they involve the use of the nose of the guide bar and can result in kickback. Only properly trained professionals should attempt these techniques.

recess is to be cut. With the saw at full throttle, insert the guide bar in the trunk (fig. 27).

Enlarge the plunge cut as shown in illustration (fig. 28)

For the sectioning method (fig. 24) make the first cut with the guide bar fanning in toward the hinge. Then, using the bumper spike as a pivot, reposition the saw for the next cut. Avoid repositioning the saw more than necessary. When repositioning for the next cut, keep the guide bar fully engaged in the kerf to keep the felling cut straight. If the saw begins to pinch, insert a wedge to open the cut. On the last cut, do not cut the hinge.

Bucking

Bucking is cutting a log into sections.

WARNING!

There is an extreme danger of kickback at this point. Extra caution must be taken to maintain control of the saw. To make the felling cut, follow the sectioning method described previously (fig.

29). If you are inexperienced with a chain saw plunge-cutting should not be attempted. Seek the help of a professional.

Limbing

Limbing is removing the branches from a fallen tree.

WARNING!

There is an extreme danger of kickback during the limbing operation. Do not work with the nose of the bar. Be extremely cautious and avoid contacting the log or other limbs with the nose of the guide bar. Do not stand on a log while limbing it - you may slip or the log may roll.

WARNING!

1. When bucking, do not stand on the log. Make sure the log will not roll down-hill. If on a slope, stand on the up-hill side of the log (see fig. 31). Watch out for rolling logs.

WARNING!

2. Cut only one log at a time.

WARNING!

3. Shattered wood should be cut very carefully. Sharp slivers of wood may be caught and flung in the direction of the operator of the saw.

Start limbing by leaving the lower limbs to support the log off the ground (fig. 30). Always cut from the top of the limb. Do not underbuck freely hanging limbs. A pinch may result or the limb may fall, causing loss of control. If a pinch occurs, stop the engine and remove the saw, by lifting the limb.

WARNING!

Be extremely cautious when cutting limbs under tension. The limbs could spring back toward the operator and cause loss of control of the saw or injury to the operator.

WARNING!

4. When cutting small logs, use a sawhorse (fig. 32).

Never permit another person to hold the log. Never hold the log with your leg or foot.

1. Relieving cut

2. Cross cut

Tension side

Pressure side

1. Relieving cut

Pressure side

Tension side

Maintenance and Repair

Never operate a chain saw that is damaged, improperly adjusted or not completely or securely assembled. Follow the maintenance and repair instructions in the appropriate section of this manual.

WARNING !

Always stop the engine and make sure that the chain is stopped before commencing any maintenance or repair work or cleaning the saw. Do not attempt any maintenance or repair work not described in this manual. Have such work performed by your MAKITA service shop only.

Maintaining and storing the saw

Keep the chain, bar and sprocket clean and lubricated; replace worn sprockets or chains.

WARNING!

5. Logs under strain require special attention to prevent the saw from pinching. The first cut is made on the compression side to relieve the stress on the log (see fig. 33, 34). The bucking cut is then made as shown. If the saw pinches, stop the engine and remove it from the log.

Keep the chain sharp. You can spot a dull chain when easy-to-cut wood becomes hard to cut and burn marks appear on the wood.

Keep the chain at proper tension. Tighten all nuts, bolts and screws except the carburetor adjustment screws after each use.

Keep spark plug and wire connection tight and clean. Store saws in a high or locked place, away from

children.

WARNING!

6. Only properly trained professionals should work in an area where the logs, limbs and roots are tangled (i. e. a blowdown area, fig. 35). Working in blowdown areas is extremely hazardous.

WARNING!

7. Drag the logs into a clear area before cutting. Pull out exposed and cleared logs first.

Denomination of components

3 4

Identification plate

DCS 34

528.092.656

442.040.661

9905123456

16" inch

(40 cm)

22045 Hamburg, Germany

24 25

22 21

Year of manufacture Serial number

Indicate when ordering spare parts!

1110 12

1617181920

14 15

036.100.630

1 Rear handle 2 Filter cover 3 Muffler with spark arrester screen 4 Spike bar

(toothed stop for holding saw steady against wood)

5 Retaining nuts 6 Chain catcher 7 Sprocket guard 8 Adjusting screws for carburetor

9 Hand guard (release for chain brake) 10 Starter grip 11 Fuel pump (Primer) 12 Combination Start/Stop (I/O) switch, choke

13 Stop knob for halfway throttle 14 Throttle lever 15 Safety locking button 16 Rear hand guard 17 Fuel tank cap 18 Field of vision for fuel 19 Fan housing with starting assembly 20 Identification plate 21 Oil tank cap 22 Field of vision for oil 23 Tubular handle 24 Guide bar 25 Chain

Technical data DCS 34

Single-cylinder two-stroke

Piston displacement 2.0 cu. in (33 cm3) Cylinder bore 1.45" (37 mm) Piston stroke 1.22" (31 mm) Max. power at speed 1.3/9,000 kW/rpm Max. torque at speed 1.7/6,500 Nm/rpm Idling speed 2,800 rpm

Sound Pressure Level at the operator’s ear at full load according to ANSI B 175.1 98 db(A)

Sound Pressure Level at the bystander’s position (50ft/15 m distance) according to ANSI B 175.1 73 db(A)

Ignition system

Electronic, without breaker Spark plug NGK BPMR 7A or Spark plug Electrode gap .020" (0.5 mm)

Fuel system

Carburetor (for Canada) ZAMA Carburetor (for USA) ZAMA with limiter caps (all position diaphragm carburetor with integral fuel pump) Fuel tank capacity 13.0 oz. (0.37 l) Fuel mixture see chapter "Fuel"

Weight

without cutting attachment 10 lbs. 5 oz. (4.7 kg)

Cutting attachment

Guide bar sprocket nose bar Cutting length 14" (35 cm) • 16" (40 cm) Safety saw chain (pitch) 3/8" (528 092 ...) Drive link gauge .050" Chain sprocket 6 teeth

Chain lubrication fully automatic oil pump Oil tank capacity 8.8 oz. (0.25 l)

Approved bar and chain combinations

"Low-kickback saw chain is a chain which has met the kickback performance requirements of ANSI B 175.11991 (American National Standard for Power ToolsGasoline-Powered Chain Saws-Safety Requirements) when tested on the representative sample of chain saws below 3.8. C.l.D. specifed in ANSI B 175.11991". The approved bar and chain combinations are low kickback chains according to ANSI B 175.1-1991

Do not use other replacement bars and chains unless they have been designated as meeting the ANSI B 175.1-1991 (for USA) and CSA Z62.3-96 (for Canada) kickback performance requirements on that specific powerhead, or has been designated as "low kickback" saw chain in accordance with the ANSI B 175.1-1991 (for USA) and CSA Z62.3-96 (for Canada) standard.

WARNING

and also meet the kickback requirements of CSA Z62.3-96 for chain saws below 80 cm3.

The chain saw DCS 34 has been approved with following guide bar and chain combinations:

Drive link gauge .050"

Guide bar 3/8" Saw chain 3/8"

length Part no. Part no.

14" (35 cm) 442 035 661 528 092 652 16" (40 cm) 442 040 661 528 092 656

"There may be other replacement bar and chain combinations available that also reduces the risk of injury from kickback".

STOP

PUTTING INTO OPERATION

CAUTION:

Before doing any work on the guide bar or chain, always switch off the engine and pull the plug cap off the spark plug (see "Replacing the spark plug"). Always wear protective gloves!

CAUTION:

Start the chain saw only after having assembled it completely and inspected!

Mounting the guide bar and saw chain

Use the universal wrench delivered with the chain saw for the following work.

Put the chain saw on a stable surface and carry out the following steps for mounting the guide bar and chain:

Release the chain brake by pulling the hand guard (1) in direction of arrow.

Unscrew retaining nuts (2). Pull off the sprocket guard (3).

Turn the chain adjusting screw (4) to the left (counterclockwise) until the pin (5) is at the left stop.

Position the guide bar (6). Make sure that the pin (7) of the chain tightener is in the hole on the guide bar.

3 813

8 12

8 10

Lift the chain (8) over the sprocket (9). Using your right hand, guide the chain into the top guide groove (10) on the guide bar.

The cutting edges along the top of the chain must point in the direction of the arrow (11)!

Pull the chain (8) around the sprocket nose (12) of the guide bar in the direction of the arrow.

Replace the sprocket guard (3), putting the chain (8) over the chain catcher (13).

Manually tighten the retaining nuts (2).

Tightening the saw chain

Turn the chain tightener (C/4) to the right (clockwise) until the chain engages the guide groove of the bottom side of the bar (see circle).

Slightly lift the end of the guide bar and turn the chain adjusting screw (C/4) to the right (clockwise) until the chain rests against the bottom side of the guide bar.

While still holding up the guide bar, tighten the retaining nuts (2) with the universal wrench.

STOP

Checking the chain tension

The tension of the chain is correct if the chain rests against the bottom side of the guide bar and can still be easily turned by hand.

While doing so the chain brake must be released. Check the chain tension frequently - new chains tend to get

longer during use! When checking the chain tension the engine must be

off.

NOTE:

It is recommended to use 2-3 chains alternatively. In order to guarantee uniform wear of the guide bar the bar

should be turned over whenever replacing the chain.

switched

Chain brake

The DCS 34 comes with an inertia chain brake as standard equipment. If kickback occurs due to contact of the guide bar tip with wood (see SAFETY PRECAUTIONS, pages 5, 9, 10), the chain brake will stop the chain through inertia activation if the kickback is strong enough.

The chain will stop within a fraction of a second.

The chain brake is installed to block the saw chain before starting the engine and to stop it immediately in case of an kickback emergency.

Engaging the chain brake (braking)

If the kickback is strong enough the sudden acceleration of the guide bar combined with the inertia of the hand guard (1) will automatically actuate the chain brake.

To engage the chain brake manually, simply push the hand guard (1) forward (towards the tip of the saw) with your left hand (arrow 1).

Releasing the chain brake

Pull the hand guard (1) towards you (arrow 2) until you feel it catch. The brake is now released.

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