Makita EA6101P, EA6100P User Manual
Operator’s and Safety Manual
for Gasoline Chain Saws
EA6100P
EA6101P
WARNING!
Read and understand this Manual. Always follow safety precautions in the Operator’s and Safety Manual.
Improper use can cause serious injury! Preserve this Manual carefully!
WARNING!
FUELS WITH MORE THAN 10% ETHANOL ARE NOT APPROVED FOR USE IN MAKITA 2-STROKE ENGINES!
Use of alternative fuels, such as E-20 (20% ethanol), E-85 (85% ethanol) or any fuels not meeting MAKITA
requirements are not approved for use in MAKITA 2-stroke gasoline engines!
USE OF ALTERNATIVE FUELS CAN CAUSE THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS:
Poor engine performance, loss of power, overheating, fuel vapor lock, improper clutch engagement, premature
deterioration of fuel lines, premature deterioration of gaskets, premature deterioration of carburetors.
USING ALTERNATIVE FUELS AND/OR 2-STROKE OILS NOT ACCORDING TO JASO FC OR ISO-L-EGD IN
MAKITA 2-STROKE ENGINES WILL VOID YOUR ENGINE WARRANTY!
FEDERAL (USEPA) and/or CALIFORNIA EMISSION CONTROL WARRANTY STATEMENT
YOUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA or EPA), the California Air Resources Board and
MAKITA are pleased to explain the emissions control system warranty on your 2014* small off-road engine/equipment.
In California and the other 49 states, new small off-road engines/equipments must be designed, built, and equipped to
meet the stringent anti-smog standards. MAKITA must warrant the emissions control system on your small off-road engine/equipment for the period of time listed below provided there has been no abuse, neglect or improper maintenance
of your small off-road engine/equipment.
Your emissions control system may include parts such as the carburetor, the ignition system, catalytic converter, fuel
tanks, fuel lines, fuel caps, valves, canisters, lters, vapor hoses, clamps, connectors, and other associated emission-
related components. For engines less than or equal to 80 cc, only the fuel tank is subject to the evaporative emission
control warranty requirements of this section (California only).
Where a warrantable condition exists, MAKITA will repair your small off-road engine/equipment at no cost to you including diagnosis, parts and labor.
MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY COVERAGE:
This emissions control system is warranted for two years. If any emission-related part on your small off-road engine/
equipment is defective, the part will be repaired or replaced by MAKITA.
OWNER’S WARRANTY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• As the small off-road engine/equipment owner, you are responsible for performance of the required maintenance
listed in your owner‘s manual. MAKITA recommends that you retain all receipts covering maintenance on your small
off-road engine/equipment but MAKITA cannot deny warranty solely for the lack of receipts or for your failure to
ensure the performance of all scheduled maintenance.
• As the small off-road engine/equipment owner, you should however be aware that MAKITA may deny your warranty
coverage if your small off-road engine/equipment has failed due to abuse, neglect, or improper maintenance or
unapproved modications.
You are responsible for presenting your small off-road engine/equipment to a MAKITA distribution center or service center
as soon as the problem exists. The warranty repairs will be completed in a reasonable amount of time, not to exceed
30 days. If you have a question regarding your warranty coverage, you should contact the MAKITA Warranty Service
Department at 1-800-4-MAKITA (462-5482).
DEFECTS WARRANTY REQUIREMENTS:
The warranty period begins on the date the small off-road engine/equipment is delivered to an ultimate purchaser or
rst placed into service. The warranty period is two years.
GENERAL EMISSIONS WARRANTY COVERAGE:
MAKITA warrants to the ultimate purchaser and each subsequent purchaser that the small off-road engine/equipment
is designed, built and equipped so as to conform to all applicable regulations and free from defects in materials and
workmanship that cause the failure of a warranted part to be identical in all material respects to that part as described
in the MAKITA application for certication.
Subject to certain conditions and exclusions as stated below, the warranty on emission-related parts is as follows:
(1) Any warranted part that is not scheduled for replacement as required maintenance in the written instructions
supplied is warranted for the warranty period stated above. If any such part fails during the period of warranty coverage, the part will be repaired or replaced by MAKITA according to subsection (4) below. Any such part repaired
or replaced under warranty will be warranted for the remainder of the warranty period.
(2) Any warranted part that is scheduled only for regular inspection in the written instructions supplied is warranted
for the warranty period stated above. Any such part repaired or replaced under warranty will be warranted for the
remaining warranty period.
(3) Any warranted part that is scheduled for replacement as required maintenance in the written instructions supplied
is warranted for the period of time before the rst scheduled replacement date for that part. If the part fails before
the rst scheduled replacement, the part will be repaired or replaced by MAKITA according to subsection (4) below.
Any such part repaired or replaced under warranty will be warranted for the remainder of the period prior to the
rst scheduled replacement point for the part.
(4) Repair or replacement of any warranted part under the warranty provisions herein must be performed at a warranty
station at no charge to the owner.
(5) Notwithstanding the provisions herein, warranty services or repairs will be provided at all of our distribution centers
that are franchised to service the subject engines.
2
(6) The small off-road engine/equipment owner will not be charged for diagnostic labor that is directly associated with
diagnosis of a defective, emission-related warranted part, provided that such diagnostic work is performed at a
warranty station.
(7) MAKITA is liable for damages to other engine components proximately caused by a failure under warranty of any
warranted part.
(8) Throughout the small off-road engine/equipment emissions warranty period stated above, MAKITA will maintain a
supply of warranted parts sufcient to meet the expected demand for such parts.
(9) Any replacement part may be used in the performance of any warranty maintenance or repairs and must be pro-
vided without charge to the owner. Such use will not reduce the warranty obligations of MAKITA.
(10) Add-on or modied parts that are not exempted by the Air Resources Board may not be used. The use of any
non-exempted add-on or modied parts by the ultimate purchaser will be grounds for disallowing a warranty claim.
MAKITA will not be liable to warrant failures of warranted parts caused by the use of a non-exempted add-on or
modied part.
(11) MAKITA issuing the warranty shall provide any documents that describe the manufacturer’s warranty procedures
or policies within ve working days of request by the Air Resources Board.
WARRANTED PARTS LIST (EVAPORATIVE):
The repair or replacement of any warranted part otherwise eligible for warranty coverage may be excluded from such
warranty coverage if MAKITA demonstrates that the small off-road engine/equipment has been abused, neglected, or
improperly maintained, and that such abuse, neglect, or improper maintenance was the direct cause of the need for
repair or replacement of the part. That notwithstanding, any adjustment of a component that has a factory installed, and
properly operating, adjustment limiting device is still eligible for warranty coverage. The following emission warranty
parts lists are covered:
(1) Fuel Tank
(2) Fuel Line
(3) Fuel Cap
WARRANTED PARTS LIST (EXHAUST):
The following is the emission warranty parts list for your engine or equipment:
(I) Fuel Metering System
(A) Carburetor and internal parts (and/or pressure regulator or fuel injection system)
(B) Fuel Filter, if applicable
(C) Choke (Cold start enrichment system)
(II) Air Induction System
(A) Air lter
(B) Intake manifold
(III) Ignition System
(A) Ignition coil and/or control module
(B) Spark plug
(C) Flywheel Magneto
(IV) Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System, if applicable
(A) EGR Chamber
(V) Catalyst or Thermal Reactor System, if applicable
(A) Catalytic converter
(VI) Miscellaneous Items used in above Systems, if applicable
(A) Hoses, belts, connectors, and assemblies
(VII) Exclusions
(1) The repair or replacement of any warranted part otherwise eligible for warranty coverage as stated above may
be excluded from such warranty coverage if MAKITA demonstrates that the engine has been abused, neglected,
or improperly maintained, and that such abuse, neglect, or improper maintenance was the direct cause of the need
for repair or replacement of the part.
(2) Except as provided above, any adjustment of a component that has a factory installed, and properly operating,
adjustment limiting device (such as an idle limiter cap or plug) is eligible for warranty coverage as stated above.
*Current model year will be updated annually in the warranty statement provided to the consumer. For example, in 2014
model year, 2014 will be specied.
3
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 operator’s 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 precau-
tions are described in detail within this operator’s manual. Additional operator’s manuals are available from
www.makitausa.com and 1-800-4-MAKITA (462-5482) 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 175.1-2012 chain saw safety standard.
Canadian Standards Association Z62.1-11 chain saw safety standard.
Z62.3-11 chain saw kickback standard.
This spark ignition system complies with
the Canadian standard ICES-002.
Society of Automotive Engineers SAEJ 335-Jun 95 „Multiposition small
engine exhaust system re ignition
suppression”
The Emissions Compliance Period referred to on the emission Compliance label indicates the number of operating
hours for which the engine has been shown to meet federal emissions requirements. Category C= 50 hours, B= 125
hours, and A= 300 hours.
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 rst-rate
product.
WARNING!
The ignition system of this equipment produces an electro magnetic eld. This eld may interfere with some medical
devices such as a pacemaker. To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury, persons with a medical device should consult
with their physician and the manufacturer of the device before operating this equipment.
Contents Page
Delivery inventory ........................................................ 5
Symbols ....................................................................... 5
Safety precautions .................................................. 6-18
Technical data............................................................ 19
Denomination of components .................................... 20
Mounting the guide bar and saw chain ................. 21-22
Tightening the saw chain ........................................... 22
Checking the chain tension ....................................... 23
Retightening the saw chain ....................................... 23
Chain brake ............................................................... 23
Fuels ..................................................................... 24-25
Refuelling................................................................... 25
Checking the chain lubrication................................... 26
Adjusting the chain lubrication ................................... 26
Starting the engine .................................................... 27
Cold start .................................................................. 27
Warm start ................................................................ 27
Stopping the engine................................................... 27
Checking the chain brake .......................................... 28
Handle heating .......................................................... 28
Contents Page
Sharpening the saw chain .................................... 30-31
Cleaning the inside of the sprocket guard ................. 32
Cleaning the guide bar ............................................. 32
Replacing the saw chain ........................................... 33
Cleaning the air lter.................................................. 34
Replacing the spark plug ........................................... 35
Checking the ignition spark ....................................... 35
Checking the mufer screws ..................................... 35
Replacing the starter cable ........................................ 36
Replacing the return spring cassette ......................... 36
Replacing the Featherlight Start spring ..................... 37
Mounting the fan housing .......................................... 37
Cleaning the air lter compartment/fan compartment .... 38
Cleaning the cylinder ns .......................................... 38
Replacing the suction head ....................................... 38
Replacing/cleaning the spark arrester screen ........... 38
Instructions for periodic maintenance ........................ 39
Service, spare parts and guarantee .......................... 40
Trouble shooting ........................................................ 41
Extract from spare parts list .................................. 42-43
Adjusting the carburetor ........................................... 29
The EA6100P and EA6101P 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).
4
32
Delivery inventory
4
1. Chain saw
2. Guide bar
3. Saw chain
4. Chain protection cover
5. Universal wrench
6. Offset screwdriver
7. Screwdriver for carburetor adjustment
8. Operator’s and Safety Manual (not shown)
5 6 7
1
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 saw and in the Operator’s and Safety Manual. Further symbols see page 8.
Read Operator’s and Safety
Manual and follow the warningand safety precautions!
Particular care
and caution!
Forbidden!
Wear protective helmet,
eye and ear protection!
Caution,
kickback!
Chain brake
Fuel and oil mixture
Normal / Winter operation
Wear protective
gloves!
No smoking!
No open re!
Stop engine!
Start engine
Combination switch (Choke/ON/
STOP/Ignition current interrupted)
Carburetor adjustment
Chain oil ll/oil pump
Saw chain oil
adjustment screw
First aid
Do not touch hot surfaces!
Recycling
5
Safety precautions for chain saw operators
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.
WARNING!
Read and follow all safety precautions in the operator’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 Operator’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 signicantly reduced kickback potential are available.
Kickback safety precautions
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. Tip contact in some
cases may cause a lightning-fast reverse reaction,
kicking the guide bar up and back toward the operator. Pinching the saw chain along the top of the guide
bar may push the guide bar rapidly back toward the
operator. Either of these reactions may cause you to
lose control of the saw, which could result in serious
personal injury. Do not rely exclusively upon the safety
devices built into your saw. As a chainsaw user, you
should take several steps to keep your cutting jobs
free from accident or injury.
a) With a basic understanding of kickback, you
can reduce or eliminate the element of surprise.
Sudden surprise contributes to accidents.
b) Keep a good rm grip on the saw with both
hands, the right hand on the rear handle and the
left hand on the front handle, when the engine is
running. Use a rm grip with thumbs and ngers
encircling the chain saw handles. A rm grip will
help reduce kickback and 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 a log, branch, or any
other obstruction that could be hit while you are
operating the saw.
d) Cut at high engine speeds.
e) Do not overreach or cut above shoulder height.
f) Follow the manufacturer’s sharpening and main-
tenance instructions for the saw chain.
g) Only use replacement bars and chains specied
by the manufacturer or the equivalent.
Additional safety precautions
The following additional safety precautions must be observed by all users of chain saws:
- A chain saw is intended for two-handed use. Do not
operate a chain saw with one hand! Serious injury to
the operator, helpers, bystanders may result from onehanded operation.
- When a chain saw is being used, a re extinguisher
should be available.
- Follow the instructions in your operator’s manual for
starting the chain saw and control the chain saw with a
rm grip on both handles when it is in operation. Keep
handles dry, clean, and free of oil or fuel mixture.
- Do not operate a chain saw when you are fatigued.
Fatigue causes carelessness. Be more cautious before
rest periods and towards the end of your shift.
- Personal protective clothing required by your safety
organizations, government regulations, or your employer
should be used. At all times when using a chain saw,
snug-tting clothing, protective eyewear, safety footwear,
and hand, leg, head and hearing protection should be
worn.
Note: Personal protective clothing should meet the
requirements of applicable CSA and BNQ Standards.
- Use caution when handling fuel. Before fuelling, servicing, or transporting your chain saw, switch off the
engine. To help prevent re, restart your chain saw at
least 3 m (10 ft) from the fuelling area.
- Keep other persons or animals a safe distance away
from a running chain saw or the area where a tree is
being felled.
- Do not start cutting until you have a clear work area,
secure footing, and a planned retreat path from the
falling tree.
- Keep all parts of your body away from the saw chain
when the engine is running.
- Before you start the engine, make sure that the saw
chain is not contacting anything.
- Carry the chain saw by the front handle with the engine
stopped, the guide bar and saw chain to the rear, and
the mufer away from your body.
- When transporting your chain saw, use the appropriate
guide-bar cover.
- Never operate a chain saw that is damaged or improperly adjusted or that is not completely and securely
assembled. Be sure that the saw chain stops moving
when the power control system trigger is released. Never
adjust the guide bar or saw chain when the engine is
operating.
- Shut off the engine before setting the chain saw down.
- Use extreme caution when cutting small-size brush
and saplings because slender material may catch the
saw chain and be whipped toward you or pull you off
balance.
6
- When cutting a limb that is under tension, be alert for
spring back so that you will not be struck when the
tension in the wood bers is released.
- When felling, keep at least two tree lengths away from
other persons or animals.
- Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Operate the
chain saw in well-ventilated areas only.
- Allow your chain saw to cool before refuelling, and do
not smoke.
- Do not attempt a pruning or limbing operation in a
standing tree unless specically trained to do so.
- All chain saw service, other than the items listed in the
operator’s manuals maintenance instructions, should be
performed by competent chain saw service personnel.
(For example, if improper tools are used to remove the
ywheel or if an improper tool is used to hold the ywheel
in order to remove the clutch, structural damage to the
ywheel could occur and subsequently could cause the
ywheel to burst.)
- This gas-powered saw is classied by CSA as a Class
1A saw. It is a professional chain saw, intended for use
by trained workers, where the operator is expected to
use the chain saw for extended periods of time on a
daily basis.
7
General Safety Precautions
max. CKA 45
O
max. CKA 40
O
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 Operator’s
manual and the safety instructions periodically.
WARNING !
Reactive forces, including kickback, can be da n gerous.
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.
1
Maximum Computed Kickback Angle
(CKA)* without using the chain brake when
using the recommended bar and chain
combinations (In this example the CKA is 45°).
MaximumComputed Kickback Angle
(CKA)* with using the chain brake when
using the recommended bar and chain
combinations (In this example the CKA is 40°).
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 (g. 1).
Never let the saw run unattended.
Store it in a locked place away from children. Empty
the fuel and oil tank (see storing the saw).
Do not lend your chain saw without this Operator’s
and Safety 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 Standards Z62.1-11
Class 1A Z62.3-11
ANSI Standard B175.1-2012
* 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 inuence of any substance
(drugs, alcohol), which might impair vision, dexterity
or judgment.
2
WARNING !
Prolonged use of chain saws exposing the operator
to vibrations may produce Whitenger 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 Whitenger disesase, however, they reduce
this danger considerably. Nevertheless, continual and
regular users should observe their hands and ngers
and in case of any abnormal symptoms, seek medical
advice immediately.
8
Proper clothing
The saw
Clothing must be sturdy and snug-tting, but allow complete freedom of movement. Avoid loose-tting jackets,
scarfs, neckties, jewelry, ared or cuffed pants, or anything
that could become entangled with the saw or brush. Wear
overalls or jeans with a reinforced cutting resistant insert
(g. 3).
Protect your hands with gloves when handling saw and
saw chain. Heavy-duty, nonslip gloves improve your grip
and protect your hands.
Parts of the chain saw: illustrations and description of
parts see page 20.
WARNING !
Never modify a chain saw in any way. Only attachments
supplied by MAKITA or expressly approved by MAKITA
for use with the specic 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 175.1-2012
chain saw safety standard.
The use of the saw
Transporting the chain saw
3
Good footing is most important in chain saw work.
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.
Sawing dry wood can create dust. Use a suitable dust
mask.
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 mufer.
4
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 (g.
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 in not
exposed to heat or sparks.
9
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 xed 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 (g. 6).
5
WARNING!
Gasoline is an extremely ammable fuel. Use extreme caution when handling gasoline or fuel mix. Do
not smoke or bring any sparks or ame near the fuel
(g. 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 (g. 5a).
10 feet
5a
6
6a
Place the chain saw on rm 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 rmly grasp the front handle with your left
hand (g. 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 semi-throttle
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.
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 ngers and may damage the starter mechanism.
10
Important adjustments
WARNING!
At correct idle speed, chain should not turn. For di-rections to adjust idle speed, see the appropriate section
of this operator’s 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 ad justing
the chain tension.
Working conditions
Wrap your ngers tightly around the handles, keeping the
handles cradled between your thumb and forenger (g.
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.
When starting a cut, the blade can slip to the side or jump
slightly. This depends on the wood and the condition of
the chain. Therefore, always hold the chain saw with
both hands.
WARNING!
Never use the saw with one hand. You cannot control
reactive forces (see pages 12 to 14) 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 rmly 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.
8
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 (g. 8). Such objects may be ung
off, damage the saw chain or cause the saw to
kickback.
If the chain saw is exposed to force, such as through
impact or falling, inspect the entire chain saw for
proper functioning.
7
11
9
In order to keep control of your saw, always maintain
a rm foothold. Never work on a ladder, in a tree or on
any other insecure support. Never use the saw above
shoulder height (g. 9).
10
Position the chain saw in such a way that your body is
clear of the cutting attachment whenever the engine is
running (g. 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 13
to 15) 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.
11
Kickback:
Kickback occurs when the upper quadrant of the bar
nose contacts a solid object in the wood or is pinched
(g. 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 ing the bar in an uncontrolled arc
towards the operator.
12
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 (g.12) or is incorrectly used to begin a plunge
or boring cut.
The greater the force of the kickback reaction, the more
difcult it becomes for the operator to control the saw.
12
Many factors inuence 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 (g. 11).
Kickback is most pronounced in the upper quadrant
of the bar nose.
13
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.
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 bucks upwards the chain
stops rotating within a fraction of a second.
A deection guard on the disengaging lever of the chain
brake and a scoop rear handle ensure that the operator’s
hands are fully protected at all times.
To avoid kickback
The best protection from personal-injury that may
result from kickback is to avoid kickback situations:
1. Hold the chain saw rmly with both hands and
maintain a secure grip.
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.
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 sufcient distance
between the operator and the bar to ensure that the
chain brake has sufcient time to activate and stop
the chain before potential contact with the operator.
9. Do not attempt plunge cuts (see page 16) 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.
13
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 fre-quently occurs when the top of the bar is used
for cutting (g. 14).
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 (gures 25 to
27 and 33, pages 16 and 18), because the chain
can pinch.
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:
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 g. 15). The reaction of the chain pulls
the saw forward, causing the operator to lose control.
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.
15
16
When felling in the vicinity of roads, railways and
power lines, etc., take extra precautions (see g. 16).
Inform the police, utility company or railway authority
before beginning to cut.
WARNING!
Use extreme caution when cutting small size brush
and saplings which may easily catch the chain and
pull you off balance.
14
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