Makita UC 3000, UC 3500, UC 4000 User Manual

Owner’ s and
Safety Manual

for Electric Chain Saws (pages 2 - 19)

Manuel d’emploi
et de sécurité

de tronçonneuses électrique (pages 20 - 37)

UC 3000
UC 3500
UC 4000

WARNING!

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

Improper use can cause serious injury!

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.

Lisez et comprenez ce manuel.

1

Thank you for your trust in our product

RE Y

We congratulate you on your new MAKITA electric chain
saw. We are convinced that you will be satisfied with this
modern machine.

MAKITA electric chain saws are characterized by their
robust, high-efficiency motors and high chain velocities which
allow an excellent cutting efficiency. They are equipped with
numerous state-of-the-art safety devices, are light, handy and
can be put into operation immediately wherever electric power
is provided.

In order to guarantee the optimal function and performance
of your electric chain saw and to ensure your personal safety
we would request you to perform the following:

Read and understand this instruction- and safety manual
carefully before putting the electric chain saw into
operation for the first time. Strictly observe the warnings
and safety regulations.

Table of contents Page

Packing................................................................................2

Delivery inventory ..............................................................3

Symbols ..............................................................................3

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ............................................... 4-6

Use of extension cord .....................................................6

Chain saw nomenclature...................................................7

PUTTING INTO OPERATION

Mounting the guide bar and saw chain...........................8

Tightening the saw chain ................................................8

Checking the chain tension.............................................9

Chain brake.....................................................................9

Saw chain oil .................................................................10

Refilling the oil tank................................................. 10-11

Switching on the motor .................................................11

Holding the chain saw...................................................11

Checking the chain brake .............................................12

Checking the chain lubrication......................................12

Using the chain saw................................................... 12-13

MAINTENANCE

Sharpening the saw chain ...................................... 14-15

Cleaning the guide bar / lubricating the sprocket nose ....15

Replacing the saw chain...............................................16

Inspecting and replacing the carbon brushes ..............16

Troubleshooting...............................................................16

Instructions for periodic maintenance ..........................17

Service, spare parts and guarantee ......................... 17-18

Extract of spare parts list................................................18

Accessories...................................................................18

Technical data ..................................................................19

Adress list .........................................................................38

Packing

2

• Electric Chain Saw

• Tronçonneuse électrique

• Elektro-Motorsäge

• Elettrosega

• Motosierra eléctrica

• Electro-motorzaag

• El-kædesav

The MAKITA electric chain saw will be delivered in a protec-tive
cardboard box to prevent transport damages.

Cardboard is a basic raw material and is therefore conse­quently reuseable or suitable for recycling (waste paper
recycling).

Delivery inventory

..... mm

1

2

3

4

1. Electric chain saw

2. Guide bar

3. Saw chain

4. Chain protection cover

5. Universal wrench

6. Instruction manual (not shown)

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

5

Symbols

You will notice the following symbols on the chain saw and in the instruction manual:

Read instruction manual and follow
the warnings and safety precautions!

Particular care and attention!

Wear protective helmet,
eye and ear protection!

Pull out the power supply plug!

Pull out the power supply plug
if the cable is damaged!

Chain brake released

Maximum permissible cut length

Wear protective gloves!

WARNING:
To Reduce the Risk of Electric
Shock, do not Expose the Unit to
Water or Operate on Wet Ground!

Direction of chain travel

Double protective insulation

Saw chain oil

Chain brake actuated

Caution, kickback!

Forbidden!

First aid

Recycling

RE Y

3

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
W ARNING: WHEN USING AN ELECTRIC CHAIN

SAW , BASIC SAFETY PRECAUTIONS SHOULD
ALWAYS BE FOLLOWED TO REDUCE THE
RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, AND INJURY
TO PERSONS, INCLUDlNG THE FOLLOWING:

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS (1)

- Keep Work Area Clean
Cluttered areas invite injuries. Do not start cutting until

you have a clear work area, secure footing, and a
planned retreat path from the falling tree.

- Consider Work Area Environment
Use extreme caution when cutting small size brush and

saplings because the slender material may catch the saw
chain and be whipped toward you or pull you off balance.
Do not operate a chain saw in a tree unless specifically
trained to do so. 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 fibers is released. Don't
expose chain saw to rain (3). Don’t use chain saw in
damp or wet locations. Do not use chain saw in presence
of flammable liquids or gases.

- Guard Against Electric Shock
Prevent body contact with grounded surfaces. For

example: metal pipes, wire fences.

- Keep Children Away
Do not let visitors contact chain saw or extension cord.

All visitors should be kept away from work area (4).

- Store Idle Chain Saw
When not in use, chain saws should be stored in a dry

and high or locked up place-out of the reach of children.
When storing saw, use a scabbard or carrying case.

- Don’t Force Chain Saw
It will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it

was intended.

- Use Right Tool
Cut wood only. Don’t use chain saw for purpose not

intended - for example - Don’t use chain saw for cutting
plastic, masonry non- wood building materials.

- Dress Properly
Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. They can get

caught in moving parts. Rubber gloves and non-skid
footwear are recommended when working outdoors.
Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair.

- Use Safety Glasses
Also use safety footwear; snug fitting clothing; protective
gloves; hearing and head protection (5).

- Carrying Saw
Carry the chain saw by the front handle with the saw

stopped, finger off the switch, the guide bar and saw
chain, covered with the chain protection, to the rear.

- Maintain Chain Saw With Care
Inspect chain saw cords periodically and if damaged,

have repaired by authorized service facility. Keep cord
clear of the chain and operator at all times. Never carry

1

2

3

4

5

4

saw by the cord or pull it to disconnect from receptacle.
Keep cord from oil and sharp edges. Inspect extension
cords periodically and replace if damaged. Keep tools
sharp and clean for better and safer performance. Follow
instructions for lubricating and changing accessories.
Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and grease.

- Disconnect Chain Saw
Disconnect chain saw when not in use, before servicing,

and when changing accessories and attachments, such
as saw chain and guard (6).

- Outdoor Use Extension Cords
Use only extension cords intended for use outdoors and

so markerd.

- Stay Alert
Watch what you are doing. Use common sense. Do not

operate chain saw when you are tired. Keep all parts of
the body away from the saw chain when the motor is
operating. Before you start the saw, make sure the saw
chain is not contacting anything.

- Check Damaged Parts
Before further use of the chain saw, a guard or other

part that is damaged should be carefully checked to
determine that it will operate properly and perform its
intended function. Check for alignment of moving parts,
binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, mounting,
and any other conditions that may affect its operation. A
guard or other part that is damaged should be properly
repaired or replaced by an authorized service center
unless otherwise indicated elsewhere in this instruction
manual. Have defective switches be replaced by
authorized service center. Do not use chain saw if the
switch does not turn the saw on and off. Do not operate
a chain saw that is damaged, improperly adjusted, or is
not completely and securely assembled (7). Be sure that
the saw chain stops moving when the trigger is released.

- Guard Against Kickback
WARNlNG: KICKBACK may occur when the nose or tip

of the guide bar touches an object (8), 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 towards the
operator. Pinching the saw chain along the top of the
guide bar may push the guide bar rapidly back towards
the operator. Either of these reactions may cause you
to lose control of the saw which could result in serious
injury to user. The following precautions should be
followed to minimize kickback:

- Grip saw firmly. Hold the chain saw firmly with both

hands when the motor is running (9). Use a firm grip
with thumbs and fingers encircling the chain saw
handles.

- Do not over reach.

- Keep proper footing and balance at all times.

- Don’t let the nose of the guide bar contact a log,

branch, ground, or other obstruction.

- Don’t cut above shoulder height (10).

- Use devices such as low kickback chain, chain brakes

and special guide bars that reduce the risks associated
with kickback.

- Only use replacement bars and chains specified by

the rnanufacturer.

6

7

8

9

10

● device malfunction

● maintenance

● refill oil

● sharpen the saw chain

● stop

● transport

●

shutdown

5

- Power Supply
Connect chain saw to correct voltage, that is, be sure

that the voltage supplied is the same as that specified
on the nameplate of the tool (11).

- Replacement Parts
When servicing, use only identical replacement parts (1 1).

- Polarized Plugs
To reduce the risk of electric shock, this equipment has

a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). This
plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one way . If the plug
does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still
does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the
proper outlet. Do not change the plug in any way.

- Wear ear protectors during operation.

- Before making a felling cut, remove dirt, stones,

loose bark, nails, staples and wire from the tree.

- Secure the log so that it will not rol or move suddenly
during operation.

- AVOlD UNINTENTIONAL STARTING. Don’t carry
plugged-in tool with finger on switch. Be sure switch
is OFF when plugging in.

- Attention! Do not expose this tool to rain (12) and
pull plug immediately if the supply cable is damaged
or cut (13).

- The chain saw must not be left outdoors during rain
and it must not be used when wet.

11

12

Nameplate UC 4000

UC 4000

16" (400mm) Chain Saw

13 A

No.

50-60Hz

96070000

2600FPM(800m/min)

Class 2C. CSA Z 62.1, Z 62.3

Hamburg
Germany

528.091.056

Indicate when ordering spare parts!

120V~

442.040.661

LISTED

®

82Z2

C

®

980.114.450

VOLTAGE WARNING:
Before connecting the tool to a power source

(receptacle outlet, etc.) be sure the voltage supplied is
the same as that specified on the nameplate of the tool.
A power source with voltage greater than that specified
for the tool can result in SERIOUS INJURY to the user ­as well as damage to the tool. If in doubt, DO NOT
PLUG IN THE TOOL. Using a power source with voltage
less than the nameplate rating is harmful to the motor.

Use of Extension Cord

If the extension cord is intended to be used outdoors, the
cord shall be marked with the suffix W-A following the cord
type designation, for example - SJTW-A, to indicate it is
acceptable for outdoor use. Use an extension cord heavy
enough to carry the current the tool will draw. Undersize
cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of
power and over-heating. Make sure the extension cord is in
good condition before using. Keep the cord away from the
cutting area and to position cord so that it will not be caught
on branches, and the like, during cutting. Use the table below
to determine the proper wire size required in the extension
cord.

13

Ampere rating 0-5.0 5.1-10.0 10.1-13.0 13.1-15.0
(on nameplate)

Ext. Cord Length Wire Size (American Wire Gauge)
25 Ft. 18 18 16 14
50 Ft. 18 16 16 14
75 Ft. 18 16 14 14
100 Ft. 16 14 12 12
125 Ft. 16 12 12 12
150 Ft. 16 12 12 -

Contact MAKITA Authorized or Factory Service Center if a
proper extension cord cannot be found.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS !

6

Chain Saw Nomenclature

1

2

3

4

5

6

9

10

11

12

13

7

8

16

1 Front handle
2 Front handle guard
3 Spike bar
4 Fastening nut
5 Sprocket guard
6 Carbon brush cover
7 Cord
8 Guide bar nose

Bucking: The process of cross cutting a felled tree or log

into lengths.

Chain Brake: A device used to stop the chain saw.
Chain Saw Powerhead: A chain saw without the saw

chain and guide bar.
Clutch - A mechanism for connecting and disconnecting

a driven member to and from a rotating source of power .
Drive Sprocket or Sprocket: The toothead part that

drives the saw chain.

Felling - The process of cutting down a tree.
Felling Back Cut : The final cut in a tree felling operation

made on the opposite side of the tree from the notching
undercut.

Front Handle: The support handle located at or toward
the front of the chain saw.

Front Handle Guard: A structural barrier between the
front handle of a chain saw and the guide bar, typically
located close to the hand position on the front handle
and sometimes employed as an activating lever for a
chain brake.

Guide Bar: A solid railed structure that supports and
guides the saw chain.

Kickback: The backward or upward motion, or both of
the guide bar occurring when the saw chain near the nose
of the top area of the guide bar contacts any object such
as a log or branch, or when the wood closes in and
pinches the saw chain in the cut.

Kickback, Pinch: The rapid pushback of the saw which
can occur when the wood closes in and pinches the
moving saw chain in the cut along the top of the guide
bar.

Kickback, Rotational: The rapid upward and backward
motion of the saw which can occur when the moving saw
chain near the upper portion of the tip of the guide bar
contacts an object, such as a log or branch.

9 Guide bar
10 Oil cap
11 Nameplate
12 Lock-off button
13 Rear handle
14 Trigger switch
15 Oil tank with sightglass for oil level
16 Saw chain

15

14

Low-Kickback Chain: A chain that complies with the

kickback performance requirements of ANSI B175.1
when tested on a representative sample of chain saws.

Normal Cutting Position: Those positions assumed
in performing the bucking and felling cuts.

Notching Undercut: A notch cut in a tree that directs
the tree’s fall.

Oiler Control: A system for oiling the guide bar and
saw chain.

Rear Handle: The support handle located at or toward
the rear of the saw.

Reduced Kickback Guide Bar: A guide bar which
has been demonstrated to reduce kickback signifi­cantIy.

Replacement Saw Chain: A chain that complies with
the kickback performance requirerments of ANSI
B175.1 when tested with specific chain saws. It may
not meet the ANSI performance requirements when
used with other saws.

Saw Chain: A loop of chain having cutting teeth, that
cut the wood, and that is driven by the motor and is
supported by the guide bar.

Spike Bar (Spike): The pointed tooth or teeth for use
when felling or bucking to pivot the saw and maintain
position while sawing.

Switch: A device that when operated will complete or
interrupt an electrical power circuit to the motor of the
chain saw.

Lock-Off Button: A movable stop that prevents the
unintentional operation of the switch until manually
actuated.

7

PUTTING INTO OPERATION

Mounting the guide bar and saw chain

Use the universal wrench delivered with the machine.
Put the electric chain saw on a stable surface and carry out the

following operations for mounting the bar and chain:

4
3

1
2

A

- Unscrew retaining nut (A/2).

- Pull off the sprocket guard (A/1).

- Turn the chain adjusting screw (A/3) to the left (counter­clockwise) until the pin (A/4) is at the left stop.

CAUTION: When working on the guide bar or saw chain

always wear protective gloves and pull out the
power supply plug.

CAUTION: Switch on the electric chain saw only after

having assembled it completely.

7 5 6

B

- Lay the chain (B/5) on the guide bar (B/6).

- The cutting edges (B/7) of the chain on the top edge of the
guide bar must face in the direction shown by the arrow.

8

9

C

- Pull the chain around the sprocket (C/8) and into the
sprocket teeth (C/9).

10

2
1

E

- When putting on the sprocket guard (E/1) make sure that
the sprocket guard lug (E/10) fits into the hole (see enlarged
illustration).

- Tighten mounting nut (E/2) lightly by hand.

8

D

- Position the guide bar. Take care that the pivot (A/4) of the
chain tightener is inserted into the bore (see circle) of the
guide bar.

F

Tightening the saw chain

- Slightly lift the end of the guide bar and turn the chain
tightener screw (A/3) to the right (clockwise) until the saw
chain rests against the bottom side of the guide bar (see
circle).

- Continue to lift the guide bar end and firmly tighten the
fastening nut (E/2) by means of the universal wrench.

Checking the chain tension

11

12

The chain has the proper tension when it lies against the
bottom edge of the guide bar and can be easily pulled by hand
about 5 mm (a little under 1/4") up from the guide bar.

Check the chain tension frequently - new chains tend to get
longer during use!

When checking the chain tension the motor must be switched

off and the power supply plug pulled out.
HINT:

Use 2 or 3 saw chains alternately for even wear of the chains,
sprocket and guide bar running surfaces.

In order to guarantee a uniform wear of the groove in the bar the
bar should be turned over whenever replacing the chain.

Chain brake

G

H

The UC 3000, UC 3500 and UC 4000 comes with an inertial
chain brake as standard equipment. The chain brake engages
automatically in case of kickback, which is caused by the tip
contacting wood while the saw is running (see "SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS", page 5).

The chain will stop within a fraction of a second.

I

Engaging the chain brake (braking)
In case of kickback the chain brake is engaged automatically

by inertial motion of the hand guard (I/11).
To engage the chain brake manually, simply push the hand

guard (I/11) forward (towards the tip of the saw) with your left
hand (arrow 1).

Releasing the chain brake

Pull the hand guard (I/11) towards you (arrow 2) until you feel
it catch. The brake is now released.

Note:

When the chain brake is actuated the power supply to the motor
will be cut off. Testing of the chain brake is described on page

12.

Chain brake maintenance

SERVICE

The chain brake is a very important safety feature, and like
any other part it is subject to a certain amount of wear.
Regular inspection and maintenance is important for your
personal safety, and can be properly performed only by a
MAKITA service center.

9

Saw chain oil

Waste oil

A

Use a special oil with adhesive addition for lubricating the saw
chain and bar. The adhesive addition prevents that the oil is
centrifuged too fast from the sawing device.

Do not use mineral oils. In order to protect the invironment the
use of biologically decomposeable oil is prescribed.

The saw chain oil sold by MAKITA, called BIOTOP, is made of
special vegetable oils and is biologically decomposeable to
100%. BIOTOP has been granted the "blue angel" for being
particularly favourable to the environment (RAL UZ 48).

Biologically decomposeable oil is stable only for a limited period
of time. It should be consumed within 2 years from the date of
manufacture (printed on the container).

BIOTOP oil is available in the following packing sizes to suit your
individual requirements:

1 liter order number 980 008 610

5 liters order number 980 008 611

20 liters order number 980 008 613

Refilling the oil tank

B

Never use waste oil

Waste oil is very dangerous for the environment.
Waste oil contains high amounts of carcinogenic substances.
The residues in the waste oil result in a high degree of wear and

tear at the oil pump and the sawing device.
In the case of damage caused by using waste oil or unappropriate

saw chain oil the product guarantee will be null and void.
Your salesman will inform you about the use of saw chain oil.

Avoid skin and eye contacts

Mineral oil products as well as oil degrease the skin. If your skin
repeatedly comes in contact with these substances for a longer
period of time, it will desiccate. Various skin deseases may
result. In addition, allergic reactions are known.

Eyes can be irritated by contact with oil. If oil gets into your eyes,
immediately wash them with clear water. If your eyes are still
irrritated, go to see a doctor.

1

C

Only if the motor is switched off and the power supply plug
is pulled out

- Thoroughly clean the oil tank around the cap to prevent dirt

from entering the tank.

- Unscrew the tank cap (C/1) and fill in chain oil until it is on a

level with the bottom edge of the filler socket.

- Tightly screw on the tank cap.

- Thoroughly remove any oil that has overflown.

Important!

Before operating the saw for the first time, the oil feed system
must be completely filled, until the chain oil lubricates the chain
and guide bar.

This procedure can take up to two minutes.

10

D

- The oil level can be controlled in the sight glass (D/2).

Lubricating the saw chain

In order to ensure sufficient lubrication of the saw chain there
must always be enough oil in the tank. Its contents (120 ml) is
sufficient for approx. 1/2 hour at continuous operation.

Important note on bio-degradable chain oils:

If you are not planning to use the saw again for an extended
period of time (longer than the expiration date of the chain oil),
empty the oil tank and put in a small amount of regular engine
oil (SAE 30),and then run the saw for a time. This is necessary
to flush out all remaining bio-degradable oil from the oil tank,
oil-feed system, chain and guide bar, as many such oils tend
to leave sticky residues over time, which can cause damage to
the oil pump or other parts.

The next time you use the saw, fill the tank with BIOTOP chain
oil again.
The next time you use the saw refill the tank with new BIOTOP
chain oil.

2

E

Switching on the motor

To guarantee a troublefree operation of the oil pump the oil

3

guide groove (E/3) as well as the oil inlet bore in the guide bar
(E/4) must be cleaned in regular intervals.

4

5

6

7

F

- Plug in the saw.

- When switching on the electric chain saw always hold
it with both hands.

- Take the back handle with the right hand and the tubular
handle with the left hand. Hold the handles tightly with your
thumbs facing your fingers. The bar and chain must not be
in contact with any object.

- First depress the locking button (F/5) and then the power
switch (F/6). Then release the locking button (F/5).

- Attention: The chain starts running immediately. Keep
the power switch depressed as long as the motor is to run.

CAUTION:
Never lock the power switch in the ON position.
Switching off the motor:

- Release the power switch (F/6).

Holding the chain saw

G

NOTE:
When the chain brake is actuated the power supply to the

motor will be cut off.
If the saw does not start when the ON/OFF switch (F/6) is

actuated, it will be necessary to release the chain brake.

- Pull the hand guard (G/7) firmly in the direction of the
arrow until you feel it catch.

Use this grip thumb
below handle!

H

Always grip each handle with the thumb and fingers
encircling the handle as shown in Fig. H.

11

Checking the chain brake

I

Checking the chain lubrication

Do not work with the chain saw without first checking
the chain brake!

- Start the motor as described (make sure you have a good
footing, and place the chain saw on the ground in such a

7

way that the guide bar is free of contact).

- Grasp the tubular handle
grip with the other.

- Switch on the motor and press the hand guard (I/7) in the
direction of the arrow
chain brake engages. The chain should stop immediately.

- Switch the motor off
brake.

IMPORTANT: If the saw chain does not stop instantly
when you carry out this test,
stances use the saw! Take the chain saw to a MAKITA
service center.

Never saw when a sufficient chain lubrication is not guaranteed.
Otherwise the life of the sawing device will be reduced. Before
starting work check the oil level in the tank and the oil feeding.
Check the fed oil quantity by following the instructions below:

- Start the electric chain saw.

- Hold the running chain saw approx. 15 cm above a trunk
or the ground (use an appropriate surface).

firmly with one hand and hold the

with the back of your hand until the

Immediately and release the chain

do not under any circum-

J

Using the chain saw

Always be sure of your footing and hold the chain saw
firmly with both hands while the motor is running.

Felling a tree

When bucking and felling operations are being performed by
two or more persons, at the same time, the felling operation
should be separated from the bucking operation by a distance
of at least twice the height of the tree being felled. T rees should
not be felled in a manner that would endanger any person,
strike any utility line or cause any property damage. If the tree
does make contact with any utility line, the utility company
should be notified immediately.

The chain saw operator should keep on the uphill side of the
terrain as the tree is likely to roll or slide downhill after it is
felled.

A retreat path should be planned and cleared as necessary
before cuts are started. The retreat path should extend back
and diagonally to the rear of the expected line of fall as shown
in Fig. A. The next working place is at least 2 tree lengths
away.

Before felling is started, consider the natural lean of the tree,
the location of larger branches and the wind direction to judge
which way the tree will fall. Remove dirt, stones, loose bark,
nails, staples, and wire from the tree where felling cuts are to
be made.

If the lubrication is sufficient, you will see a light oiltrace
because oil will be centrifuged from the chain saw.

Retreat

45°

2 tree lengths

45°

A

= felling operation

Felling back cut

Direction
of fall

2 inches

Hinge

Notching undercut

Make the notch 1/3 the diameter of the tree, perpendicular to
the direction of fall as shown in Fig.B. Make the lower hori­zontal notching cut first. This will help to avoid pinching of
either the saw chain or the guide bar when the second notch
is being made.

12

2 inches

Notch

B