Milwaukee M18 FCHS Operator's Manual
Cat. No.
M18 FCHS
M18™ FUEL™ CHAINSAW
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
To reduce the risk of injury, user must read and understand operator's manual.
WARNING
2
GENERAL POWER TOOL
SAFETY WARNINGS
WARNING
Read all safety warnings, instruc-
-
tions provided with this power tool. Failure to follow
all instructions listed below may result in electric shock,
Save all warnings and in-
structions for future reference. The term "power tool"
in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded)
power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.
WORK AREA SAFETY
Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark
areas invite accidents.
Do not operate power tools in explosive atmo-
liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks
which may ignite the dust or fumes.
Keep children and bystanders away while operating
a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never
modify the plug in any way. Do not use any
adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools.
of electric shock.
Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded
surfaces, such as pipes, radiators, ranges and
refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric
shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions.
Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of
electric shock.
Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for car-
rying, pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep
cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving
parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk
of electric shock.
When operating a power tool outdoors, use an
extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of
a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of
electric shock.
If operating a power tool in a damp location is
unavoidable, use a ground fault circuit interrupter
(GFCI) protected supply. Use of an GFCI reduces
the risk of electric shock.
PERSONAL SAFETY
Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use
common sense when operating a power tool. Do
not use a power tool while you are tired or under
A
moment of inattention while operating power tools may
result in serious personal injury.
Use personal protective equipment. Always wear
eye protection. Protective equipment such as a dust
mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat or hearing
protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce
personal injuries.
Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch
source and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying
the tool.
switch or energising power tools that have the switch
on invites accidents.
Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning
the power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached to
a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal
injury.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance
at all times. This enables better control of the power
tool in unexpected situations.
Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or
jewelry. Keep your hair and clothing away from
moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry or long hair can
be caught in moving parts.
If devices are provided for the connection of dust
extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are
connected and properly used. Use of dust collection
can reduce dust-related hazards.
Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use of
tools allow you to become complacent and ignore
tool safety principles. A careless action can cause
severe injury within a fraction of a second.
POWER TOOL USE AND CARE
Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power
tool for your application. The correct power tool will
do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was
designed.
Do not use the power tool if the switch does not
Any power tool that cannot be
controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be
repaired.
Disconnect the plug from the power source and/
or remove the battery pack, if detachable, from
the power tool before making any adjustments,
changing accessories, or storing power tools.
Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of
starting the power tool accidentally.
Store idle power tools out of the reach of children
and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power
tool or these instructions to operate the power tool.
Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained
users.
Maintain power tools and accessories. Check for
misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage
the power tool’s operation. If damaged, have the
power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are
caused by poorly maintained power tools.
Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly
maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are
less likely to bind and are easier to control.
Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc.
in accordance with these instructions, taking into
account the working conditions and the work to
be performed. Use of the power tool for operations
situation.
Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry, clean
and free from oil and grease. Slippery handles and
grasping surfaces do not allow for safe handling and
control of the tool in unexpected situations.
BATTERY TOOL USE AND CARE
Recharge
manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one type
with another battery pack.
battery packs. Use of any other battery packs may
When battery pack is not in use, keep it away
from other metal objects, like paper clips, coins,
keys, nails, screws or other small metal objects,
that can make a connection from one terminal to
another. Shorting the battery terminals together may
3
Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected
from the battery; avoid contact. If contact acci-
eyes, additionally seek medical help. Liquid ejected
from the battery may cause irritation or burns.
Do not use a battery pack or tool that is damaged or
risk of injury.
-
cessive temperature.
above 130°C (265°F) may cause explosion.
Follow all charging instructions and do not charge
the battery pack or tool outside the temperature
range specified in the instructions. Charging
range may damage the battery and increase the risk
SERVICE
Have
person using only identical replacement parts.
This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is
maintained.
Never service damaged battery packs. Service
of battery packs should only be performed by the
manufacturer or authorised service providers.
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
FOR CHAIN SAW
General chain saw safety warnings:
Keep all parts of the body away from the saw chain
when the chain saw is operating. Before you start
the chain saw, make sure the saw chain is not
contacting anything. A moment of inattention while
operating chain saws may cause entanglement of your
clothing or body with the saw chain.
Always hold the chain saw with your right hand
on the rear handle and your left hand on the front
handle. Holding the chain saw with a reversed hand
should never be done.
Hold the chain saw by insulated gripping surfaces
only, because the saw chain may contact hidden
wiring. Saw chains contacting a "live" wire may make
exposed metal parts of the chain saw "live" and could
give the operator an electric shock.
Do not operate a chain saw in a tree, on a ladder,
from a rooftop, or any unstable support. Operation
of a chain saw in this manner could result in serious
personal injury.
Always keep proper footing and operate the chain
surface. Slippery or unstable surfaces may cause a
loss of balance or control of the chain saw.
When cutting a limb that is under tension be alert
for spring back.
is released the spring loaded limb may strike the
operator and/or throw the chain saw out of control.
Use extreme caution when cutting brush and sap-
lings. The slender material may catch the saw chain
Carry the chain saw by the front handle with the
When transporting or storing the chain saw always
Proper handling of the chain
saw will reduce the likelihood of accidental contact
with the moving saw chain.
Follow instructions for lubricating, chain tension-
ing and changing the bar and chain. Improperly
tensioned or lubricated chain may either break or
increase the chance for kickback.
Cut wood only. Do not use chain saw for purposes
not intended. For example: do not use chain saw
for cutting metal, plastic, masonry or non-wood
building materials. Use of the chain saw for opera-
-
ous situation.
Do not attempt to fell a tree until you have an un-
derstanding of the risks and how to avoid them.
Serious injury could occur to the operator or bystanders while felling a tree.
Causes and operator prevention of kickback:
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 sudden 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 personal
injury. Do not rely exclusively upon the safety devices
built into your saw. As a chain saw user, you should
take several steps to keep your cutting jobs free from
accident or injury.
Kickback is the result of chain saw misuse and/or incorrect operating procedures or conditions and can be
avoided by taking proper precautions as given below:
-
circling the chain saw handles, with both hands on
the saw and position your body and arm to allow
you to resist kickback forces. Kickback forces can
be controlled by the operator, if proper precautions
are taken. Do not let go of the chain saw.
Do not overreach and do not cut above shoulder
height. This helps prevent unintended tip contact and
enables better control of the chain saw in unexpected
situations.
Only use replacement guide bars and saw chains
Incorrect replacement guide bars and saw chains may cause chain
breakage and/or kickback.
Follow the manufacturer’s sharpening and main-
tenance instructions for the saw chain. Decreas-
ing the depth gauge height can lead to increased
kickback.
Follow all instructions when clearing jammed
material, storing or servicing the chain saw. Make
-
moved. Unexpected actuation of the chain saw while
clearing jammed material or servicing may result in
serious personal injury.
Other Chain Saw Safety Rules
Do not start cutting until you have a clear work
area, secure footing, and a planned retreat path
from the falling tree. Cluttered areas invite accidents.
Keep ALL children, bystanders, visitors, and ani-
mals out of the work area while starting or cutting
with the chain saw.
Always
wear heavy, long pants, long sleeves, overalls, jeans
or chaps made of cut resistant material or ones that
Wear safety glasses and hearing protection.
Further protective equipment for hearing, head,
hands, legs and feet is recommended. Adequate
protective equipment will reduce personal injury from
flying debris or accidental contact with the saw chain.
4
contain cut resistant inserts. Wear non-slip safety
footwear. Wear non-slip heavy duty gloves to improve
your grip and to protect your hands. Do not wear
jewelry, short pants, sandals, or go barefoot. Do not
the motor or catch the chain or underbrush. Secure
hair so it is above shoulder level. Wear hearing and
head protection.
Heavy protective clothing may increase operator
fatigue, which could lead to heat stroke. During
weather that is hot and humid, heavy work should be
scheduled for early morning or late afternoon hours
when temperatures are cooler.
Always wear eye protection with side shields, as
well as head and hearing protection when operating this equipment.
Always be aware of what you are doing when using
the chain saw. Use common sense. Do not oper-
ate the chain saw when you are tired, ill, or under the
Keep all parts of your body away from the saw
chain when the unit is running.
Never let anyone use your chain saw who has not
received adequate instructions in its proper use.
This applies to rentals as well as privately owned saws.
Before you start the unit, make sure the saw chain
is not contacting any object.
Stop the chain saw before setting it down.
Maintain the unit with care. Keep the cutting edge
sharp and clean for best performance and to reduce
the risk of injury. Follow instructions for lubricating and
changing accessories.
Do not operate a chain saw with one hand! Use a
saw handles. Serious injury to the operator, helpers,
bystanders, or any combination of these persons
may result from one-handed operation. A chain saw
is intended for two-handed use.
Do not operate a chain saw that is damaged, im-
properly adjusted, or not completely and securely
assembled. Chain should slow to a stop when the
switch trigger is released. If the chain continues to turn
after the switch trigger has been released, have the
unit serviced by an authorised service centre.
Always maintain a proper stance.
Do not adapt your powerhead to a bow guide or
use it to power any attachments or devices not
listed for the saw.
Do not cut vines and/or small underbrush.
,reddal a no ,eert a ni was niahc a etarepo ton oD
is extremely dangerous.
NOTE: The size of the work area depends on the job
being performed as well as the size tree or work piece
involved. For example, felling a tree requires a larger
work area than making bucking cuts.
Do not force the chain saw. The job can be per-
formed better and safer at the rate for which it was
intended.
Always use the right product for your application.
The chain saw should be used for cutting wood only.
Never use the chain saw to cut plastic, masonry or
non-wood building materials.
Store chain saw when not in use. Chain saw should
be stored in a dry and high or locked area out of the
reach of children. When storing chain saw place the
cover on the bar and chain and store the chain saw
in carrying case.
Battery operated units do not have to be plugged
into an electrical outlet; therefore, they are always
in operating condition. Be aware of possible hazards
even when unit is not operating.
Save these instructions. Refer to them frequently
and use them to instruct others who may use this
product. If you loan someone this product, loan them
these instructions also.
After each use, clean the machine with a soft dry
cloth. Remove any chips, dirt and debris in the
battery bay.
Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and
grease. Greasy, oily handles are slippery causing
loss of control.
Maintain labels and nameplates. These carry
important information. If unreadable or missing, contact
a MILWAUKEE
®
service facility for a replacement.
WARNING
Some dust created by power sanding,
sawing, grinding, drilling, and other
construction activities contains chemicals known to
cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Some examples of these chemicals are:
lead from lead-based paint
crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other
masonry products, and
arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated lumber.
Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on
how often you do this type of work. To reduce your
exposure to these chemicals: work in a well ventilated
area, and work with approved safety equipment, such
as those dust masks that are specially designed to
To reduce the risk of fire, personal
injury, and product damage due to
ADDITIONAL BATTERY SAFETY RULES
WARNING
a short circuit, never immerse your tool, battery pack or
charger in fluid or allow a fluid to flow inside them.
Corrosive or conductive fluids, such as seawater,
certain industrial chemicals, and bleach or
bleach-containing products, etc., can cause a short
circuit.
Always use common sense and be cautious
when using tools. It is not possible to anticipate
every situation that could result in a dangerous
outcome. Do not use this tool if you do not
understand these operating instructions or you feel
the work is beyond your capability; contact
MILWAUKEE
®
Tool or a trained professional for
additional information or training.
5
1. Rear handle
2. Variable speed trigger
3.
4. Front handle
5. Hand guard/chain brake
6. Direction of rotation indicator
7. Saw chain
8. Guide bar
9. Guide bar cover
10. Guide bar nuts
11. Chain tensioning screw
12. Drive cover
13. Adjustment tool (bottom of saw)
14. Oil cap
15. Oil reservoir
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
3
5
9
8
12
6
2
4
1
10
14
15
13
11
7
Volts
Direct Current
No Load Revolutions per Minute (RPM)
Read operator’s manual
Wear eye, hearing, and head protection
DANGER
Beware of kickback.
Avoid contact with bar tip
Always use chainsaw two-handed
Do not use chainsaw one-handed
SYMBOLOGY
Do not expose to rain or use in damp
locations.
Wear protective gloves
Wear non-slip safety footwear
Chain Brake LOCKED/UNLOCKED
Chain Oil Reservoir
Chain Direction
Chain Tension Adjustment
SPECIFICATIONS
Cat. No. .................................................M18 FCHS
Volts............................................................18V DC
Battery Type
.................................................M18™
Charger Type................................................M18™
RPM
.................................................................6600
Chain Speed ...........................12.4m/s (2440 ft/min)
Recommended Ambient
Operating Temperature ...................-17°C to 51°C
Bar Length ......................................16" (406.4 mm)
Cutting Capacity ................................15" (381 mm)
Felling Capacity .................................30" (762 mm)
Chain Oil Tank Capacity ....................200ml (6.7oz)
Bar Groove Width ..........................0.043" (1.1 mm)
Chain Type ........................................Low Kickback
Chain Pitch ........................................3/8" (9.5 mm)
Chain Teeth .........................................................56
Keep bystanders at least 15m away
during use.
Loading...