Poulan Pro PL3816, PL3314 Quick Start Manual
Instruction Manual
PL3314 / PL3816
Quick
-
Start Guide
NOTE: Your product may differ slightly from the item shown.
Mix 2.6 oz. of full
synthetic 2-Cycle Oil
with 1 gallon of gasoline
for a 50:1 mixture.
Shake well. Pour into
fuel tank.
CAUTION: Do not use
alternate fuels such as
ethanol blends above
10% by volume (E-15,
E-85) or any methanol
blended fuel.
Add bar and chain oil to
oil tank until full.
Make sure chain brake
is locked by pushing
forward on handguard.
Slowly press primer (air
purge) bulb 10 times.
Pull blue choke lever
out fully.
Place right foot in rear
handle as shown. Using
right hand, pull starter
rope sharply until
machine starts, or a
maximum of 5 times.
Push blue choke lever
to half choke position.
NOTE: In temperatures
above 90°F (32°C),
push blue choke lever
completely in.
Pull starter rope until
engine starts.
Allow engine to warm
for 30 seconds.
Squeeze throttle trigger
to set normal idle.
Before accelerating to
full throttle, make sure
chain brake is unlocked
by pulling back on
handguard.
Press red switch to
STOP position when
finished using saw.
WARNING! Read and follow all Safety Rules and
Operating Instructions before using this product.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
IMPORTANT:
• Never let your saw chain come in contact with soil/dirt during operation. This will completely dull your chain and
will require installation of a new chain.
• Check your chain tension prior to each time you start the chainsaw. Check tension on a new chain after the first 15
minutes of operation. See the manual for chain tensioning instructions.
114017395 Rev.
B
2016-04-21
IDENTIFICATION OF SYMBOLS
WARNING!
Chainsaws can be
dangerous! Careless
or improper use can
result in serious or
fatal injury to the
operator or others.
Please read the
operator’s
manual carefully and make
sure you understand the
instructions before using the
machine.
Always wear:
• Approved protective
helmet
• Approved hearing
protection
• Protective goggles or a
visor
Both of the operator′s hands
must be used to operate the
chainsaw.
Never operate a chainsaw
holding it with one hand only.
Contact of the guide bar tip
with any object must be
avoided.
WARNING! Tip contact
may cause the guide
bar to move suddenly
upward and backward
(so-called kickback),
which may cause
serious injury.
Primer (air purge) bulb.
The engine is stopped by
switching the ignition off
using the stop switch.
Fuel fill.
50:1 gasoline to oil ratio.
Do not use E15 or E85
blended fuels.
Bar and chain oil fill.
Lock chain brake.
Unlock chain brake.
Chain brake
unlocked/locked.
Other symbols/decals on the machine refer to
special certification requirements for certain
markets.
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.
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the
emission control devices and system may be
performed by any nonroad engine repair
establishment or individual.
WARNING! The engine exhaust from this
product contains chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer, birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
XX
2
IDENTIFICATION (WHAT IS WHAT?)
NOTE: The appearance of your product may vary from the item shown.
(*) = Configuration for models equipped with chain tensioning screw located on front. Does not apply to all
models.
(**) = Configuration for models equipped with chain tensioning screw located on side. Does not apply to all
models.
1. Combination tool
2. Chain
3. Front hand guard
4. Muffler
5. Front handle
6. Starter rope
7. Idle speed screw
8. ON/STOP switch
9. Choke/fast idle lever
10. Primer (air purge) bulb
11. Fuel mix fill cap
12. Starter housing
13. Bar and chain oil fill cap
14. Bumper spike
15. Cylinder cover
16. Throttle lock-out
17. Rear handle
18. Throttle trigger
19. Clutch cover
20. Chain catcher
21. Guide bar
22. Chain brake
23. Cutters
24. Depth gauge
25. Drive links
26. Chain direction of travel
27. Guide bar retaining nuts
28. Chain tensioning screw
29. Manual
(*)
(**)
3
SAFETY
WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug to
prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs except carburetor
adjustments.
STANDARDS
This saw has been designed in accordance with:
ANSI B175.1-2012 American National Standards
for Gasoline-Powered Chain Saws - Safety
Requirements
CSA Z62.1-11 Chain Saws – Occupational Health
and Safety
CSA Z62.3-11 Chain Saw Kickback Occupational
Health and Safety
INTRODUCTION
A chainsaw is a high‐speed wood‐cutting tool.
Special safety precautions must be observed to
reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to follow all safety rules and precautions
can result in serious injury.
If situations occur which are not covered in this
manual, use care and good judgment. If you need
assistance, contact your authorized service dealer
or call consumer support.
PLANNING AHEAD
• Read this manual carefully until you completely
understand and can follow all safety rules,
precautions, and operating instructions before
attempting to use the unit.
• Restrict the use of your saw to adult users who
understand and can follow safety rules,
precautions, and operating instructions found in
this manual.
• Wear protective gear. Always use steel‐toed
safety footwear with non‐slip soles; snug‐fitting
clothing; safety chaps; heavy‐duty, non‐slip
gloves; eye protection such as non‐fogging,
vented goggles or face screen; an approved
safety hard hat; and sound barriers (ear plugs
or mufflers) to protect your hearing. Regular
users should have hearing checked regularly as
chainsaw noise can damage hearing. Secure
hair above shoulder length.
• Keep all parts of your body away from the chain
when the engine is running.
• Keep children, bystanders, and animals a
minimum of 30 feet (10 meters) away from the
work area. Do not allow other people or animals
to be near the chainsaw when starting or
operating the chainsaw.
• Do not handle or operate a chainsaw when you
are fatigued, ill, or upset, or if you have taken
alcohol, drugs, or medication. You must be in
good physical condition and mentally alert.
Chainsaw work is strenuous. If you have any
condition that might be aggravated by
strenuous work, check with your doctor before
operating a chainsaw.
• Carefully plan your sawing operation in
advance. Do not start cutting until you have a
clear work area, secure footing, and, if you are
felling trees, a planned retreat path.
OPERATING YOUR SAW
• Do not operate a chainsaw with one hand.
Serious injury to the operator, helpers,
bystanders or any combination of these
persons may result from one‐handed operation.
A chainsaw is intended for two‐handed use.
• Operate the chainsaw only in a well‐ventilated
outdoor area.
• Do not operate saw from a ladder or in a tree.
• Make sure the chain will not make contact with
any object while starting the engine. Never try
to start the saw when the guide bar is in a cut.
• Do not put pressure on the saw at the end of
the cut. Applying pressure can cause you to
lose control when the cut is completed.
• Stop the engine before setting the saw down.
• Do not operate a chainsaw that is damaged,
improperly adjusted, or not completely and
securely assembled. Always replace bar, chain,
hand guard, or chain brake immediately if it
becomes damaged, broken or is otherwise
removed.
• Exposure to vibrations through prolonged use
of gasoline powered hand tools could cause
blood vessel or nerve damage in the fingers,
hands, and joints of people prone to circulation
disorders or abnormal swellings. Prolonged use
in cold weather has been linked to blood vessel
damage in otherwise healthy people. If
symptoms occur such as numbness, pain, loss
of strength, change in skin color or texture, or
loss of feeling in the fingers, hands, or joints,
discontinue the use of this tool and seek
medical attention. An anti-vibration system
does not guarantee the avoidance of these
problems. Users who operate power tools on a
continual and regular basis must monitor
closely their physical condition and the
condition of this tool.
4
• With the engine stopped,
hand-carry the chainsaw
with the muffler away from
your body, and the guide
bar and chain to the rear,
preferably covered with a
scabbard.
MAINTAINING YOUR SAW
• Have all chainsaw service
performed by a qualified
service dealer with the
exception of the items listed in the maintenance
section of this manual. For example, if improper
tools are used to remove or hold the flywheel
when servicing the clutch, structural damage to
the flywheel can occur and cause the flywheel
to burst.
• Make certain the saw chain stops moving when
the throttle trigger is released. For correction,
refer to Carburetor Adjustment.
• Never modify your saw in any way.
• Keep the handles dry, clean, and free of oil or
fuel mixture.
• Keep fuel and oil caps, screws, and fasteners
securely tightened.
• Use only genuine accessories and replacement
parts as recommended.
• Your saw is equipped with a temperature
limiting muffler and spark arresting screen
which meets the requirements of California
Codes 4442 and 4443. All U.S. forest land and
the states of California, Idaho, Maine,
Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, and
Washington require by law that many internal
combustion engines to be equipped with a
spark arresting screen. If you operate a
chainsaw in a state or locale where such
regulations exist, you are legally responsible for
maintaining the operating condition of these
parts. Failure to do so is a violation of the law.
Refer to the SERVICE section for maintenance
of the spark arresting screen.
HANDLING FUEL
• Do not smoke while handling fuel or while
operating the saw.
• Eliminate all sources of sparks or flame in the
areas where fuel is mixed or poured. There
should be no smoking, open flames, or work
that could cause sparks. Allow engine to cool
before refueling.
• Always have fire extinguishing tools available if
you should need them.
• Mix and pour fuel in an outdoor area on bare
ground; store fuel in a cool, dry, well ventilated
place; and use an approved, marked container
for all fuel purposes. Wipe up all fuel spills
before starting saw.
• Move at least 10 feet (3 meters) from fueling
site before starting engine.
• Turn the engine off and let saw cool in a non‐
combustible area, not on dry leaves, straw,
paper, etc. Slowly remove fuel cap and refuel
unit.
• Store the unit and fuel in an area where fuel
vapors cannot reach sparks or open flames
from water heaters, electric motors or switches,
furnaces, etc.
UNDERSTANDING KICKBACK
WARNING! Avoid kickback which can result
in serious injury. Kickback is the backward,
upward or sudden forward motion of the
guide bar occurring when the saw chain near
the upper tip 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. Contacting a foreign object in the
wood can also result in loss of chainsaw
control.
ROTATIONAL KICKBACK
Rotational kickback can
occur when the moving
chain contacts an object at
the upper tip of the guide
bar. This contact can
cause the chain to dig into
the object, which stops the
chain for an instant. The result is a lightning fast,
reverse reaction which kicks the guide bar up and
back toward the operator.
PINCH KICKBACK
Pinch kickback can occur when the wood closes in
and pinches the moving saw chain in the cut along
the top of the guide bar and the saw chain is
suddenly stopped. This sudden stopping of the
chain results in a reversal of the chain force used
to cut wood and causes the saw to move in the
opposite direction of the chain rotation. The saw is
driven straight back toward the operator.
PULL-IN
Pull‐in can occur when the moving chain contacts
a foreign object in the wood in the cut along the
bottom of the guide bar and the saw chain is
suddenly stopped. This sudden stopping pulls the
saw forward and away from the operator and could
easily cause the operator to lose control of the
saw.
REDUCING THE CHANCE OF KICKBACK
• Recognize that kickback can happen. With a
basic understanding of kickback, you can
reduce the element of surprise which
contributes to accidents.
• Never let the moving chain contact any object
at the tip of the guide bar.
• Keep the working area free from obstructions
such as other trees, branches, rocks, fences,
stumps, etc. Eliminate or avoid any obstruction
that your saw chain could hit while you are
cutting. When cutting a branch, do not let the
guide bar contact branch or other objects
around it.
• Keep your saw chain sharp and properly
tensioned. A loose or dull chain can increase
the chance of kickback occurring. Follow
manufacturer's chain sharpening and
maintenance instructions. Check tension at
regular intervals with the engine stopped, never
with the engine running. Make sure the bar nuts
are securely tightened after tensioning the
chain.
• Begin and continue cutting at full speed. If the
chain is moving at a slower speed, there is
greater chance of kickback occurring.
• Use wedges made of plastic or wood. Never
use metal to hold the cut open.
5
• Cut one log at a time.
• Use extreme caution when re‐entering a
previous cut.
• Do not attempt cuts starting with the tip of the
bar (plunge cuts).
• Watch for shifting logs or other forces that could
close a cut and pinch or fall into chain.
• Do not twist the saw as the bar is withdrawn
from an undercut when bucking.
• Use the reduced-kickback guide bar and lowkickback chain specified for your saw.
MAINTAINING CONTROL
• Keep a good, firm grip on
the saw with both hands
when the engine is
running and don't let go. A
firm grip will help you
reduce kickback and
maintain control of the
saw. Keep the fingers of
your left hand encircling
and your left thumb under
the front handlebar. Keep your right hand
completely around the rear handle whether you
are right handed or left handed. Keep your left
arm straight with the elbow locked.
• Position your left hand on the front handlebar
so it is in a straight line with your right hand on
the rear handle when making bucking cuts.
Never reverse right and left hand positions for
any type of cutting.
• Stand with your weight evenly balanced on both
feet.
• Stand slightly to the left side of the saw to keep
your body from being in a direct line with the
cutting chain.
• Do not
overreach. You
could be drawn
or thrown off
balance and
lose control of
the saw.
• Do not cut
above shoulder
height. It is
difficult to
maintain
control of saw
above shoulder height.
KICKBACK SAFETY FEATURES
WARNING! The following features are
included on your saw to help reduce the
hazard of kickback; however, such features
will not totally eliminate this danger. As a
chainsaw user, do not rely only on safety
devices. You must follow all safety
precautions, instructions, and maintenance
in this manual to help avoid kickback and
other forces which can result in serious
injury.
REDUCED KICKBACK GUIDE BAR
The reduced-kickback guide bar is designed with a
small radius tip which reduces the size of the
kickback danger zone on the bar tip. A reducedkickback guide bar has been demonstrated to
significantly reduce the number and seriousness of
kickbacks when tested in accordance with safety
requirements for gasoline powered chainsaws as
set by ANSI B175.1.
LOW-KICKBACK CHAIN
A low-kickback chain is designed with a contoured
depth gauge and guard link which deflect kickback
force and allow wood to gradually ride into the
cutter. Low-kickback chain has met kickback
performance requirements when tested on a
representative sample of chainsaws below 3.8
cubic inch displacement specified in ANSI B175.1.
FRONT HAND GUARD
The front hand guard is designed to reduce the
chance of your left hand contacting the chain if
your hand slips off the front handlebar.
The distance and “in‐line” position of the hands
provided by the front and rear handles work
together to give balance and resistance in
controlling the pivot of the saw back toward the
operator if kickback occurs.
CHAIN BRAKE
The chain brake is designed to stop the chain in
the event of kickback.
NOTE: We do not represent and you should
not assume that the chain brake will protect
you in the event of a kickback. Do not rely upon
any of the devices built into your saw. You
should use the saw properly and carefully to
avoid kickback.
Repairs on a chain brake should be made by an
authorized servicing dealer. Take your unit to the
place of purchase if purchased from a servicing
dealer, or to the nearest authorized master service
dealer.
NOTE: If this saw is to be used for commercial
logging, a chain brake is required and shall not
be removed or otherwise disabled to comply
with Federal OSHA Regulations for
Commercial Logging.
6
ASSEMBLY
If received assembled, repeat all steps to ensure
your saw is properly assembled and all fasteners
are secure.
1. Check that the chain brake is in the unlocked
position by pulling the front hand guard towards
the front handle.
2. Loosen and remove the bar nuts and the clutch
cover from the saw.
3. Remove the plastic shipping spacer (A) if
present.
4. An adjusting pin and screw is used to adjust
the tension of the chain. It is very important
when assembling the bar that the adjusting pin
located on the adjusting screw aligns into a
hole in the bar. Turning the screw will move the
adjusting pin up and down the screw. Locate
this adjusting pin before you begin mounting
the bar onto the saw. See following illustration.
5. Turn the adjusting screw by hand
counterclockwise until the adjusting pin is
positioned between the indicator marks (B) on
the clutch cover. This should allow the
adjusting pin to be near the correct position.
6. Slide guide bar with chain on bar bolts until
guide bar stops against clutch drum sprocket.
Cutters must face in the direction of rotation.
7. Check that the drive links of the chain fit
correctly on the drive sprocket and that the
chain is in the groove on the bar.
8. Fit the clutch cover and insert the adjusting pin
in the cut-out in the bar.
9. Tighten the bar nut finger-tight.
10. Tension the chain by turning the chain
tensioning screw clockwise using the
combination tool. The chain is correctly
tensioned when it does not sag from the
underside of the bar, but can still be turned
easily by hand.
Chain
tensioningside adjust
models
Chain
tensioningfront adjust
models
11. Hold up the bar tip and tighten the bar nuts with
the combination tool.
When fitting a new chain, the chain tension has to
be checked frequently until the chain is run-in.
Check the chain tension regularly. A correctly
tensioned chain ensures good cutting performance
and long life.
7
STARTING AND STOPPING
PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION
Perform the following steps before every use of
the machine:
• Check fuel mixture level
• Check bar lubrication
• Check chain sharpness
NOTE: Chain sharpening is a complicated task
that requires special tools. We recommend that
you refer chain sharpening to a professional
chain sharpener.
• Check chain tension
• Inspect and clean the guide bar
• Check for damaged parts
• Check for loose caps
• Check for loose fasteners
• Check for loose parts
• Check for fuel and oil leaks
NOTE: It is normal for a small amount of oil to
appear under the saw after the engine stops.
Do not confuse this with a leaking oil tank.
FUELING THE ENGINE
WARNING! Be sure to read the fuel handling
information in the safety rules section of this
manual before you begin. If you do not
understand the fuel handling information do
not attempt to fuel your unit. Seek help from
someone that does understand the
information or call the consumer assistance
help line.
WARNING! Remove the fuel cap slowly when
fueling.
This equipment is designed to operate on
unleaded gasoline with a minimum 87 octane
(R+M/2 method), with ethanol blended up to 10%
maximum by volume (E-10).
Before operation, gasoline must be mixed with a
good quality full synthetic 2-cycle air-cooled
engine oil designed to be mixed at a ratio of 50:1.
A 50:1 ratio is obtained by mixing 2.6 fluid ounces
of full synthetic oil with 1 gallon of unleaded
gasoline. DO NOT USE automotive oil or marine
oil. These oils will cause engine damage.
When mixing fuel, follow the instructions printed on
the container. Once the oil is added to the
gasoline, shake the container momentarily to
assure that the fuel is thoroughly mixed.
Fill the fuel tank completely with properly mixed
fuel.
Always read and follow the safety rules relating to
fuel before fueling your unit.
Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within
30 days to assure fuel freshness.
HELPFUL TIP
During storage of your fuel
mixture, the oil will separate
from the gasoline.
Shake the fuel can weekly to
insure proper blending of the
gasoline and oil.
CAUTION: Never use unmixed gasoline in your
unit. This will cause permanent engine damage
and void the limited warranty.
CAUTION: Do not use alternate fuels such as
ethanol blends above 10% by volume (E-15, E-
85) or any methanol blended fuel. Use of these
fuels can cause major engine performance
problems and void the limited warranty.
BAR AND CHAIN LUBRICATION
The bar and chain require continuous lubrication.
Lubrication is provided by the automatic oiler
system when the oil tank is kept filled. Lack of oil
will quickly ruin the bar and chain. Too little oil will
cause overheating shown by smoke coming from
the chain and/or discoloration of the bar. In
freezing weather oil will thicken, making it
necessary to thin bar and chain oil with a small
amount (5 to 10%) of #1 diesel fuel or kerosene.
Bar and chain oil must be free flowing for the oil
system to pump enough oil for adequate
lubrication.
If bar and chain oil is not available, use a good
grade SAE 30 oil.
Fill the oil tank completely with oil.
CAUTION: Never use waste oil for bar and
chain lubrication.
CAUTION: Always stop the engine before
removing the oil cap.
STARTING POSITION
1. Lay the chainsaw on a flat surface. The cutting
attachment must not be in contact with the
ground.
2. Lock the chain brake by pushing forward on the
handguard.
3. Place your left hand on the handlebar and your
right hand on the starter rope. Push your right
foot into the rear handle to stabilize the
chainsaw.
4. Follow the starting instructions.
8
STARTING
Follow these instructions to start your chainsaw.
Your chainsaw has a starting reminder decal
similar to the one shown below:
Starting a Cold Engine
Make sure the chain brake is
locked
before starting.
Press
the
primer (air purge)
bulb 10 times
until fuel begins to fill the bulb. The
primer
(air purge) bulb does not need to be
completely filled.
Pull the blue choke lever to the FULL
CHOKE position. The red ON/STOP
switch will be switched automatically to
the ON position.
Using
your
right hand, pull
the
starter
rope sharply until the machine attempts
to start, or a maximum of 5 times.
NOTE: If the engine sounds as if it is trying to
start before the fifth pull, stop pulling and
immediately proceed to the next step.
NOTE: Do not attempt to cut material with the
choke/fast idle lever in the FULL CHOKE
position.
Push
the blue choke lever to the HALF
CHOKE position.
NOTE: In temperatures above 90°F
(32°C), push the blue choke lever
completely in.
Pull the starter rope sharply with your
right hand until the engine starts.
Allow the engine to run for 30 seconds
.
Before accelerating to full throttle, p
ull t
he
front hand guard towards the front
handle. The chain brake is now unlocked
.
Your chainsaw is now ready for use.
WARNING! The chain must not move when
the engine runs at idle speed. If the chain
moves at idle speed refer to CARBURETOR
ADJUSTMENT within this manual.
WARNING! Do not attempt to throw or drop-
start the chainsaw. Doing so will put the
operator at risk of serious injury due to loss
of control of the chainsaw.
WARNING! The muffler is very hot during and
after use. Do not touch the muffler or allow
combustible material such as dry grass or
fuel to do so.
HELPFUL TIP
If your engine still does not
start after following the
instructions, contact
consumer assistance.
Starting a Warm Engine
Make sure the chain brake is
locked
before starting.
Press
the
primer (air purge)
bulb 10 times
until fuel begins to fill the bulb. The
primer
(air purge) bulb does not need to be
completely filled.
Pull the blue choke lever to the FULL
CHOKE position.
Push the blue choke lever to the HALF
CHOKE position.
NOTE: In temperatures above 90°F
(32°C), push the blue choke lever
completely in.
Pull the starter rope sharply with your
right hand until the engine starts.
Before accelerating to full throttle, pull the
front hand guard towards the front
handle.
The chain brake is now unlocked. Your
chainsaw is now ready for use.
Starting a Flooded Engine
The engine may be flooded with too much fuel if it
has not started after 10 pulls.
Flooded engines can be restarted by pushing the
blue choke lever in completely to the OFF CHOKE
position and then following the warm engine
starting procedure listed above. Ensure the red
ON/STOP switch is in the ON position.
Starting could require pulling the starter rope
handle many times depending on how badly the
unit is flooded. If the engine fails to start, refer to
the TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE or call the
consumer assistance help line.
CHAIN TENSION
It is normal for a new chain to stretch during the
first 15 minutes of operation. You should check
your chain tension each time before you start the
chainsaw. See the chain tensioning instructions in
the ASSEMBLY section.
WARNING! If the saw is operated with a loose
chain, the chain could jump off the guide bar
and result in serious injury to the operator
and/or damage the chain, making it unusable.
9
CHECKING THE CHAIN BRAKE
The chain brake must be checked before each
use. The engine must be running when performing
this procedure.
This is the only instance when the saw should be
placed on the ground with the engine running.
1. Place the saw on firm ground.
2. Grip the rear handle with your right hand and
the front handle with your left hand.
3. Apply full throttle by fully depressing the throttle
trigger.
4. Activate the chain brake by turning your left
wrist toward the hand guard without releasing
your grip around the front handle. The chain
should stop immediately.
CHECKING THE INERTIA ACTIVATING
FUNCTION CONTROL
WARNING! When performing the following
procedure, the engine must be turned off.
1. Grip the rear handle with your right hand and
the front handle with your left hand.
2. Hold the chainsaw approximately 16-18 inches
(40-45 centimeters) above a stump or other
wooden surface.
3. Release your grip on the front handle and use
the weight of the saw to let the tip of the guide
bar fall forward and contact the stump. When
the tip of the bar hits the stump, the brake
should activate.
WORKING TECHNIQUES
PRACTICING YOUR CUTS
Practice cutting a few small logs using the
following techniques to get the “feel” of using your
saw before you begin a major sawing operation.
• Squeeze the throttle trigger and allow the
engine to reach full speed before cutting.
• Begin cutting with the saw frame against the
log.
• Keep the engine at full speed the entire time
you are cutting.
• Allow the chain to cut for you. Exert only light
downward pressure. If you force the cut,
damage to the guide bar, chain, or engine can
result.
• Release the throttle trigger as soon as the cut is
completed, allowing the engine to idle. If you
run the saw at full throttle without a cutting load,
unnecessary wear can occur to the chain, guide
bar, and engine. It is recommended that the
engine not be operated for longer than 30
seconds at full throttle.
• To avoid losing control when cut is complete,
do not put pressure on saw at end of cut.
• Stop the engine before setting the saw down
after cutting.
FELLING A TREE
PLANNING
WARNING! Check for broken or dead
branches which can fall while cutting
causing serious injury. Do not cut near
buildings or electrical wires if you do not
know the direction of tree fall, nor cut at night
since you will not be able to see well, nor
during bad weather such as rain, snow, or
strong winds, etc. If the tree makes contact
with any utility line, the utility company
should be notified immediately.
Carefully plan your sawing operation in advance.
Clear the work area. You need a clear area all
around the tree so you can have secure footing.
The chainsaw operator should keep on the uphill
side of the terrain as the tree is likely to roll or slide
downhill after it is felled.
Study the natural conditions that can cause the
tree to fall in a particular direction.
Natural conditions that can cause a tree to fall in a
particular direction include:
• The wind direction and speed.
• The lean of the tree. The lean of a tree might
not be apparent due to uneven or sloping
terrain. Use a plumb or level to determine the
direction of tree lean.
• Weight and branches on one side.
• Surrounding trees and obstacles.
Look for decay and rot. If the trunk is rotted, it can
snap and fall toward the operator. Check for
broken or dead branches which can fall on you
while cutting.
Make sure there is enough room for the tree to fall.
Maintain a distance of 2-1/2 tree lengths from the
nearest person or other objects. Engine noise can
drown out a warning call.
Remove dirt, stones, loose bark, nails, staples,
and wire from the tree where cuts are to be made.
Plan a clear retreat path to the rear and diagonal
to the line of fall. Note the danger zone (1), retreat
path (2), and felling direction (3) in the following
diagram.
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USING THE NOTCH METHOD
The notch method is used to fell large trees. A
notch is cut on the side of the tree in the desired
direction of fall. After a felling cut is made on the
opposite side of tree, the tree will tend to fall into
the notch.
NOTE: If the tree has large buttress roots,
remove them before making the notch. If using
saw to remove buttress roots, keep saw chain
from contacting ground to prevent dulling of the
chain.
Make the notch cut by cutting the top of the notch
first. Cut through 1/3 of the diameter of the tree.
Next complete the notch by cutting the bottom of
the notch. Once the notch is cut remove the notch
of wood from the tree.
After removing the wood from the notch, make the
felling cut on the opposite side of the notch. This is
done by making a cut about two inches (5 cm)
higher than the center of the notch. This will leave
enough uncut wood between the felling cut and
the notch to form a hinge. This hinge will help
prevent the tree from falling in the wrong direction.
NOTE: Before felling cut is complete, use
wedges to open the cut if necessary to control
the direction of fall. To avoid kickback and
chain damage, use wood or plastic wedges, but
never steel or iron wedges.
Be alert to signs that the tree is ready to fall:
cracking sounds, widening of the felling cut, or
movement in the upper branches.
As tree starts to fall, stop saw, put it down, and get
away quickly on your planned retreat path.
DO NOT cut down a partially fallen tree with your
saw. Be extremely cautious with partially fallen
trees that may be poorly supported. When a tree
doesn’t fall completely, set the saw aside and pull
down the tree with a cable winch, block and tackle,
or tractor.
CUTTING A FALLEN TREE (BUCKING)
Bucking is the term used for cutting a fallen tree to
the desired log size.
WARNING! Do not stand on the log being cut.
Any portion can roll causing loss of footing
and control. Do not stand downhill of the log
being cut.
IMPORTANT POINTS
• Cut only one log at a time.
• Cut shattered wood very carefully; sharp pieces
of wood could be flung toward operator.
• Use a sawhorse to cut small logs. Never allow
another person to hold the log while cutting and
never hold the log with your leg or foot.
• Do not cut in an area where logs, limbs, and
roots are tangled such as in a blown down
area. Drag the logs into a clear area before
cutting by pulling out exposed and cleared logs
first.
• Make sure the chain will not strike the ground
or any other object during or after cutting.
WARNING! If saw becomes pinched or hung
in a log, don’t try to force it out. You can lose
control of the saw resulting in injury and/or
damage to the saw. Stop the saw, drive a
wedge of plastic or wood into the cut until
the saw can be removed easily. Restart the
saw and carefully reenter the cut. To avoid
kickback and chain damage, do not use a
metal wedge. Do not attempt to restart your
saw when it is pinched or hung in a log.
TYPES OF BUCKING CUTS
Overcutting begins on the top side of the log with
the bottom of the saw against the log. When
overcutting use light downward pressure.
Retreat path
Retreat path
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Use a wedge to remove pinched saw
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Undercutting involves cutting on the underside of
the log with top of saw against the log. When
undercutting use light upward pressure. Hold saw
firmly and maintain control. The saw will tend to
push back toward you.
WARNING! Never turn saw upside down to
undercut. The saw cannot be controlled in
this position.
Always make your first cut on the compression
side of the log. The compression side of the log is
where the pressure of the log’s weight is
concentrated.
BUCKING WITHOUT A SUPPORT
1. Overcut through 1/3 of the diameter of the log.
2. Roll the log over and finish with a second
overcut.
NOTE: Watch for logs with a compression side
to prevent the saw from pinching.
BUCKING USING A LOG OR SUPPORT
STAND
1. Make the first cut on the compression side of
the log. Your first cut should extend 1/3 of the
diameter of the log.
2. Finish with your second cut.
LIMBING AND PRUNING
WARNING! Be alert for and guard against
kickback. Do not allow the moving chain to
contact any other branches or objects at the
nose of the guide bar when limbing or
pruning. Allowing such contact can result in
serious injury.
WARNING! Never climb into a tree to limb or
prune. Do not stand on ladders, platforms, a
log, or in any position which can cause you
to lose your balance or control of the saw.
IMPORTANT POINTS
• Work slowly, keeping both hands firmly gripped
on the saw. Maintain secure footing and
balance.
• Watch out for springpoles. Springpoles are
small size limbs which can catch the saw chain
and whip toward you or pull you off balance.
Use extreme caution when cutting small size
limbs or slender material.
• Be alert for springback. Watch out for branches
that are bent or under pressure. Avoid being
struck by the branch or the saw when the
tension in the wood fibers is released.
• Keep a clear work area. Frequently clear
branches out of the way to avoid tripping over
them.
LIMBING
Always limb a tree after it is cut down. Only then
can limbing be done safely and properly.
Leave the larger limbs underneath the felled tree
to support the tree as you work.
Start at the base of the felled tree and work toward
the top, cutting branches and limbs. Remove small
limbs with one cut.
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