English
a foreign object in the wood. The
reaction of the chain pulls the saw
forward and may cause the operator to
lose control.
Pull-in frequently occurs when the
bumper spike of the saw is not held
securely against the tree or limb and
when the chain is not rotating at full
speed before it contacts the wood.
Warning!
Use extreme caution when cutting small
size brush and saplings which may eas-
ily catch the chain, be whipped toward
you or pull you off balance.
To Avoid Pull-in
1.
Always start a cut with the chain
rotating at full speed and the
bumper spike in contact with the
wood.
2.
The risk of pull-in may also be
reduced by using wedges to open
the kerf or cut.
B = Pushback
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 may drive the saw rapidly
straight back toward the operator and
16
may cause loss of saw control.
Pushback frequently occurs when the
top of the bar is used for cutting.
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 underbuck cut because the
chain can pinch.
Cutting Techniques
These general instructions apply to all
chain saws. As stated above, however,
STIHL recommends against the use of
your cordless electric chain saw for
cutting trees, logs or branches having a
diameter of more than 8 inches.
Warning!
For cutting larger trees, logs or
branches, a more powerful, faster
and/or steady cut may be necessary to
reduce the risk of binding, stalling or a
change in conditions during a longer
cutting time that could lead to a loss of
control of the object being cut and seri-
ous personal injury.
Felling
B
Felling is cutting down a tree.
The cordless chain saw is of only limited
suitability for felling and limbing.
If, however, a tree is to be felled and
limbed with a cordless chain saw, it is
imperative to observe the following
instructions.
Before felling a tree, consider carefully
all conditions which may affect the
direction of fall.
Warning!
There are a number of factors that may
affect and change the intended direction
of fall, e.g. wind direction and speed,
lean of tree, surrounding trees and
obstacles, sloping ground, one-sided
limb structure, wood structure, decay,
snow load, etc. To reduce the risk of
severe or fatal injury to yourself or oth-
ers, look for these conditions prior to
beginning the cut, and be alert for a
change in direction while the tree is
falling.
Warning!
Always observe the general condition of
the tree. Inexperienced users should
never attempt to cut trees that are
decayed or rotted inside or that are
leaning or otherwise under tension.
There is an increased risk that such
trees could snap or split while being cut
and cause serious or fatal injury to the
operator or bystanders. 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 uphill side if
possible.
MSA 160 C