5. Drive wooden or plastic wedges into the felling cut to initiate the fall
WARNING: Falling trees are unpredictable. Step to one side and NEVER stand behind a falling tree. The trunk
may split, splinter or move backwards.
WARNING: NEVER run while holding a chainsaw, whether the engine is running or switched off. Switch off the
chainsaw and set it down before moving away.
Limbing
Note: The term 'limbing' is used for the process of removing the branches from a fallen tree.
WARNING: There is a high chance of kickback occurring during limbing operations. NEVER cut with the nose
of the Guide Bar (22). Be extremely careful to avoid touching the log or other tree limbs with the nose of the
Guide Bar.
•
NEVER stand on a log while limbing. You may slip or the log may roll
•
Leave the lower limbs to support the log off the ground
GB
WARNING: Proceed with extreme caution when cutting limbs or logs that are under tension ('spring poles'). The
wood could spring back towards the operator, causing loss of control over the chainsaw, and potentially leading
to severe or even fatal injury
•
To cut branches off a standing tree, start with an upwards relieving cut, followed by a through-cut from the
top (Fig X)
WARNING: When cutting free-hanging branches, the Saw Chain (24) and/or Guide Bar may be pinched, or the
branch may fall. Either may cause the operator to lose control over the chainsaw. If the Saw Chain and/or Guide
Bar becomes pinched, stop the engine immediately and remove the saw by lifting the branch. DO NOT try to pull
the saw out as this may lead to damage or injury.
Bucking a log
Note: The term 'bucking' is used for the process of cutting logs into sections.
•
NEVER stand on a log while bucking. You may slip or the log may roll
•
If working on a slope, be careful and stand on the uphill side of the log you are cutting. Watch out for rolling
logs around you
•
Cut only one log at a time
•
Place small logs onto a sawhorse
•
NEVER have another person or persons holding parts of the log you are cutting
•
NEVER use a leg or foot to clamp the log you are cutting
•
Use extreme caution when cutting logs under strain. Start by making a relieving cut at the compression side
followed by the through-cut from the tension side (Fig XI)
WARNING: IMMEDIATELY release the Throttle Trigger (17) and switch off the engine, should the Saw Chain
(24) or Guide Bar (22) be pinched inside the log. Carefully remove from the log without causing damage to
the tool.
Accessories
A range of accessories and consumables, including forestry helmets and other personal protective equipment,
saw chain files and electric chainsaw sharpeners, is available from your GMC stockist. Spare parts can be
obtained from toolsparesonline.com
Maintenance
WARNING: Ensure the ignition lead is disconnected before attaching or changing any accessories, or making
any adjustments, to prevent accidental starting.
WARNING: ALWAYS wear adequate personal protective equipment, including eye protection and oil/fuel-
resistant, cut-proof gloves, when carrying out maintenance on this chainsaw. ALWAYS ensure proper ventilation.
WARNING: Work away from naked flames, DO NOT smoke, and ensure petrol fumes or spilled fuel cannot
reach potential ignition sources.
WARNING: If fuel or oil is removed during maintenance, fill into suitable sealed containers and dispose of
according to laws and regulations.
WARNING: ALWAYS switch the chainsaw off and wait until all components have completely cooled, before
cleaning or carrying out any maintenance.
Note: The maintenance schedule should be adjusted according to use and environment. If the chainsaw is used
frequently, and/or if it is used in harsher environments, shorter maintenance intervals are required.
WARNING: Some of the maintenance procedures described in this manual require some general technical skills
and expertise. This chainsaw MUST ONLY be serviced by people with the necessary competence and skill level.
If in doubt, have the machine serviced by an authorised GMC service centre.
WARNING: Maintenance not covered by this manual MUST be carried out by an authorised GMC technician.
Attempting such maintenance or repairs will void the warranty.
WARNING: Use only genuine replacement parts approved by GMC for maintenance and repair. Use of parts by
others manufacturers may cause serious or fatal injury.
General inspection
•
Regularly check that all the fixing screws are tight
•
Inspect the fuel tank and lines of the tool prior to each use, for damage or wear. Repairs should be carried
out by an authorised GMC service centre. This advice also applies to extension cords used with this tool
Cleaning
•
Keep your tool clean at all times. Dirt and dust will cause internal parts to wear quickly and will shorten the
machine's service life. Clean the body of the machine with a soft brush, or dry cloth. If available, use clean,
dry, compressed air to blow through the ventilation holes
•
Clean the tool casing with a soft damp cloth using a mild detergent. Do not use alcohol, petrol or strong
cleaning agents
•
Never use caustic agents to clean plastic parts
•
Clean the chain, bar and sprocket after every use
Lubrication
•
Lubricate moving parts after cleaning, using a suitable spray lubricant
•
Regularly lubricate chain, bar and sprocket
Maintaining the guide bar
1. Dismount the Saw Chain (24) and Guide Bar (22) by following the instructions in 'Guide bar and chain
assembly' in reverse
2. Remove saw dust from the bar groove and oiling port using a small screwdriver, probe (not included) (Fig
XI), or compressed air
3. Inspect the Guide Bar and the sprocket on its tip. Lubricate the sprocket with a suitable maintenance spray
4. Deburr, turn over, or replace the Guide Bar as required
Adjusting chain oil delivery
•
Chain oil delivery can be adjusted by inserting the supplied Screwdriver (2) into the Chain Oil Adjustment
Screw (37) at the bottom of the tool
•
Increase or decrease chain oil delivery as required by working conditions, and check adjustment as
described in 'Checking chain lubrication'
Adjusting chain tension
WARNING: ALWAYS wear cut-proof gloves when touching the saw chain.
1. Loosen (do not remove) the Guide Bar Securing Nuts (35) using the supplied Spark Plug Combi Tool (1)
2. Use the Screwdriver (2) to adjust the Tensioning Screw (36):
•
turn clockwise to increase chain tension
•
turn anticlockwise to decrease chain tension
3. Tighten the Guide Bar Securing Nuts securely (12-15Nm)
4. Check chain tension as described in 'Checking the chain tension'. Start over from step 1, should
adjustments need to be made
Maintaining the chain brake
•
The chain brake is an important safety feature of this chainsaw. It is designed to reduce the risk of kickback
and user injury. In order for it to properly perform its function, it must be maintained regularly. Similar to an
automobile brake, the chain brake incurs wear with each operation. Excessive wear will reduce the chain
brake's effectiveness, and can render it inoperable.
•
Return the chainsaw to your authorised GMC service centre for maintenance at least once a year (more
often of the device is frequently used), if there is a change in the operating characteristics of the chain
brake, or if the saw fails the pre-operational chain brake test (see 'Testing the chain brake')
Maintaining the chain drive
•
Regularly inspect the Sprocket (25) for wear and damage
•
Return the chainsaw to an authorised GMC service centre, to replace a worn or damaged Sprocket
WARNING: NEVER fit a new saw chain to a worn sprocket, or a worn saw chain to a new sprocket.
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