Always wear shoulder strap for increased safety and to
support the pruner.
Be certain the knob is fully tightened before operating
equipment; check it periodically for tightness during use
to avoid serious injury.
BASIC CUTTING PROCEDURE
See Figures 5 - 6.
Follow these steps to prevent damage to tree or shrub bark.
Do not use a back-and-forth sawing motion.
Fully squeeze the trigger and allow the engine or motor
to come to full speed just before entering the cut. Keep
the engine or motor at full speed the entire time you are
cutting.
Make a shallow first cut (1/4 of limb diameter) on the
underside of the limb close to the main limb or trunk.
Make a second cut from the top side of the limb outboard
from the first cut.
Make a final cut close to trunk.
NOTE: For second and final cuts (from top of limb or
branch), hold front cutting guide against the limb being
cut. This will help steady the limb and make it easier to
cut. Allow chain to cut for you; exert only light downward
pressure. If you force the cut, damage to the bar, chain,
or engine or motor can result.
Release the trigger as soon as the cut is completed, allow-
ing the engine or motor to stop. If you run the pruner at
full speed without a cutting load, unnecessary wear or
damage can occur to the chain, bar, and engine or motor.
Failure to follow proper cutting procedures will result in the
bar and chain binding and becoming pinched or trapped in
the limb. If this should happen:
Stop the engine or motor.
Remove the spark plug wire or disconnect from the power
supply.
Loosen the knob on the coupler.
Depress the button on the shaft; twist and pull the shafts
to separate the pruner from the power head.
If the limb can be reached from the ground, lift the limb
while holding the attachment. This should release the
"pinch" and free the pruner.
If the pruner is still trapped, call a professional for assis-
tance.
Check the chain tension frequently when operating the
unit. Refer to Chain Tension in the Maintenance section
of this manual.
OPERATION
LIMBING AND PRUNING
See Figures 7 - 8.
This unit is designed for trimming small branches and limbs
up to 6 in. in diameter. For best results, observe the follow-
ing precautions:
Plan the cut carefully. Be aware of the direction in which
the branch will fall.
Branches may fall in unexpected directions. Do not stand
directly under the branch being cut.
The most typical cutting application is to position the unit
at an angle of 60° or less, depending on the specific situa-
tion. As the angle of the pruner shaft to ground increases,
the difficulty of making the first cut (from the underside
of limb) increases.
Remove long branches in several stages.
Cut lower branches first to allow the top branches more
room to fall.
Work slowly, keeping both hands on the tool with a firm
grip. Maintain secure footing and balance.
Keep the tree between you and the chain while limbing.
Cut from side of tree opposite branch you are cutting.
Do not cut from a ladder, rooftop, or other unstable sup-
port; this is extremely dangerous. Hire a professional for
complex cutting situations.
Do not make the flush cut next to the main limb or trunk
until you have cut off the limb further out to reduce the
weight. Following proper cutting procedures will prevent
stripping the bark from the main member.
Do not use the pruner for felling or bucking.
To prevent electrocution, do not operate within 50 ft. of
overhead electrical lines.
Keep bystanders at least 50 ft. away.
POSITION FOR STARTING
See Figure 9.
Lay the pruner on the ground and ensure that no objects or
obstructions are in the immediate vicinity. Make sure noth-
ing can come in contact with the bar and chain, including
dirt on the ground.
7 — English