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CAUTION:
People felling trees or cutting of branches must be specially trained. High risk
of injuries!
- When cutting of branches, the chain saw should be supported on the trunk. Do not
use the end of the bar for cutting (risk of kickback).
- Be aware of branches under tension. Do not cut free branches from below.
- Never perform detensioning cuts while standing on the trunk.
- Before cutting down a tree ensure that
a) only those people are within the working area which are actually involved in
cutting down the tree.
b) every worker involved can withdraw without stumbling (the people should with-
draw backwards in a diagonal line, i. e. at a degree of 45°).
c) the bottom part of the trunk is free from foreign objects, underbrush and
branches. Make sure to have a safe footing (risk of stumbling).
d) the next working place is at least 2 1/2 tree lengths away (Fig. 17). Before cut-
ting down the tree check the direction of fall and make sure that there are nei-
ther people nor objects within a distance of 2 1/2 tree lengths.
- Judging the tree:
Direction of hanging - loose or dry branches - height of the tree - natural overhang
- is the tree rotten?
- Take into account the direction and speed of the wind. If strong gusts are occur-
ring, do not do any felling. Avoid sawdust (pay attention to the direction the wind is
blowing)!
- Cutting the roots:
Start with the strongest root. First do the vertical and then the horizontal cut.
- Notching the trunk (Fig. 18, A):
The notch determines the direction of fall and guides the tree. The trunk is notched
perpendicular to the direction of fall and penetrates 1/3 – 1/5 of the trunk diameter.
Perform the cut near the ground.
- When correcting the cut, always do so over the whole width of the notch.
- Cut down the tree (Fig. 19, B) above the bottom edge of the notch (D). The cut
must be exactly horizontal. The distance between both cuts must be approx. 1/10
of the trunk diameter.
- The material between both cuts (C) serves as a hinge. Never cut it through, oth-
erwise the tree will fall without any control. Insert felling wedges in time.
- Secure the cut only with wedges made of plastic or aluminium. Do not use iron
wedges. If the saw hits an iron wedge the chain can be seriously damaged or torn.
- When cutting down a tree always stay sidewards of the falling tree.
- When withdrawing after having performed the cut, be alert for falling branches.
- When working on sloping ground the user of the chain saw must stay above or
sidewards of the trunk to be cut or the tree already cut down.
- Be alert for trunks which may roll towards you.
Transport and storage
- When changing your location during work switch off the chain saw and actuate the
chain brake in order to prevent an inadvertent start of the chain.
- Never carry or transport the chain saw with the chain running.
- When transporting the chain saw over long distances the guide bar protection
cover (delivered with the chain saw) must be applied.
- Carry the chain saw with the tubular handle. The guide bar points backwards
(Fig. 20). Avoid coming in contact with the muffler (danger of burns).
- Ensure safe positioning of the chain saw during car transportation to avoid fuel or
chain oil leakage.
- Store the chain saw safely in a dry place. It must not be stored outdoors. Keep the
chain saw away from children.
- Before storing the chain saw over a long period of time or shipping it the fuel and
oil tanks must be completely emptied.
Maintenance
- Before performing maintenance work switch off the chain saw (Fig. 21) and
pull out the plug cap.
- Before starting work always check the operating safety of the chain saw, in particu-
lar the function of the chain brake. Make sure the saw chain is properly sharpened
and tensioned (Fig. 22).
- Operate the chain saw only at a low noise and emission level. For this ensure the
carburetor is adjusted correctly.
- Regularly clean the chain saw.
- Regularly check the tank cap for tightness.
Observe the accident prevention instructions issued by trade associations and
insurance companies. Do not perform any modifications on the chain saw. You
will put your safety at risk.
Perform only the maintenance and repair works described in the instruction manual.
All other work must be carried out by MAKITA Service. (Fig. 23)
Use only original MAKITA spare parts and accessories.
Using spare parts other than original MAKITA parts or accessories and guide bar/
chain combinations or lengths which are not approved bring a high risk of accidents.
We cannot accept any responsibility for accidents and damage resulting from using
sawing devices or accessories which have not been approved.
First aid (Fig. 24)
For the event of a possible accident, please make sure that a first aid kit is always
immediately available close by. Immediately replace any items used from the first aid
box.
When calling for help, give the following information:
- Place of the accident
- What happened
- Number of injured people
- Kind of injuries
- Your name!
Vibration
Individuals with poor circulation who are exposed to excessive vibration may experi-
ence injury to blood vessels or the nervous system.
Vibration may cause the following symptoms to occur in the fingers, hands or wrists:
“Falling asleep” (numbness), tingling, pain, stabbing sensation, alteration of skin
colour or of the skin.
If any of these symptoms occur, see a physician!
To reduce the risk of “white finger disease”, keep your hands warm during operation
and well maintain the equipment and accessories.
