Homelite HOMCS10VNM User Manual - Page 16

OPERATION WORK AREA PRECAUTIONS n Cut only wood or materials made from wood, no sheet metal, no plastics, no masonry, no non-wood building materials. n Never allow children to operate the saw. Allow no person to use this pruning saw who has not read this Operator's Manual or received adequate instructions for the safe and proper use of this pruning saw. n Keep everyone - helpers, bystanders, children, and animals - a safe distance from the cutting area. During bucking operations, keep a minimum distance of 15 feet between workers. n Always cut with both feet on solid ground to prevent being pulled off balance. n Do not cut above chest height, as a saw held higher is difficult to control against kickback forces. n Do not prune branches near electrical wires or buildings. Leave this operation for professionals. n Cut only when visibility and light are adequate for you to see clearly. LIMBING See Figure 11. n Leave the larger support limbs under the tree to keep the tree off the ground while cutting. n Limbs should be cut one at a time. Remove the cut limbs from the work area often to help keep the work area clean and safe. n Keep the tree between you and the pruning saw while limbing. Cut from the side of the tree opposite the branch you are cutting. PRUNING See Figure 12. Pruning is trimming limbs from a live tree. n Work slowly, keeping both hands on the pruning saw with a firm grip. Always make sure your footing is secure and your weight is distributed evenly on both feet. n Do not cut from a ladder, this is extremely dangerous. Leave this operation for professionals. n Do not cut above chest height as a saw held higher is difficult to control against kickback. n When pruning trees it is important not to make the finishing cut next to the main limb or trunk until you have cut off the limb further out to reduce the weight. This prevents stripping the bark from the main member. 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, which could result in death or other serious personal injury. Limbing is removing branches from a fallen tree. n Work slowly, keeping both hands on the pruning saw with a firm grip. Always make sure your footing is secure and your weight is distributed evenly on both feet. WARNING: If the limbs to be pruned are above chest height, hire a professional to perform the pruning. Failure to do so could result in death or serious personal injury. Page 12 - English