Poulan 545117551e User Manual - Page 13

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR PRUNER ATTACHMENT OPERATING POSITION ALWAYS WEAR: Head Protection Eye Protection Long Pants Heavy Shoes the rear branch, damage to the unit may occur. S Be alert for springback. Watch out for branches that are bent or under pressure. Avoid being struck by the branch or the pruner when the tension in the wood fibers is released. S Keep a clear work area. Frequently clear branches out of the way to avoid tripping over them. S Long branches should be removed in several pieces. PRUNING TECHNIQUE When ready to cut, squeeze trigger switch and allow unit to reach full speed. Apply a light cutting pressure. DO NOT use back and forth sawing action. DANGER: Do not extend arms above shoulders while pruning. Do not stand beneath branch being cut. WARNING: Always wear head, eye, hearing, foot and body protection to reduce the risk of injury when operating this unit. When operating unit, clip shoulder strap onto clamp, stand as shown and check for the following: S Extend your left arm and hold assist handle with your left hand. S Hold trigger handle with your right hand with finger on trigger switch. S Keep motor end below waist level. S Keep shoulder strap pad centered on your left shoulder and danger sign centered on your back. S Maintain full weight of tool on your left shoulder. Always release the trigger switch as soon as the cut is completed, allowing the motor to stop. Keep the cord away from the cutting area. Position cord so it will not be caught on branches and the like during cutting. PRUNING Second cut Third cut Collar First cut Pruning technique 1. Make the first cut 6 inches (15 cm) from the tree trunk on the bottom of the limb. Use top of guide bar to make this cut. Cut 1/3 through the diameter of the limb. NOTE: When making the second and third cuts, rest the foot of the pruner against the tree limb that is being cut to prevent whipping of the branch. WARNING: Be alert for and guard against kickback. Do not allow the moving chain to contact any other branches or ob- jects at the nose of the guide bar when pruning. Allowing such contact can result in serious injury. IMPORTANT POINTS S Work slowly, keeping both hands firmly gripped on the pruner. Maintain secure footing and balance. S Plan cut carefully. Check direction branch will fall. S Watch out for springpoles. Springpoles are small size limbs which can catch the chain and whip toward you or pull you off balance. Use extreme caution when cutting small size limbs or slender material. S Watch out for branches immediately behind the branch being pruned. If the chain hits Foot 2. Next, move 2 -- 4 inches (5 -- 10 cm) farther out on the limb and make a second cut all the way through the limb. 3. Then, make a final cut leaving a 1 -- 2 inch (2.5 -- 5 cm) collar from the trunk of the tree to avoid damage to the tree. 13