Poulan ES400 User Manual - Page 8

BEFORE STARTING SAW WARNING: Be sure to read the electrical safety information in the safety rules section of this manual before you begin. If you do not understand the electrical safety information do not attempt to use your unit. Seek help from someone that does understand the information or call the customer assistance help line at 1-800-554-6723. GUIDE BAR AND CHAIN OIL The bar and chain require lubrication. The chain oiler provides lubrication to the chain and guide bar. Be sure to fill the bar oil tank before each cutting session. Lack of oil will quickly ruin the bar and chain. Too little oil will cause overheating shown by smoke coming from the chain and/or discoloration of the bar. For maximum guide bar and chain life, we recommend you use Poulan chain saw bar oil. If Poulan bar oil is not available, you may use a good grade SAE 30 oil until you are able to obtain Poulan brand. Use a funnel to fill the tank. Replace oil cap securely. Check oil level after every 15 minutes of operation. CHAIN BRAKE Ensure chain brake is disengaged by pulling the front hand guard back toward the front handle as far as possible. The chain brake must be disengaged before cutting with the saw. STOPPING YOUR SAW S Release the trigger switch. S If motor does not stop, disconnect the extension cord. Discontinue use of the unit until it has been repaired by an authorized service dealer. STARTING YOUR SAW 1. Connect the saw to a power source using the proper size extension cord; see SELECT AN EXTENSION CORD). 2. Grip both handles firmly. 3. Push and hold the trigger lock--out button with your right hand thumb. 4. Squeeze and hold the trigger switch. CHAIN BRAKE WARNING: If the brake band is worn too thin it may break when the chain brake is triggered. With a broken brake band, the chain brake will not stop the chain. The chain brake must be replaced if any part is worn to less than 0.020″ (0.5 mm) thick. Repairs on a chain brake should be made by your authorized service dealer. Take your unit to the place of purchase or to the nearest authorized service dealer. S This saw is equipped with a chain brake. The brake is designed to stop the chain if kickback occurs. S The inertia--activated chain brake is activated if the front hand guard is pushed forward, either manually (by hand) or automatically (by sudden movement). S If the brake is already activated, it is disengaged by pulling the front hand guard back toward the front handle as far as possible. S When cutting with the saw, the chain brake must be disengaged. Disengaged Engaged Braking function control CAUTION: The chain brake must be checked several times daily. The motor must be running when performing this procedure. This is the only instance when the saw should be placed on the ground with the motor running. Place the saw on firm ground. Grip the rear handle with your right hand and the front handle with your left hand. Squeeze trigger switch and allow motor to reach full speed. Activate the chain brake by turning your left wrist against the hand guard without releasing your grip around the front handle. The chain should stop immediately. Inertia activating function control WARNING: When performing the following procedure, the motor must not be running and the saw must be unplugged from the power source. Grip the rear handle with your right hand and the front handle with your left hand. Hold the chain saw approximately 14″ (35 cm) above a stump or other wooden surface. Release your grip on the front handle and use the weight of the saw to let the tip of the guide bar fall forward and contact the stump. When the tip of the bar hits the stump, the brake should activate. 8