Poulan PPB4014 Owner Manual - Page 12

OPERATION • Press the ON button to turn unit on, press the safety lock and squeeze the trigger switch then release the safety lock and let the chain accelerate to full speed before entering the cut. • Begin cutting with the saw against the log. • Keep the unit running the entire time you are cutting, maintain a steady speed. • Allow the chain to cut for you; exert only light downward pressure. Forcing the cut could result in damage to the bar, chain, or motor. • Release the trigger switch as soon as the cut is completed, allowing the chain to stop. If you run the saw without a cutting load, unnecessary wear can occur to the chain, bar, and unit. • Do not put pressure on the saw at the end of the cut. Thumb on underside of Handle Bar Chain Line Straight Arm WORK AREA PRECAUTIONS • Cut only wood or materials made from wood; no sheet metal, no plastics, no masonry, no nonwood building materials. • Never allow children to operate the saw. Allow no person to use this chainsaw who has not read this operator's manual or received adequate instructions for the safe and proper use of this chainsaw. • Keep everyone - helpers, bystanders, children, and animals - a SAFE DISTANCE from the cutting area. During felling operations, the safe distance should be at least twice the height of the largest trees in the felling area. During bucking operations, keep a minimum distance of 15 ft. (4.6 m) between workers. • Always cut with both feet on solid ground to prevent being pulled off balance. • Do not cut above chest height as a saw held higher is difficult to control against kickback forces. • Do not fell trees near electrical wires or buildings. Leave this operation for professionals. • Cut only when visibility and light are adequate for you to see clearly. FELLING TREES HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS WARNING: Do not fell trees during periods of high wind or heavy precipitation. Wait until the hazardous weather has ended. When felling a tree, it is important that you heed the following warnings to prevent possible serious injury. • Do not cut down trees having an extreme lean or large trees with rotten limbs, loose bark, or hollow trunks. Have these trees pushed or dragged down with heavy equipment, then cut them up. • Do not cut trees near electrical wires or buildings. • Check the tree for damaged or dead branches that could fall and hit you during felling. • Periodically glance at the top of the tree during the backcut to assure the tree is going to fall in the desired direction. • If the tree starts to fall in the wrong direction, or if the saw gets caught or hung up during the fall, leave the saw and save yourself. REMOVING BUTTRESS ROOTS A buttress root is a large root extending from the trunk of the tree above the ground. Remove large buttress roots prior to felling. Make the horizontal cut into the buttress first, followed by the vertical cut. Remove the resulting loose section from the work area. Follow the correct tree felling procedure as stated in Proper Procedure For Tree Felling after you have removed the large buttress roots. Planned Line of flall Vertical Cut Loose section Horizontal Cut 135° from planned line of fall Path of safe retreat 12