Maintenance; Sharpening The Saw Chain - Makita UC3041A Instruction Manual

CAUTION:
• If the upper edge of the bar is used for cutting, the
chain saw may be deflected in your direction if the
chain becomes trapped. For this reason, cut with the
lower edge, so that the saw will be deflected away from
your body. (Fig. 24)
Cut wood under tension on the pressure side (A) first.
Then make the final cut on the tension side (B). This
prevents the bar from becoming trapped. (Fig. 25)
Limbing
CAUTION:
• Limbing may only be performed by trained persons. A
hazard is presented by the risk of kick-back.
When limbing, support the chain saw on the trunk if
possible. Do not cut with the tip of the bar, as this
presents a risk of kickback.
Pay particular attention to branches under tension. Do not
cut unsupported branches from below.
Do not stand on the felled trunk when limbing.
Burrowing and parallel-to-grain cuts
CAUTION:
• Burrowing and parallel-to-grain cuts may only be
carried out by persons with special training. The
possibility of kickback presents a risk of injury.
Perform parallel-to-grain cuts at as shallow an angle as
possible. Carry out the cut as carefully as possible, as the
spike bumper cannot be used. (Fig. 26)
Felling
CAUTION:
• Felling work may only be performed by trained
persons. The work is hazardous.
Observe local regulations if you wish to fell a tree.
(Fig. 27)
– Before starting felling work, ensure that:
(1) Only persons involved in the felling operation are in
the vicinity;
(2) Any person involved has an unhindered path of
retreat through a range of approximately 45° either
side of the felling axis. Consider the additional risk
of tripping over electrical cables;
(3) The base of the trunk is free of foreign objects,
roots and ranches;
(4) No persons or objects are present over a distance
of 2 1/2 tree lengths in the direction in which the
tree will fall.
– Consider the following with respect to each tree:
• Direction of lean;
• Loose or dry branches;
• Height of the tree;
• Natural overhang;
• Whether or not the tree is rotten.
– Consider the wind speed and direction. Do not carry
out felling work if the wind is gusting strongly.
– Trimming of root swellings: Begin with the largest
swellings. Make the vertical cut first, then the horizontal
cut.
– Cut a scarf: The scarf determines the direction in which
the tree will fall, and guides it. It is made on the side
towards which the tree is to fall. Cut the scarf as close
14
to the ground as possible. First make the horizontal cut
to a depth of 1/5 -1/3 of the trunk diameter. Do not
make the scarf too large. Then make the diagonal cut.
(Fig. 28)
– Cut any corrections to the scarf across its entire width.
– Make the back cut a little higher than the base cut of
the scarf. The back cut must be exactly horizontal.
Leave approximately 1/10 of the trunk diameter
between the back cut and the scarf.
The wood fibers in the uncut trunk portion act as a
hinge. Do not cut right through the fibers under any
circumstances, as the tree will otherwise fall
unchecked. Insert wedges into the back cut in time.
(Fig. 29)
– Only plastic or aluminum wedges may be used to keep
the back cut open. The use of iron wedges is
prohibited.
– Stand to the side of the falling tree. Keep an area clear
to the rear of the falling tree up to an angle of 45° either
side of the tree axis (refer to the "felling area" figure).
Pay attention to falling branches.
– An escape path should be planned and cleared as
necessary before cuts are started. The escape path
should extend back and diagonally to the rear of the
expected line of fall as illustrated in figure. (Fig. 30)

MAINTENANCE

CAUTION:
• Always be sure that the tool is switched off and
unplugged before attempting to perform inspection or
maintenance.
• Always wear gloves when performing any inspection or
maintenance.
• Never use gasoline, benzine, thinner, alcohol or the
like. Discoloration, deformation or cracks may result.
Carry out the maintenance work described below at
regular intervals. Warranty claims will be accepted only if
these operations have been performed regularly and
properly.
Only maintenance work described in this instruction
manual may be performed by the user. Any other work
must be carried out by MAKITA authorized service
centers.
Cleaning the chain saw
Clean the saw regularly with a clean rag. The handles, in
particular, must be kept free of oil.
Checking the plastic housing
Carry out regular visual inspections of all parts of the
housing. If any parts are damaged, have them repaired
immediately and properly in MAKITA authorized service
centers.

Sharpening the saw chain

CAUTION:
• Always withdraw the mains plug and wear safety
gloves when performing work on the saw chain.
Sharpen the saw chain when: (Fig. 31)
– Mealy sawdust is produced when damp wood is cut;
– The chain penetrates the wood with difficulty, even
when heavy pressure is applied;